Price: $32.99 (24 single serving packets), $14.99 (Sample pack – 2 packets of each flavor)
Flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Pomegranate Passionfruit, Black Cherry, Mango Melon with caffeine, Berry defense, and Tangerine Defense
Available: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company samples
RBR Advertiser: No
Honey Stinger Launches First-Ever Hydration System Fueled By Honey
In April, Honey Stinger introduced their new Rapid Hydration Mix, an all-natural, three-part system designed to help athletes of all levels to perform at their peak. The powder mixes are designed for each phase of training and competition: Prepare, Perform, and Recover.
The company sent me a sample box to try before the launch date. Their press materials stated this is the first of its kind and uses honey with sodium and water to speed the absorption of key nutrients.
Rapid Hydration Mix comes in single-serving packets for convenience and portability. The complete line is all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free. I tested all three parts of the system twice in conjunction with 40+ mile rides.
PREPARE
According to the label, the PREPARE mix is designed to replenish fluids lost to daily dehydration with a 1:3 sodium to potassium ratio, supports mental focus with citicoline and L-Theanine, and has key electrolytes for optimal rebalancing. It is designed to be consumed within one hour of activity and mixed with 16-ounces of water.
PREPARE comes in two flavors: Strawberry Lemonade and Pomegranate Passionfruit.
PERFORM
With 50 percent more carb absorption than glucose alone, the company states the PERFORM mix gives the body a quick energy boost. It supports mental focus with benefits of L-Theanine and replaces the electrolytes lost due to sweat with a 3:1 sodium to potassium ratio. This part of the hydration program is also mixed with 16 ounces of water and consumed throughout the ride to maintain energy and sodium levels.
PERFORM is available in two flavors: Black Cherry and Mango Melon (contains 50 milligrams of caffeine from guayusa)
RECOVER
The last component of this hydration group is for recovery. It is formulated to replenish fluid and electrolyte losses post-exercise at a 1:3 sodium to potassium ratio, supports the immune system with zinc and elderberry, and vitamins C and D. The company recommends drinking one packet with 16 ounces of water within one hour of completing a ride.
RECOVER is offered in Berry Defense or Tangerine Defense.
Bottom Line
After testing on a couple of 40 milers, I had no gut issues even with my temperamental stomach. I found I was more hydrated due to the need for more bio breaks. However, the rides were in cooler temps and I imagine in hotter weather the situation might be different. The flavoring was not overpowering and I stayed away from the black cherry and berry flavors since I tend to have adverse reactions to anything close to grape flavor.
The only downside for me is the complete hydration system requires three different mixes in your pantry. But there’s nothing to say using just part of the line is just fine depending on your needs.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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