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A Natural Energy Gel That Goes the Distance

New university research shows Hilltop Honey Energy Gels deliver the same metabolic performance as leading synthetic sports gels, using just three natural ingredients.

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Backed by Real Research, Not Marketing Claims

In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, Hilltop worked with leading sports scientists to test whether pure honey could genuinely fuel endurance exercise as effectively as synthetic carbohydrate gels.

The answer was clear.

 

In controlled endurance cycling trials, honey delivered comparable metabolic performance to commercial sports gels, without increased gastrointestinal discomfort.

 

No hype. Just results.

University tested

Three ingredients

No nasties

Informed Sport Certified

UNIVERSITY TRIALLED ENERGY GEL, WHAT WAS TESTED & FOUND

Hilltop partnered with Liverpool John Moores University to assess whether a honey-based energy gel could match the performance of leading synthetic carbohydrate gels during prolonged endurance exercise. 

 

In controlled cycling trials, trained athletes consumed identical carbohydrate intakes from either Hilltop Honey Energy Gels or a commercial sports gel. Researchers measured metabolic performance, fuelling efficiency and gastrointestinal tolerance to reflect real endurance conditions. 

 

The results showed comparable metabolic responses and exercise performance, with no meaningful differences in carbohydrate use, blood glucose stability or gut comfort.

Efficient carbohydrate use

Stable blood glucose

Sustained energy supply

Comparable fuel burn rates

Maintained endurance output

High-intensity capacity preserved

Low gut discomfort

High intake well tolerated

No malabsorption observed

Hydration maintained

Electrolytes supported performance

Matched leading sports gel response

YOUR ENERGY GEL QUESTIONS

Straight answers to the questions athletes actually ask before fuelling with honey.

Is honey effective for endurance sport?

Yes. University trials showed honey delivered comparable metabolic and performance responses to leading synthetic energy gels during prolonged endurance exercise.

How is this different from a normal sports gel?

Most sports gels use synthetic carbohydrates and additives. Hilltop Energy Gels use honey as the primary carbohydrate source, plus salt and coconut water powder for electrolyte support.

Will it spike my blood sugar?

Honey contains a natural balance of glucose and fructose, which supported stable blood glucose levels during endurance exercise in university testing.

Is it easy on the stomach?

In testing, gut discomfort remained low and did not differ meaningfully from commercial sports gels, even at high carbohydrate intakes.

How often should I take one?

Each pouch provides 22g of carbohydrates, typically supporting 20 to 30 minutes of endurance effort. Fuelling strategies should always be practised in training.

Is this suitable for racing?

Yes. Hilltop Energy Gels are Informed Sport Certified and batch tested, making them suitable for competitive athletes.

Why acacia honey specifically?

Acacia honey has a naturally higher fructose content, supporting sustained energy release and smoother carbohydrate absorption.

Does it contain any artificial ingredients?

No. There are no artificial flavourings, preservatives or unnecessary thickeners.

Is this a replacement for all sports nutrition?

No. It is a carbohydrate energy source designed for endurance fuelling. Athletes should use it as part of a balanced fuelling strategy.

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