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Reviews > Food > Energy Bars and Drinks > Honey Stinger Just for Kids > Test Report by Derek Hansen

Honey Stinger — Just for Kids

Test Series by Derek Hansen

TESTER INFORMATION

pix-me
NameDerek Hansen
Age37
GenderMale
Height5' 10" (1.78 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg)
Email Address pix-obfuscated
City, State, CountryFlagstaff, Arizona, USA

BACKPACKING BACKGROUND

I am a lightweight backpacker with a typical overnight pack weight of 15 lb (7 kg) and a multi-day weight of 20 lb (9 kg), each of which includes food and water. I prefer backpacking with a hammock as part of my sleep system.


PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer EN-R-G Foods, LLC
Year of Manufacture 2014, made in Canada
Manufacturer’s Website honeystinger.com
MSRP Chews: US$5.19 (for 5 - 0.8 oz/22.6 g pouches)
Waffles: US$4.99 (for 6 - 0.5 oz/15 g waffles)
Listed Features
  • No artificial colors of flavors
  • No preservatives
  • No high fructose corn syrup
  • No trans fats
  • No hydrogenated oils
  • Chews: 70 calories/serving
  • Waffles: 80 calories/serving
  • Certified USDA organic
Manufacturer Recommendations

"Perfect for kids on the go, on the field or even adults trying to satisfy their sweet tooth! Certified USDA organic."

Measurements
Specifications What They Say What I Say
Weight Chews: 0.8 oz/22.6 g pouches)
Waffles: (0.5 oz/15 g waffles)
Chews: 0.8 oz/22.6 g pouches)
Waffles: (0.5 oz/15 g waffles)


INITIAL REPORT

10 Jun 2014

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

pix-waffles

The Kids Organic Waffles are based off the original Stinger Waffles but are sized for kids. The waffles come in two flavors: chocolate and honey. The waffles are small, thin, round chewy snacks in the shape and imprint of a waffle, about the size of a cup coaster. According to the manufacturer, each waffle consists of two discs sandwiched around a a drizzle of honey. Each waffle disc is individually wrapped.

chocolate_kidswaffle

Image courtesy honeystinger.com

honey_kidswaffle

Image courtesy honeystinger.com

pix-chews

The Kid's Organic Chews (fruit snacks) are very similar in shape and texture to other fruit snacks. They are also individually wrapped. There are two flavors: Sour Citrus, and Mixed Berry.

berry_kidschews

Image courtesy honeystinger.com

citrus_kidschews

Image courtesy honeystinger.com

The main features of these snacks are that they contain no artificial colors, flavors, high-fructose corn syrup and are certified organic.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

For one of my kids (age 5), we are trying to monitor his intake of refined sugars, artificial colors, and flavors. It's been hard to find good snacks and "treats" that don't have some kind of mix of processed sugars, flavors, and colors. The Honey Stinger brand solves this with these snacks. Besides my young son, I have three older children, ages 9, 11, and 13, who are all eager taste testers.

My expectations changed somewhat when I first saw the waffle box. For some reason, the box gave me the impression of larger breakfast waffles, so I was quite surprised to see how small and thin they really are. The waffles are really small, somewhere around the size of an air hockey puck or cup coaster. Perfect snack size, but not big enough (or calorie dense enough) for a meal replacement.

In terms of taste, all my kids have enjoyed the waffles and fruit snacks. The clear winner in terms of taste is the chocolate waffle. As for the chews or fruit snacks, the consensus is undecided. Based on how quickly they consumed them, I will judge that they are liked. They didn't have much to say about the chews.

INITIAL SUMMARY

My wife was very excited about the snacks, until she saw the MSRP. Even with how likable the snacks were, it is going to take more convincing (or a sale) to get more.

We are excited to take them out on some outings soon!

PRO—Very breathable. Nice fitted hood.

CON—Pockets are a little high for everyday wear.


LONG-TERM REPORT

9 Sep 2014

FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

The Honey Stingers have been a huge hit with the family and they've been consumed on a few day hikes, an overnight Cub Scout event, in school lunches, and at home.

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

With five kids in the family, I had a hard time rationing the Honey Stingers so they would last. I finally gave up because even my hiding places were discovered and the boxes pilfered for snacks, school lunches, etc. I guess in some ways this is a testament to how well-liked the food is and how children accept them. I think I can accurately state that the food is tasty and "kid approved."

pix-day-camp-stinger

I took one of my sons on an overnight camping trip part of a Cub Scout event. In my rush to pack, I brought the boxes of Honey Stingers. In the morning, I found my son had already eaten several packets before I stopped him from consuming the supply.

I finally ran out of packets a few weeks later after trying even harder to keep them from my kids. The only problem, really, is that trying to replace them is a little more costly than my wife will consider, compared with other options at the grocery store that are a little more accessible and affordable. My wife was sold on the organic label along with the no artificial colors and sugars, but the small snack size and high cost was just too much.

FINAL SUMMARY

The kids love the Stingers, and my wife loved the healthy benefits, but it wasn't enough to get past the sticker shock.

PRO—Great tasting, great nutrition and ingredients.

CON—Price per ounce.


I would like to thank EN-R-G Foods, LLC and BackpackGearTest.org for providing me with the opportunity to test this product.


Read more gear reviews by Derek Hansen

Reviews > Food > Energy Bars and Drinks > Honey Stinger Just for Kids > Test Report by Derek Hansen



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