When you’re in the outdoors, one of the most important decisions you make is what you choose to fuel your body with. Honey Stinger offers a variety of options to address every energy supplement need.

Living in western Montana and then southeast Idaho, I’ve had the opportunity to test Honey Stinger products in a variety of environments and activities. From long days of backcountry skiing in the Mission Mountains to cross-country skiing in Glacier National Park to backpacking in the Idaho Wildernesses, Honey Stinger was there for it all.

Performance

Honey Stinger included a variety of snack options for me to try out: organic waffles, gluten-free organic kids waffles, organic energy chews, protein bars, energy bars, energy gels, and organic honey.

The waffles were my hands down favorite product: great flavors and a great texture for a snack. The energy filling inside of the waffles is definitely effective and is an added incentive for keeping it as a go-to snack for me and for participants. The kid’s waffles were a perfect size for smaller appetites or for activities where I wasn’t looking for as much food (like trail running).

The energy chews that I received worked very well. I often feel a bit laggy at the start of a backpacking trip (especially when carrying extra gear for my participants) and the energy gels helped kick myself into gear. I do find that if I don’t drink a LOT of water after eating one chew that I get a funky feeling in my stomach and dry mouth– but that might just be me. About 15-20 minutes after taking a chew, I noticeably feel an energy increase. The energy chews are a great performance snack choice.

I’d never previously heard of Honey Stinger protein or energy bars before this review, but the verdict is in…. they’re DELICIOUS. The mocha cherry protein bar was unbelievable and I’ll definitely be repurchasing. The taste of honey was prominent in both the energy and protein bars, but especially so in the energy bars. I definitely enjoyed the flavors and the results of both types of bar and look forward to giving all of the flavors a try.

The energy gels are excellent for a more immediate energy boost. While it took a while for me to get used to consuming a snack in the form of a gel, I really liked the effects and I’ll definitely keep one or two stashed in my backcountry ski pack. Some of the flavors were a little bit too intense for me, but overall I’m definitely a gel convert.

Wildflower honey is a superfood. Honey Stinger’s honey has a really great taste and is a welcome addition to my kitchen (both backcountry and at home). I really like adding the honey to my tea, peanut butter sandwiches, and to anything else that needs a little bit of extra sweetness.

Room for Improvement

My only critique would be the flavors for the goo… I wasn’t a huge fan, but that’s probably just me. The honey flavor was strong (which was AWESOME), but when mixed with acai pomegranate it was a lot for my simple palate to handle. Maybe adding some milder flavors for those of us who aren’t into as bold of flavors?

The Final Word

Honey Stinger products are a great option for anyone heading out for outdoor adventures, short or long. The waffles have been and will continue to be a go-to staple in my pack for the foreseeable future and kids waffles will totally be in my snack pack for trips with children. While the market is flooded with protein and energy bars, I’ll most certainly be adding these to my repertoire (in particular the mocha cherry protein bar…YUM). I love that honey is the core ingredient in every product. It eases my mind a bit to have natural elements fueling my adventure, which makes the decision for choosing Honey Stinger energy chews an easy one.

Overall, 5 stars without a doubt. Delicious, honey-filled, and energy packed – a great choice for every type of adventure.

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Taylor has been working in Outdoor Education for several years, both at Idaho State University and at the University of Montana, facilitating trips and classes for students. Most recently she has graduated with her Master’s Degree and is educating children through the City of Pocatello Outdoor Recreation Department. While not engaging students outdoors, Taylor is often playing in the Idaho mountains with her dog Banjo. Connect with her on Instagram @taycole94.