Are Honey Stinger Gels Good For You?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Healthline, synthetic nutrients sometimes lack the additional cofactors that aid absorption, which is why many athletes question, are Honey Stinger gels good for you, given their emphasis on natural, honey-based ingredients. The answer depends largely on your performance goals and dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Honey Stinger gels are a natural energy source for endurance athletes, using organic carbohydrates from honey and tapioca syrup for easy digestion during exercise.

Key Points

Natural Ingredients: Honey Stinger gels utilize organic honey and tapioca syrup, providing a more natural carbohydrate source compared to many synthetic gels.
Digestive Comfort: The mix of glucose and fructose in honey, along with the gel's thinner consistency, makes it easier for many athletes to digest without stomach upset.
Sustained Energy: The combination of simple and complex carbohydrates ensures a quick energy boost followed by a more sustained release, preventing energy crashes during endurance activities.
Electrolytes and B Vitamins: Essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium are included to help replenish minerals lost through sweat, and B vitamins aid in energy metabolism.
Lower Carbohydrate Load: Each gel provides around 24g of carbs, which means high-carb athletes may need to consume more gels per hour than with some higher-density alternatives.
Personal Preference Matters: Factors like taste and texture are subjective, and athletes should test different gels during training to find the best fit for their body.

What's Inside a Honey Stinger Gel?

Honey Stinger gels are known for their relatively short and transparent ingredient lists, especially in their organic and classic lines. The core components are derived from natural sources, primarily honey and organic tapioca syrup, providing a blend of simple and complex carbohydrates. This contrasts with many synthetic gels that rely on maltodextrin as the primary carb source.

The Power of Honey and Natural Sugars

Honey is a key ingredient, offering an effective mix of glucose and fructose. This combination allows the body to absorb more carbohydrates at once without causing the stomach distress that can be associated with single-source sugar gels. The natural sugars provide a rapid energy boost while also contributing to sustained energy release during prolonged activity.

Added Electrolytes and Vitamins

To help athletes replenish what they lose through sweat, Honey Stinger gels include added electrolytes like potassium and sodium citrate. Some formulations, such as the Gold gel, also contain a complex of B vitamins, which aid in converting food to energy. This holistic approach to fuel is a key selling point for athletes who prioritize natural ingredients.

Types of Honey Stinger Gels

Honey Stinger offers a variety of gels tailored to different athletic needs:

Classic Gels: Primarily honey-based, often with added B vitamins and electrolytes, and come in various flavors.
Organic Gels: Made with 98% organic ingredients, including organic honey and tapioca syrup.
Caffeinated Gels: Certain flavors contain caffeine from green tea extract for an extra performance boost.

The Performance Benefits of Honey Stinger Gels

Quick and Sustained Energy

Honey Stinger gels are effective for fueling endurance activities lasting over an hour. The blend of glucose and fructose ensures a rapid but sustained energy delivery to working muscles, helping to delay fatigue and prevent 'hitting the wall'. The natural, less-processed nature of the sugars can also lead to a less jarring energy spike and crash compared to high-glycemic alternatives.

Digestive Comfort

Many athletes find Honey Stinger gels easier on the stomach than other brands. The thinner consistency, compared to thicker, chewier gels, makes them easier to ingest and digest, especially during high-intensity exercise. For athletes with gluten sensitivity or those avoiding soy and dairy, many Honey Stinger gels are certified gluten-free and free of these common allergens.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While beneficial, Honey Stinger gels are not without their limitations. The main consideration is the carbohydrate content per serving relative to competitors.

Lower Carbohydrate Density

Some reviewers have noted that with around 24g of carbohydrates per gel, athletes engaged in high-intensity, long-duration events may need to consume more gels per hour to meet the recommended intake of 60-90g/hour. This could mean carrying more packets and creates more waste. For athletes requiring higher carb loads, a strategy of supplementing with a higher-carb sports drink may be necessary.

Thicker Texture and Sweetness

For some, the honey-based gels have a thicker, sweeter profile that might require more water to wash down, especially when running or cycling. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but it’s something to be mindful of during long events to prevent dehydration and stomach discomfort.

Comparison of Honey Stinger to Other Gels

This table outlines key differences between Honey Stinger and popular competing brands, based on common formulations.


Feature	Honey Stinger Gels	Maurten Gels	GU Energy Gels
Main Carb Source	Organic Honey & Tapioca	Maltodextrin & Fructose	Maltodextrin & Fructose
Carbs per serving	~24g	~40g	~22-25g
Key Differentiator	Natural ingredients, honey base	Hydrogel Technology for higher carb intake	Wide range of flavors and additives
Texture	Thinner, honey-like	Thicker, pudding-like	Varied, often thicker
Best For	Athletes preferring natural, easily digestible fuel	Competitive athletes needing high carb volume with less GI distress	General use, large variety of options

How to Incorporate Honey Stinger Gels into Your Routine

To get the most out of Honey Stinger gels, practice your fueling strategy during training, not just on race day.

Timing: For activities over 60-90 minutes, start consuming your first gel 30-45 minutes in, then repeat every 30-45 minutes as needed.
Hydration: Always consume the gel with water to aid absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
Versatility: Beyond just tearing and consuming, you can mix the gels with hot tea for a warm beverage on cold days or even spread them on toast.

Conclusion: Are Honey Stinger Gels Right For You?

Ultimately, deciding if Honey Stinger gels are good for you depends on individual factors like training intensity, dietary preferences, and personal tolerance. Their use of natural, organic honey and tapioca provides an easy-to-digest fuel source that works well for many endurance athletes, minimizing stomach issues often associated with more processed products. While the carbohydrate count per serving might be lower than some competitors, a carefully planned fueling strategy can easily compensate. For athletes seeking a clean, natural-tasting fuel that is gentle on the stomach, Honey Stinger gels are a very good and effective option.

For a more comprehensive look at energy gels, consult resources like Runners Need to compare and find the best fit for your performance goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many athletes report that Honey Stinger gels are easier to digest. The combination of glucose and fructose in honey, along with the gels' thinner consistency, is often gentler on the stomach than other formulas.

For exercise lasting over 60-90 minutes, it is generally recommended to consume your first gel 30-45 minutes into your activity, and then another every 30-45 minutes thereafter to maintain energy levels.

The gels use a mix of glucose and fructose from honey and tapioca syrup. Glucose provides a quick energy hit, while the fructose helps extend the energy supply, resulting in a more sustained, level performance.

No, Honey Stinger emphasizes natural and organic ingredients, avoiding artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. Their organic line is made with 98% organic ingredients.

Yes, Honey Stinger gels are certified gluten-free, making them a safe option for athletes with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.

Each gel typically contains around 24 grams of carbohydrates. This is sufficient for many athletes, but high-intensity or long-duration events may require more frequent consumption or supplementation.

For workouts under an hour, gels are often unnecessary, as your body's glycogen stores are typically sufficient. However, for a high-intensity session or if you're training fasted, a gel beforehand can be beneficial.