Honey Stinger gels

[left_image]http://lvrunningscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/HoneyStinger.gif[/left_image]Like many runners, I have tried several different brands of gels during my long runs. Most of us end up developing a preference toward a favorite brand which is decided by either the variety of flavors, texture, availability, cost or any combination of these. Personally, I always end up gravitating toward Honey Stinger which is why I contacted the company and asked for some products to review. I have only ever found the Honey Stinger gels at race expos which is tough when it’s your favorite brand and they aren’t so readily available. But that’s okay because the internet makes it so easy to buy whatever you want, whenever you want.

I received three different flavors of Honey Stinger gels to review: Banana, Ginsting and Gold. The two flavors I did not try were Chocolate or Strawberry. Each gel has 120 calories, 29g of carbs and uses honey as its key ingredient as well as an extra wallop of vitamin B complex. The B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12) help to produce energy and break down proteins. And they taste good!

Confession: I have always been in love with honey, even as a young child. At the age of two I was often caught standing on the kitchen counter with a spoon and a jar of honey, enjoying the wonderful goodness of a spoonful of honey. I still keep a cabinet stocked with a variety of honeys for a spoonful of sweetness from time to time. It makes sense that I would fall in love with Honey Stinger gels.

Gold gel
This gel is pure, natural honey with no added flavor. It tastes just as you would expect it to taste, like honey. The consistency is perfect with just the right amount of water added to give it a thinner texture which goes down easily.

Ginsting gel
This gel has the Gold base but with ginseng extract for increased endurance and 32 mg caffeine delivered by kola nut extract for and extra boost. It tastes good as well. I took this particular gel on a recent and epic run at Trexler Nature Preserve on which a group of us ran two 8½ mile hilly loops over the course of the morning. Boy! Did I need the extra kick that day.

Banana gel
I saved the best for last. Again, on a recent long run I found myself needing a little kick in the butt and reached for my final Honey Stinger gel. The banana flavor was so good and completely satisfying. And I found myself running 8 more miles with ease.

Results: I still prefer the Honey Stinger gels, hands down, over all other gels. Sure, there are some great gel products out there but this remains my favorite.