Raw Honey Reviews

Author: The Honey Reviewer

Amazon’s Happy Belly Raw Wildflower Honey Review
Amazon has just about everything under the sun packed in warehouses across the globe. They started their own in house grocery brand Solimo. They took out some of the grocery items and rebranded it Happy Belly. I decided to order a 32oz Jar of Happy Belly Wildflower Honey for $8.95. With Amazon prime, it showed up the next day in Austin, Texas. Curious if Amazon’s Honey is legit or if it even taste decent? Read on for my review.
- Honey: Heated, treated and stripped of anything unique.
- Flavor: Sweet
- Aroma: Faint floral scent
- Color: Amber Tan
- Texture: Tacky and Gummy
Happy Belly Raw Wildflower Honey

As a self proclaimed “Honey Purist” I thought I’d never purchase a blend of Honey from Amazon. A once was book retailer now with a million different brands under their Umbrella.

Amazon has bought tons of startups and brands over the years. For this particular product, they took their exclusive Solimo line and rebranded the Honey under Happy Belly.

About Happy Belly (Solimo)

Not much details can be found about Amazon’s in house brand. It’s just one of the many, there’s also amazon basics and several others as well. Solimo is still a functioning brand for Amazon. You can find Vitamins, Beauty Products, Health Care Products, Hand Soap, Beverages like Coffee and more.

Happy Belly prioritizes in the grocery department. They offer an expansive product line from things like; Snacks, Spices, Beverages, Cookies, Honey and Nut Butters, and even Milk.

You’re only going to find 2 types of Honey with Happy Belly. Wildflower and Clover. They plan to expand their in house brands even further to rival the retail giants Walmart and Target.

Nutrition and Source Details

See that foam at the top? That’s normal. That’s air being released from the Honey from temperature fluctuation.

The term raw has nothing to do with filtration; it refers to pasteurization.
Raw honey isn’t pasteurized and can be either filtered or unfiltered.

Honey that hasn’t been pasteurized will say “raw” on the label.
If it hasn’t been filtered, the label will say “unfiltered.”

Local Honey is often raw and unfiltered and not organic.

True Source Certified, Distributed by Amazon out of Washington.
This is a blend of Argentina, Canada and USA Honey.
That’s a typical trio for commercially processed and imported budget Honey.

For all we know, Amazon only provides the plastic bottles and outsources the Honey to farmers in Argentina and imports it through Canada then to the USA to distribute it.

Price

I paid about $7 for the Wildflower, It’s currently $11 which is overpriced. It fluctuates, I’ve seen it as low as $6, sometimes even as high as $12. The Clover comes in a 16oz, no 32oz option ( also odd ) for $7.

Unstable pricing isn’t very trustworthy in my opinion.

One review said that the Clover tasted better than the Wildflower.
Yet another stated that the Clover tasted like the Wildflower.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the same thing with different labels.

I reached out to Amazon customer support about their Happy Belly brand, but I was referred to product returns. It’s really hard to find any real proof of this Honey’s source or claims.

If You’re Desperate

I did discover that people who make mead prefer this Honey as it’s cheap in bulk and readily available with prime and they aren’t worried about using a budget honey with their recipe. They come in squeeze bottles, but you take the risk of Amazon packing this in an empty box and them breaking.

Try These Instead

Organic Great Value Raw Honey – Walmart, better choice.

Kirkland Texas Raw Unfiltered Honey – If you’re able to shop at Costco.

Happy Belly Wildflower Honey Review
The Honey Reviewer
Honey
Flavor
Aroma
Color
Texture
Review Summary
I’d rather get the Kirkland Signature Honey for a bulk Honey because you get more for about the same price. Happy Belly Wildflower Honey can be used as a sugar substitute or even in mead recipes.

On it’s own it offers nothing unique, and there is no proof or details on the processing of Happy Belly’s Honey.

This falls under Honey Packer commercial Honey, and it’s the only time I’d condone killing the Honey by heating it with Hot Tea or Baking with it.

Maybe experiment with some Hot Honey with this, or try infusing some Herbs and give them as gifts.

It’s unlikely I’ll ever purchase this Honey again. I didn’t like the consistency. I found it was tacky and gummy. The Honey was overly sweet and didn’t smell like anything. I can typically always smell the wood in Honey. You won’t find that here.

I don’t really trust Amazon to handle honey efficiently and it shows in other reviews as well. I’m not a fan of the inconsistent pricing or the lack of varietal honey. Plus its the most basic two.

Look, everyone does Wildflower and Clover, it’s just a simple way of saying it’s Polyfloral Honey.

Which essentially means totally random or whatever the bees could forage Honey.

Also don’t feed your Bees Bezos Honey!
1.5
July 29, 2022
Me & the Bees Prickly Pear Lemonade Review

Me & the Bees Lemonade started in 2009 by Mikaila Ulmer when she was just 4 years old out of Austin, Texas. I had the luxury of trying the original Lemonade during my time there and loved it. I was able to find Prickly Pear and the Original Lemonade at my local Publix for about $2.50, here in North Carolina. What a treat! How did it get all the way over here from Texas?

Read on for my review of Me & The Bees Prickly Pear Lemonade.

A Little About Me & the Bees and Mikaila Ulmer

Mikaila brought her favorite things together to make something incredible when she thought to use Honey from her hives and Grandma Helens Flaxseed Lemonade Recipe. I love how people tie in who they love with what they love to create something.

Grandma Helens recipe is from the 1940’s and instead of sugar, Mikaila introduced Honey to the recipe. Since then, she’s expanded her lineup with Prickly Pear, Black Cherry, Ginger and Mint.

Another one of my favorite beverages Green Bee Honey Soda had similar humble beginnings that started with their Kids and a family recipe. I’m all about that pure and honest reason to create something bigger than yourself and to share it.

Originally Mikaila was greenlit on Shark Tank as Sweet Bees Lemonade. Unfortunately, due to copyright they had to change their name. Me & the Bees gave quite a sting to the beverage industry this last decade and has expanded into nationwide markets like Publix and even Costco.

Every bottle sold a percentage goes to Healthy Hive Foundation, a Non-Profit for saving Pollinators also started by Mikaila.

See How Mikaila Helps Pollinators Survive and Thrive

Mikaila published her book ” Bee Fearless, Dream like a Kid” in 2020. She also has a Buziness Plan Workbook for anyone who is inspired by Mikailas Entrepreneurial ship. Meanwhile, she’s steadily incorporating all sorts of engagements in her buzzing career; she is even giving away a year’s worth of product with hashtag #lovetolemonade.

Honestly, I find Mikaila incredibly inspiring. I love that she focuses on kids and pollinators, while showing the adults how it’s done! It took me like 15 years to realize I loved plants and bees; a split fascination influenced by my mother.

What’s it made with?

Me & the Bees Lemonades have no HCF, no preservatives or additives, and of course the staple ingredients; including U.S. Grade-A honey, lemon juice concentrate, Monk Fruit extract, cane sugar and flaxseed extract.

Each bottle is 12 ounces and has 120 calories per serving and just 26 grams of Sugar.

In this particular blend, we have Prickly Pear Syrup mixed in with lemonade.

Me & the Bees lemonade is proof that you can use cane sugar and honey together and have no need for High Fructose Corn Syrup at all.

Me & the Bees Lemonade with Prickly Pear

Take a look at that color!

Where to buy Me & the Bees Lemonade

Originally you could only find it in local central Texas markets, like HEB or Whole Foods. Almost 15 years later, you can now find this lemonade nationwide. Eager buyers can find their lemonade in 12 packs at Costco (San Antonio, Austin and New Orleans). Try 3 flavors; Black Cherry, Prickly Pear, and Original Lemonade at Publix nationwide.

Additionally, Cost Plus World Market, H-E-B, Natural Grocers, Target, The Fresh Market and Whole Foods Market also carry them. Can’t make it to any of those? you can ask services like GoPuff.com to grab you a bottle or two.

Ultimately, you can just purchase directly from meandthebees.com

Me & the Bees Lemonade | Prickly Pear
The Honey Review
Honey
Flavor
Aroma
Color
Texture
Review Summary
It’s been so humid and so hot here in the Southeast this Summer. It was amazing to relax poolside with these lemonades. The Prickly Pear Lemonade puts off an odd scent that I wasn’t too fond of when I first opened it. The taste was tart and bitter with a really soothing note of Honey you can’t miss.

The price is the same as a Snapple and comes in nice glass bottles for $2.50 at Publix.

I let my Toddler try it and he definitely noticed the sour up front and was rather puzzled by the taste. He had another sip and said he really liked it. Hes a big fan of Lemon, so I knew it would throw him for a loop with the Prickly Pear.

My Kid also noticed the fun design with the Bee’s flying around.

Admittedly, I generally don’t care for Prickly Pear flavor. However, I really, really enjoyed this lemonade. I’d mix it with some Titos Vodka in a heartbeat.

Can’t wait to try Black Cherry. Keep it going Mikaila! I’m excited to see more flavors and ideas!
3.8

July 7, 2022
Honey Stinger Waffles Review
Do you need a quick snack that tastes like a soft honey covered waffle cone? I decided to try Honey flavored Honey Stinger Waffles. Walmart had a box and deal with Ibotta. Total $6.28 for 2 boxes. Each box contains 6 Honey Stinger Waffles. I’d snack on these early in the morning before working bees, or before heading out on the Bike. Would I buy them again? Read on for my review.

Honey Stinger Waffles
- Honey – Super light organic Honey filled inbetween thin waffles
- Color – Golden Brown
- Aroma – Nutty and Slightly Sweet.
- Flavor – Cracker like, with a sweet malty flavor profile
- Texture – Soft, Thin and Chewy Waffle Wafers.
About Honey Stinger

They are a sports nutrition company that uses nature’s natural sweeteners in their products. Their main ingredient is Honey! They were angel backed by Lance Armstrong and started in Colorado in 2001. Since 2020, they’ve recently had a surge in popularity. They now offer a wide variety of products like Hydration Packets, Energy Bars and these energy chews which are like fruit snacks. Their main competitor would be companies like Clif or Larabars.

How I Utilized Their 3 Part System

Prepare, Perform, Recover.

Honey Stingers products are fantastic for breakfast. They recommend the waffles before or during your activity. I would grab these in the morning before a dog walk, working bees, before my medical infusions, or while I’m out cruising the streets on my bike. If you’re a big breakfast fan, you’ve got to try Tree Hives Maple + Honey Syrup.

These were crafted particularly for pre-game and top-level performance. These are traditionally called Stroopwaffles. I found them to really help that energy craving in the early morning. You won’t find any weird artificial ingredients or a honey substitute here. Just a soft chewy honey filled waffle that is organic and super easy to digest which I really appreciate.

Quick Info
- Perfect energy boost before or during workouts.
- Easy-to-digest formula made specifically for athletes.
- Made using honey and other natural sweeteners.
- Delicious, portable fuel for steady, sustained energy.
- Available in 4 classic organic flavors and 3 gluten-free flavors.
Because they are individually packed you can take them anywhere. A backpack, a lunch bag, or your car. They may break and crumble, luckily the sweet honey center kind of holds things together.

I noticed its certified organic by Canada. So, I wonder if that’s Canadian Honey since they Honey is Organic. US Honey can’t be organic, so I’m assuming that’s where their Honey is sourced. I’ll reach out and ask, and edit this post if they respond.

Random Pairings

I’ve made Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches with these; I’ve put Cream Cheese on it. I’ve also tried Bananas and Cinnamon. Breakfast is my favorite time to eat. Sometimes it’s the only thing I’ll eat most of the day if I go too hard.

Where to Purchase

I purchased mine from Walmart for $6.78 for a 6pk, but you can find them directly from Honey Stinger. Their most popular is the Honey Waffle. They sell a sample pack of 6 for $8.99 which includes Honey, Vanilla, Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Cookies & Cream and Cinnamon. You can also check out their products on Amazon.

Honey Stinger Waffles
The Honey Review
Honey
Color
Aroma
Flavor
Texture
Final Thoughts
I like these, I see them like a Nature Valley bar or a snack in that category. The thing that sets them apart is the texture and flavor of the Honey. I think it’s a little on the dry side at times, but it’s a fun chewy texture that has subtle sweetness of Honey.

They have a long shelf life, they’re super portable, there are lots of flavors to choose from, and they actually work. I felt energized and hydrated each time I’d make an effort to incorporate these Honey Stinger Waffles in my morning routine. I’d absolutely buy these again, especially with the deal I got. $6.28 for $12!
3.3
June 30, 2022