What Bee Feed Do I Need in the UK?
Feeding your bees is a key part of successful beekeeping, especially in the UK where weather conditions and nectar availability can vary widely throughout the year.
Whether you’re just starting out or managing multiple hives, knowing what bee feed to use and when can make all the difference to colony health, productivity, and overwintering success.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of bee feed available in the UK, when to use them, and what products are trusted by beekeepers across the country.
Why Feed Bees?
Bees ideally gather all the nectar and pollen they need from the environment—but sometimes nature doesn’t cooperate. Harsh winters, rainy summers, and reduced forage can leave colonies short on vital resources. Feeding bees ensures they have the energy and nutrients to:
Survive winter
Support the queen and brood development
Build up colony strength in early spring
Prepare for nectar flows or overwintering
Types of Bee Feed Used in the UK
There are several types of bee feed, each suited to different times of year and specific colony needs.
1. Inverted Sugar Syrup – Ideal for Autumn and Spring
Products like: Invertbee Syrup
Inverted sugar syrup is made up of glucose and fructose, mimicking the sugars found in natural nectar. It’s used primarily in late summer and autumn to help bees store energy for the winter, and in early spring to stimulate activity and support early brood rearing.
Why use inverted syrup?
Ready to use (no mixing needed)
Easily digestible for bees
Encourages bees to store it as winter feed
Popular format:
Invertbee Syrup in 14kg Jerry Cans or 2.5kg pouches for easier handling.
2. Fondant – The Go-To Winter Feed
Products like: Fondabee Fondant, Fondabee Fruc
Fondant is a solid bee feed placed directly over the brood nest, perfect for mid to late winter feeding when bees can’t break cluster to access liquid syrup. It’s safe, long-lasting, and easy to use.
Key benefits:
Doesn’t ferment or freeze
Minimal moisture content (won’t chill the hive)
Requires no special equipment
Fondabee Fondant is a firm, clean sugar fondant ideal for most winter needs.
Fondabee Fruc is a softer version enriched with fructose, allowing quicker digestion and absorption—great for weaker colonies or colder spells.
3. Pollen-Enriched Fondants – For Spring Brood Buildup
Products like: Candipolline Gold
In early spring or during pollen shortages, colonies may struggle to rear brood due to lack of protein. Candipolline Gold is a fondant enriched with natural pollen, providing essential amino acids and nutrients to stimulate brood rearing and strengthen colonies.
When to use:
Early spring, before natural pollen is available
When boosting colony development or queen rearing
For building up weaker hives
When to Feed Bees in the UK
Timing is everything when it comes to feeding. Here's a quick seasonal breakdown:
Choosing the Right Feed for Your Hive
Every hive is different. Consider:
Colony strength: Weaker colonies may need early or additional support.
Weather: Cold snaps and wet spells can reduce natural forage.
Forage availability: Urban or agricultural areas may have limited flowering plants.
Your goals: Are you preparing for honey production, queen rearing, or overwintering?
Final Thoughts
Feeding bees in the UK is about more than just giving them sugar—it's about strategically supporting your colonies throughout the year with the right nutrition at the right time. From Invertbee Syrup for autumn stores to Fondabee Fondant for winter survival and Candipolline Gold for spring buildup, there’s a feed to suit every season and situation.
By understanding your bees’ needs and planning ahead, you’ll help ensure your hives remain strong, healthy, and productive—no matter what the British weather throws at them.
Need help choosing the right feed? Browse our full range of bee feed products or get in touch—we’re happy to help UK beekeepers keep their colonies thriving.
