Does Honey Stinger Actually Give You Energy?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the brand's own studies, a significant number of professional and collegiate athletes rely on Honey Stinger products to fuel their performance. But beyond marketing, does Honey Stinger actually give you energy? The answer lies in its specific formulation of honey, simple sugars, and other natural ingredients designed for both rapid and sustained energy release during exercise.

Quick Summary

Honey Stinger products use a blend of natural sugars like honey, fructose, and glucose to deliver both immediate and long-lasting energy for athletes. The effectiveness is tied to proper timing and the specific product formulation. Its appeal comes from natural ingredients, but some find the texture thick or need more calories for very long efforts.

Key Points

Dual-Action Energy: Honey Stinger uses a mix of simple sugars, mainly glucose for quick energy and fructose for sustained fuel, to power athletes effectively.
Ingredient Quality: The brand prides itself on using natural, organic honey and other sweeteners, which many athletes prefer over highly-processed ingredients.
Timed Fueling: Success depends on timing; use waffles before activity, gels/chews during, and bars for recovery to maximize benefits.
Product Variety: Different product types (gels, chews, waffles) allow athletes to choose a format that best fits their sport and personal needs.
Individual Response: Not all athletes tolerate the thicker texture or specific sugar blend equally, so testing different products in training is recommended.
Hydration is Key: To prevent stickiness and aid absorption, consuming adequate water alongside Honey Stinger products is essential for optimal performance.

The Science Behind Honey Stinger's Energy

Honey Stinger's effectiveness in providing energy is rooted in its carbohydrate composition. Most of their products, from gels to chews and waffles, utilize honey and other natural sweeteners. Honey is a unique fuel source for athletes because it contains a mix of different types of sugars, primarily fructose and glucose. This blend allows the body to absorb and utilize carbohydrates more efficiently than a single sugar source, which can lead to more stable energy levels without a harsh 'sugar crash'.

How Honey's Sugars Provide Fuel

Glucose: Absorbed directly into the bloodstream for immediate use. This provides the rapid energy burst needed for high-intensity efforts.
Fructose: Processed by the liver before being released as energy. This provides a more sustained, longer-lasting energy source.
Combination Effect: By using both, Honey Stinger allows the body to use different energy pathways, which helps prevent gastrointestinal distress and allows for a higher rate of carbohydrate uptake during prolonged activity.

Timing is Everything for Peak Performance

To maximize the energy benefits, timing your intake is crucial. The Honey Stinger brand categorizes its products into a three-part fueling system: Prepare, Perform, and Recover.

Prepare: For light, pre-workout snacks, waffles and bars provide balanced carbs without feeling heavy. Taking a waffle 30-60 minutes before a session tops off glycogen stores.
Perform: During workouts over an hour, gels and chews provide the quickest, most direct energy. Taking a gel every 45-60 minutes maintains steady energy levels.
Recover: After your workout, bars with added protein help replenish glycogen stores and repair muscles.

Honey Stinger Product Comparison


Feature	Gels	Chews	Waffles
Energy Source	Honey, Tapioca Syrup	Honey, Tapioca Syrup	Honey, Brown Rice Syrup
Absorption Speed	Very Rapid	Rapid	Slower, more sustained
Texture	Smooth, Liquid	Chewy, Gummy	Soft, Crunchy
Primary Use	Quick mid-workout boost	Pacing fuel, easy to portion	Pre-workout snack, steady energy
Portability	Excellent, easy to carry	Good, can be bulky	Good, more fragile
Calories (approx.)	~100 per packet	~160 per bag	~160 per waffle
Digestibility	Very high	High	High (if paired with water)

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While Honey Stinger works well for many, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Personal preference and gut tolerance are key. Some athletes find the thicker texture of the gels or chews requires more water to wash down during a run, while others may experience stomach discomfort from the specific sugar ratios, though this is less common than with other gel brands. The crumbly nature of the waffles also makes them difficult to eat while actively running. Furthermore, for very long endurance events requiring a higher calorie intake per packet, some brands might offer a more calorie-dense option.

Is Honey Stinger Worth It for Energy?

Ultimately, the question of whether Honey Stinger actually gives you energy depends on your specific needs and how you use it. For athletes seeking a natural, honey-based fuel source that provides a combination of quick and sustained energy, Honey Stinger is an excellent choice. The variety of products—gels for a quick hit, chews for metered intake, and waffles for steady fuel—allows for a customizable fueling strategy. To get the most out of your training and racing, remember to experiment with different products and timing during practice runs to see what your body tolerates best. Proper hydration is also essential to help your body absorb and use the carbohydrates efficiently. Honey Stinger has carved out a loyal following among endurance athletes for a reason: its fuel system works.

Conclusion

Yes, Honey Stinger does provide energy, and it does so effectively through a well-designed blend of honey and other natural carbohydrates. The combination of simple sugars (glucose and fructose) provides both immediate and prolonged energy, helping to avoid the performance-hindering 'bonk' that athletes fear. The company's diverse product lineup allows for fueling before, during, and after activity, catering to different needs and preferences. While personal tolerance and product format preference play a role, Honey Stinger stands as a reliable and naturally sourced option for athletes seeking a functional energy boost.

For more information on the science of sports nutrition, visit the American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Honey Stinger products utilize honey and other natural sweeteners like organic tapioca syrup as their primary energy sources, providing a natural and easily digestible fuel option.

Energy from Honey Stinger can be felt relatively quickly. The simple sugars in the honey provide a rapid boost, with effects often noticeable within 30 minutes, especially with gels.

For a pre-run snack, a waffle provides a balanced source of carbs for sustained energy. During a run lasting over an hour, gels offer a quicker, more direct energy boost that is easy to consume on the move.

Honey Stinger's use of multiple sugar types (glucose and fructose) helps mitigate the sharp blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with single-sugar energy products, offering a more balanced energy release.

While many athletes find Honey Stinger products gentler on the stomach due to their natural ingredients, individual tolerance varies. It's crucial to test products during training to assess your personal gut reaction.

Whether Honey Stinger is 'better' is a matter of personal preference. It offers a more natural, honey-based alternative to many syrupy gels. Some may prefer its taste and texture, while others may find the thickness or calorie count less ideal.

For endurance activities lasting over an hour, it's recommended to consume about 40-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour. This could be achieved by consuming a gel or a mix of chews and gels every 30-45 minutes.