Skip to content

Which Honey Stingers are Gluten-Free? A Guide for Athletes

3 min read

According to Honey Stinger's own website, their gluten-free waffles, classic energy chews, caffeinated chews, and energy gels are all certified gluten-free. For athletes and individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, understanding which Honey Stinger products are gluten-free is essential for proper fueling without health risks.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific certified gluten-free products offered by Honey Stinger, covering waffles, chews, and gels for athletes with dietary restrictions.

Key Points

  • Not all Honey Stingers are gluten-free: It is crucial to check for the specific 'certified gluten-free' label on individual products, as many contain wheat-based ingredients.

  • Waffles have both gluten-free and standard versions: Only the waffles explicitly labeled as 'Gluten-Free' (like Salted Caramel and Cinnamon) are safe for a gluten-free diet.

  • All energy chews and gels are certified gluten-free: Both the Classic and Caffeinated Energy Chews, as well as all Energy Gels, are certified safe for those avoiding gluten.

  • Product certification is key: The presence of a third-party certification, such as from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), confirms the product meets strict standards.

  • Protein bars are not certified gluten-free: While older information might exist, the current certified product list and official website do not include protein bars, making them unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • Checking the official website is the best approach: When in doubt, consult the dedicated 'Gluten-Free Options' section on the Honey Stinger website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

In This Article

Certified Gluten-Free Honey Stinger Products

For those requiring a gluten-free diet, Honey Stinger offers a variety of products specifically formulated to meet those needs and carry a certified gluten-free label. These products ensure that athletes can still rely on the brand for energy without worrying about cross-contamination or hidden gluten ingredients. The certified options span across their most popular product categories, including their signature waffles, energy chews, and energy gels.

Gluten-Free Waffles

Honey Stinger offers a dedicated line of gluten-free energy waffles that closely replicate the taste and texture of their original counterpart. These are a great option for a substantial carbohydrate boost before or during exercise.

  • Cookies & Cream Waffle: Features a delicious, creamy filling between two gluten-free waffles.
  • Salted Caramel Gluten-Free Waffle: A popular flavor combining sweet and savory notes for a satisfying energy boost.
  • Cinnamon Gluten-Free Waffle: Offers a warm, spiced flavor profile that is a favorite among many athletes.
  • Gluten-Free Waffle Variety Pack: Provides an assortment of the gluten-free flavors for those who want to try different options.

Energy Chews (Classic and Caffeinated)

The energy chews are another product line with certified gluten-free options. These are convenient for a quick, mid-activity energy source. Both classic and caffeinated varieties are available.

  • Classic Energy Chews: Available in multiple flavors such as Fruit Smoothie and Orange Blossom, all of which are certified gluten-free.
  • Caffeinated Chews: For athletes needing an extra kick, these chews, in flavors like Cherry Cola, are also certified gluten-free.

Energy Gels

For immediate energy, Honey Stinger's energy gels are an excellent, easy-to-digest choice for use during activity. All of their energy gels are certified gluten-free.

  • Gold Energy Gel: The original honey-based gel, formulated to be easy on the stomach.
  • Fruit Smoothie Energy Gel: A flavorful, smooth gel with a blend of fruit flavors.
  • Acai Pomegranate Energy Gel: Offers a rich, fruit-forward taste for mid-workout fueling.

How to Identify Gluten-Free Honey Stingers

When purchasing Honey Stinger products, it is crucial to verify that you are selecting a certified gluten-free item, as not all products from the brand are free of gluten.

Checking Certifications

Look for a recognized gluten-free certification mark on the packaging. Honey Stinger's certified products typically display a label from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The official Honey Stinger website also explicitly lists which products are certified gluten-free. Always check the product description or package for confirmation.

Reading Product Labels

For products where you are uncertain, a thorough reading of the ingredient list is necessary. The gluten-free waffles, for example, use a specific 'Gluten Free Flour Blend' that includes ingredients like organic rice flour, organic potato starch, and organic tapioca starch. While other products like the protein bars may state they are gluten-free in older promotions, only the certified products should be trusted by those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Honey Stinger Products

Product Type Primary Function Texture Key Ingredients Certifications
Gluten-Free Waffles Pre/mid-workout fuel Soft, chewy waffle Organic gluten-free flour blend, honey Certified Organic, Certified Gluten-Free, Kosher
Energy Chews During activity energy boost Gummy chew Organic tapioca syrup, organic honey Certified Organic, Certified Gluten-Free
Energy Gels Mid-activity quick energy Thin, liquid gel Organic tapioca syrup, honey Certified Organic (some), Certified Gluten-Free
Protein Bars Post-activity recovery Bar (varies by flavor) Whey protein, nuts, oats Not certified gluten-free

Which Honey Stingers Are Not Gluten-Free?

It is important to remember that not every item in the Honey Stinger catalog is gluten-free. For example, their standard waffles, which use a wheat-based flour blend, are not safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. Other items, like the protein bars, are not certified and should be avoided. The company's online store offers a convenient filter to show only gluten-free products, which is a reliable way to verify your choices. If a product does not explicitly state it is certified gluten-free on the packaging or official website, it should be considered unsafe for strict gluten-free diets.

Conclusion: Fuel Your Performance Safely

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts managing a gluten-free diet, Honey Stinger provides a range of certified products to support their training and performance needs. By focusing on their certified gluten-free waffles, classic and caffeinated energy chews, and energy gels, individuals can enjoy flavorful and effective fuel without compromising their health. Always double-check product labeling for the certified gluten-free seal to ensure you're making a safe choice. For further information, the Gluten-Free Certification Organization website can be a helpful resource for understanding product certifications and standards nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only the waffles explicitly labeled as 'Gluten-Free' are safe for a gluten-free diet, with available flavors including Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, and Cinnamon.

Yes, all varieties of Honey Stinger's Classic and Caffeinated Energy Chews are certified gluten-free and safe for consumption.

Yes, all Honey Stinger energy gels, including the Gold and Fruit Smoothie flavors, are certified gluten-free.

To be certain, look for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from a recognized third party like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) on the product packaging.

No, Honey Stinger's protein bars are not listed as certified gluten-free and should be avoided by those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

The official Honey Stinger website maintains a dedicated section for all their gluten-free products, which is the most reliable source of information.

The gluten-free flour blend used in Honey Stinger's waffles includes organic rice flour, organic tapioca starch, and organic potato starch.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.