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In the search for clean hydration alternatives at The Honey Review, we often encounter beverages that sacrifice purity for shelf-stability. Me & the Bees, founded by Mikaila Ulmer, takes a different approach by utilizing a traditional family recipe updated with a desert-born superfood: the Prickly Pear.

I’ve been tracking this brand since their early days on Shark Tank. Finding it locally in Charlotte was a “must-buy” moment to see if the vibrant color matched the quality of the honey used. We put this neon-pink lemonade through The Lab’s Forensic Protocol to analyze its botanical properties.

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The Forensic Profile

• Product Type: Honey-Sweetened Botanical Lemonade
• Key Ingredients: Water, Lemon Juice, Honey, Cane Sugar, Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit
• Origin: Austin, Texas
• Bio-Active Focus: Betalain antioxidants and enzymatic honey
• MSRP: ~$3.49 per 12oz bottle (Premium Tier)
• Affiliate Link: Try the Me & the Bees Collection Here

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1. Physical & Chemical Analysis (The Lab Standards)

The Prickly Pear Protocol: Betalain Integrity

The standout forensic marker of this drink is the inclusion of Prickly Pear (Opuntia). This cactus fruit is rich in betalains—powerful antioxidants that provide the beverage’s signature neon-pink hue without the need for chemicals.

• Forensic Observation: Unlike commercial “pink lemonades” that use Red 40, the color here is an organic byproduct. Betalains are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making this more of a “functional refreshment” than a standard soda.

The Sweetener Synergy: Honey vs. Cane Sugar

The original review noted that while this is a honey-based brand, the label lists both honey and cane sugar.

• The Lab Verdict: The honey provides a rounded, floral finish that cuts the sharp acidity of the lemon. While the cane sugar adds to the total glycemic load, the presence of real honey ensures a more complex flavor profile than corn-syrup-based alternatives.

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2. Sensory Evaluation (Original Notes)

• Color: Electric Magenta. It is visually striking and entirely natural.
• Aroma: A sharp, tart citrus nose with an earthy, melon-like undertone from the prickly pear fruit.
• Flavor Profile: It’s a multi-layered experience. You get the tartness of the lemon immediately, but it’s quickly smoothed out by the sweetness of the honey. The prickly pear adds a “tropical” note that reminds me of dragonfruit or kiwi.
• Texture: Crisp and light. As noted in the original post, it has a “home-squeezed” mouthfeel with zero syrupy residue. It feels refreshing rather than heavy.

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3. The Origin Story: From Bee Stings to Bottles

One of the most compelling parts of this brand is how it started. At age four, Mikaila Ulmer was stung by two bees in one week. Instead of developing a phobia, she became fascinated by them. She used her Great-Granny Helen’s 1940s flaxseed lemonade recipe, added honey, and Me & the Bees was born.

• The “Give Back” Protocol: From a forensic standpoint, this adds “Ethical Value.” A portion of every purchase goes to the Healthy Hive Foundation. You aren’t just buying a beverage; you are funding pollinator conservation.

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4. Price-to-Value Forensic

Product	Price	Primary Sweetener	Color Source
Me & the Bees	~$3.49	Honey / Cane Sugar	Cactus Fruit
Hubert’s Lemonade	~$2.50	Cane Sugar	Fruit/Veg Juice
Store Brand Pink Lemonade	~$1.50	HFCS	Red 40 (Synthetic)

At $3.49, you are paying for a premium botanical inclusion and a social mission. It is a “luxury lemonade” for those who value ingredient integrity.

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The Quick Breakdown

Forensic Pros	Forensic Cons
Antioxidant Rich: Real prickly pear provides natural betalains.	Sugar Content: 28g per bottle; treat it as a treat, not a water replacement.
No Synthetic Dyes: The color is 100% botanical.	Price: Higher entry point than mass-market brands.
Social Mission: Directly supports bee conservation.	Honey Blend: Contains cane sugar to achieve its sweetness profile.

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The Verdict

Buy this if: You want a visually stunning, artisan lemonade with real botanical benefits and you enjoy supporting businesses with a strong environmental mission.

Skip this if: You are on a strict low-sugar/Keto protocol or are looking for a drink sweetened exclusively with raw honey.

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Forensic “Pro-Tip” for 2026

Mix 4oz of Me & the Bees with sparkling mineral water and a sprig of fresh mint. This “Desert Mocktail” lowers the sugar-per-sip while maintaining the functional benefits of the prickly pear and honey.

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Review Summary