Honey Stinger Energy Chew Evaluation

Hit my first long run that I felt the need to start utilizing an energy providing supplement.  Not that I felt I needed it specifically for a seven mile run but more of a train myself to eat at a certain point so as I increase my distance I'm good to go.  

This particular day was on hard course and I wasn't taking any water with me.  It was cold enough to snow and rather windy too.  I didn't remember where the liquid nutrition belt was and I didn't want frozen fingers on my run by carrying something in my hands.  I hydrated well the day before and that morning.  Hoping it was enough. Disclaimer if it was hot out I would have had water with me.  While this might seem unimportant to be discussing water right now... it plays a part in the product review.

I was slightly familiar with the Honey Stinger brand because of the waffles they make.  I ate one before a half marathon last year and had no ill effects so I thought I would branch out and try another product of theirs.

 

On this particular run I tried the pink lemonade flavor.  These organic energy chews boast being gluten free, dairy free, and full of vitamin C.  They also include 39 grams of carbs in a 50 gram package size.  Made out of ingredients such as tapioca, cane juice, honey, grape juice,  pectin and a few more ingredients I'm not taking the time to list.  I'm not consuming anything I cannot pronounce or even not know what it is.  

One little packet contains 160 calories and when I recognize that I blew through 1800 calories on my run alone that really isn't much of anything if you are worried about too many carbs in day. Honestly most distance runners don't worry about carbs in this regard anyhow.  

Anyhow, at mile three I decided to eat the entire pack of chews...minus the two I was saving for a photo op later.  My plan is 3, 6, 9...and only 12 if I'm dying to eat some sort of an energy source for my upcoming half.  I was able to easily chew the product and swallow while maintaining my pace.  I've had some products where I basically have to come to a walk to consume.  Not ideal when running for a new PR.  Despite holding the package in my hand the product didn't melt or get extra gooey during the consumption period.  I loved the taste.  It was very accurately lemonade flavored without being too tart nor too sweet.  The best part is I didn't immediately need a drink of water.  Other products I have tried have left me so parched that I would die until the next water aid station would come up.  Worst feeling ever is being thirsty in a distance race and knowing your water stop is still a mile away.  You run one mile thinking it's five in your head then!  I never once after consuming this product felt that overwhelming need for water that permeates your entire being.  That alone has me willing to continue sampling other flavors.  

I give this a five star out of a five star rating!  Not one single negative thing can I come up with for this product!  Locally I found this at Second Sole in Boardman, a running specialty store.