Honey Stinger will add a new flavor of their popular waffles and will launch a new line of organic energy gels and on March 1. These are some of my favorite midworkout snacks (and sometimes stuck-in-traffic snacks), so I am excited.
The new chocolate waffle -- like the original, vanilla and strawberry -- has 160 calories you can actually chew. (The last thing I want late in a race is another shot of gel.) The ingredients are all pronounceable, real things that weren't born deep in a science lab: organic wheat flour, organic palm fruit oil, organic rice syrup, organic cane sugar, organic whole wheat flour, organic cocoa, organic soy flour, organic honey, natural flavor, sea salt, organic soy lecithin, baking soda.
Waffle history, according to Honey Stinger, says "the traditional stroopwafel, which originated in the Netherlands more than 200 years ago, is a waffle made from two thin layers of baked batter with syrup filling. In the Netherlands and Belgium, stroopwafels are sold in the streets and are popular with European cyclists looking for a quick boost of energy."
The company says waffle sales have exceeded their exceptions. They've quickly become a favorite of retired Brig. Gen. Bob Gaylord, a PT365 gear tester who -- at age 63 -- is training for his tenth 100-miler.
"The waffles are the most edible solid running food I've used … and I've used a boatload," Gaylord said. "They have great taste, great texture -- eating anything after about 40-60 miles can be a challenge to get and keep down -- and are flat and packable so you can carry a lot." Gaylord also said he's looking forward to trying the new flavor.
The organic energy gels should also hit stores at the beginning of the month. The three new flavors are based on Honey Stinger's tapioca and honey formula used in the very popular (and very delicious) organic energy chews. Each 100 calorie, single-serving gel contains organic tapioca syrup, organic honey, water, potassium citrate, natural flavor, citric acid and sodium chloride, and are 95 percent organic. Each also has 23 grams of carbs, 50mg of potassium and 50mg of sodium.
I haven't had a chance to try the gels yet, but if these taste anything like the chews, then I will buy them by the case. I eat the chews even when I'm not running because they taste so good.
Honey Stinger's new chocolate waffle flavor will be in stores March 1, and a new lemon flavor hits shelves in early summer. The waffles will be $1.39 each ($22.25/box). The gels will also be available March 1 and are $1.35 each ($32.40/box). Both items, as well as other Honey Stinger products, are also available at a lower price on the discount site GovX. Not familiar with GovX? Check out our rundown on the discount shopping site just for federal employees and members of the military.
