Meet SugarBee® — The Apple That Earns Its Place on Your Menu
Some ingredients simply perform better. SugarBee® is one of them.
With measurably higher sweetness than Fuji and Honeycrisp — and a crunch that rivals Granny Smith — this isn’t just another apple. Its honey-colored flesh is slow to brown, its aroma evokes caramel and molasses, and its flavor delivers the kind of complexity that elevates everything from a simple cheese board to a show-stopping seasonal entrée.
But SugarBee® isn’t just a culinary standout. It’s strategically timely. As GLP-1 adoption rises, guests are actively seeking fresh, nutrient-dense choices. As gut health moves from trend to expectation, apples — and SugarBee® in particular — answer the call with natural prebiotics, blood sugar balance, and sustained satiety built right in.
And you won’t be on your own. From recipe development and seasonal LTO support to sourcing guidance and co-branded marketing assets, we’re here as your partner every step of the way.
One apple. Exceptional flavor. Real culinary credentials. Backed by data, driven by trends, and ready for your kitchen.
Curious? Let’s talk SugarBee®.
About the Apple
Appearance:
Bi-colored red and yellow skin with a honey-colored flesh that is slow to brown when sliced.
Flavor Notes:
Aromatic with flavor notes of honey, caramel and molasses.
Brix* (Sweetness):
Just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of acidity.
Brix measurements of SugarBee® vs. other apples using a refractometer (USDA Guidelines)
- SugarBee® 15.8
- Fuji 14.7
- Honeycrisp 12.6
Pressure (Crispness):
Firm and crisp. Large cell structure delivers high-intensity crunch and exceptional juiciness.
Pressure measurements of SugarBee® vs. other apples using a penetrometer (USDA guidelines).
- Granny Smith 17.7
- SugarBee® 17.1
- Honeycrisp 13.9
*Brix is the measurement of the percentage of sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) by weight in a liquid, where 1 degree Brix equals 1 gram of sugar per 100 grams of solution.
Naturally Created by Bees
One sunny spring day, a honeybee was buzzing through an orchard, collecting nectar and pollinating apple blossoms along the way. This bee collected pollen from an unknown apple variety and then deposited it on a Honeycrisp apple blossom. Mother Nature did her part and the SugarBee® apple was born. It is now grown by 5th and 6th generation growers in Washington State.
Discover more about SugarBee®: https://sugarbeeapple.com/
Food Trends
SugarBee® Apples Support These Rapidly Growing Trend
- GLP-1 Food Choices: 46% of consumers who report taking GLP-1’s report an increase in fresh apple consumption.
- Fibermaxxing/ Gut & Biome Health: Apples offer the perfect combination of soluble/insoluble fiber, hydration and natural sugar for sustained energy.
- High in insoluble fiber, apples may aid in long-term digestive health and weight management.
- Good source of soluble fiber (pectin) and water, apples boost satiety and help curb cravings – perfect for managing reduced appetite. Plus, pectin acts as a natural prebiotic, which helps nourish the healthy bacteria in the body.
- Pectin slows digestion and nutrient absorption, helping prevent insulin spikes and control hunger. Apples may help balance blood sugar.
- Low-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Naturally low in calories but high in essential nutrients, apples support a calorie deficit without sacrificing nutrition.
- Flavonoids E-Book – Explore Brain/Mental Health, Heart Health and more
Wine Pairing: Coming Soon!
Sustainability & Conservation
SugarBee® apples are grown exclusively in Washington state by 5th and 6th generation farmers who are committed to nurturing, honoring and protecting our food, our planet and our people.
- Pollinator Protection:
– 100% of our farms are Integrated Pest Management (IPM) certified
– 27,765 acres left in natural state to support native pollinator habitats
- Composting: Our composting program diverts more than 50 million pounds of organic waste from landfills each year.
- Carbon Sequestration: In 2014, 32.62 acres of grass and sagebrush were converted to orchards.This transition nearly quadrupled the combined annual carbon sequestration in that area.
- Clean Energy: As of 2023, 85% of energy used came from renewable/clean energy sources.
- Responsible Labor: Companies responsible for SugarBee® growing, packing, and selling recently underwent a comprehensive evaluation and rating of our labor practices and management systems. A non-biased third party company gave us an Outstanding + Above Average Rating among industry peers in the areas of focus.
Click here to learn more about SugarBee®’s sustainability and stewardship programs.
Comprehensive Support for Your Team
SugarBee® is the #1 fastest growing Emerging Apple variety in both volume and dollars, growing year over year by over 85% in both metrics. With nationwide, year-round availability and omnichannel marketing, consumers are falling in love with SugarBee®.
Marketing Support:
- Approved co-branding assets and logo usage.
- Support for seasonal LTO development and year-round signature items.
Culinary Support:
We are here to be your partner as you and your team explore adding SugarBee to your menus. We can assist and support you in multiple ways, including:
- Recipe Development & Consultation
- Sourcing & Seasonal Ideas
- Nutrition and Food Trends
Marketing Support and Brand Announcements
