Honey Stinger Energy and Protein Bars

(08/02/2008)
Summary: A natural and tasty way to boost protein and energy intake during races
Price: £1.35
Value: 7/10
Performance: 9/10
  • Natural Honey Fuel Source
  • Tasty and palatable in low temperatures without requiring dentistry work!
  • Low GI Index give slow sustained energy release
  • Fortified with 23 vitamins and minerals
  • Honey Stinger Bars provide carbohydrate energy in the form of all natural honey. The benefits of honey as a fuel source for endurance have been known since cavemen started drawing honey from natural hives and scribbling about it on their cave walls. However, we seem to have forgotten about honey for a number of years, in favour of jelly babies, pepperami and any number of other processed foods for our endurance fuelling. Recently we’ve seen a return to ‘natural’ so the Honey Stinger Bars have come to the fore, winning over healthy eating sporties all across the USA and for the last few years the UK.

    The principles of honey fuelling were discussed in our review of the Honey Stinger Gels and much more info on the principles behind the slow release energy of honey and how it actually lowers your blood sugar level can be found on the Honey Stinger website.

    The Energy bars contain about 28 grams of carbohydrate per bar and are relatively low in fat with 190 calories and 3.5-5 grams of fat per bar. Protein content is about 10 grams per bar (about 20% of RDA), with soy protein used in all apart except the Peanut Butter flavour with peanut soy. They come in a variety of flavours, all of which I found rather nice, but particularly Apple and Cinnamon, though I love anything with cinnamon in it! The other flavours are Berry Banana Buzz, Rocket Chocolate and Peanut Butter and all are gluten free and contain no trans fats. The Rocket Chocolate really was pretty chocolatey with the natural cocoa flavour enhanced by a chocolate soy coated bottom. A bit too much chocolate for me but choc lovers will be happy. Of course with 23% vitamins and minerals you can always tell yourself that it’s healthy chocolate!

    The Protein bars were soft, mallow like and tasty which was a nice surprise as most protein bars are so bland and dry. I’d say it’s probably the best tasting protein bar I’ve ever had, in all three available flavours – Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond, Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond and Peanut Butta. These have 20grams of whey protein and are 30% organic honey so give a welcome 350-390 calories per 90 gram bar plus a host of antioxidants to clear your system up post-session. These bars are worthy having in your transition box in an expedition race where most racers fail to consume anywhere near enough protein to sustain top performance. The price at £2 is par for the course for a specialist protein bar.

    Endorsements from top Ironman triathletes Bella Comerford and Steven Bayliss as well as legendary mountain biker Tinker Juarez show that Honey Stinger is moving into the conscious product choice for many top athletes and adventure racers will no doubt be interested too. Products are available from ISO Active and through dealers throughout the country, check the website for your nearest one.For more details please visit: http://www.honeystinger.uk.com

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