Best Hummingbird Food of 2025

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Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that require a specific diet to thrive. Hummingbird food is a specially formulated nectar that mimics the flowers they feed on in the wild. The nectar is made from a mixture of sugar and water, with no artificial colors or preservatives. It is important to use a high-quality hummingbird food to ensure that the birds receive the necessary nutrients and energy to sustain their high metabolism. Additionally, hummingbird food should be changed every few days to prevent fermentation and spoilage. With the right food and care, hummingbirds can bring joy and beauty to any backyard or garden.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Hummingbird Food
Pennington ElectroNectar Hummingbird Food
Pennington ElectroNectar Hummingbird Food is a clear and ready-to-use product designed to attract hummingbirds to your feeder. It contains added electrolytes to keep the birds healthy and hydrated while providing a natural alternative to red-dyed or artificially colored nectar. With no mixing required, this hummingbird food is a convenient option for bird enthusiasts.
Kaytee Electro Nectar 64oz
Kaytee Hummingbird Nectar offers a clear formula that mimics the natural nectar found in flowers, making it appealing to hummingbirds. Unlike traditional options that rely on artificial coloring, this nectar focuses on what truly matters for these birds. It’s infused with electrolytes to help nourish and hydrate them, supporting their energy needs. With no artificial additives, you can provide a pure feeding experience that keeps your feathered friends healthy. Plus, the convenient pack of two ensures you always have enough to attract and satisfy your hummingbird visitors.
Perky-Pet Hummingbird Liquid Nectar Concentrate
This hummingbird food concentrate is made of 100% sucrose, which mimics the nectar from flowers. The 32-ounce bottle comes with pre-measured concentrate and gains its natural color from hibiscus flowers. Made in China.
Happy Wings Hummingbird Nectar Powder
Happy Wings Nectar Powder offers an easy solution to attract hummingbirds to your yard. This concentrated formula makes up to 192 fluid ounces of nectar by simply mixing the powder with water—no boiling necessary. You’ll appreciate the included measuring scoop, making it simple to prepare the right amount for your feathered friends. The powder is also vacuum packed in a resealable pouch, ensuring it stays fresh for longer periods. Made from 100% sucrose with natural red coloring from cranberry and beetroot powder, this nectar is not only effective but also healthy for hummingbirds, keeping them hydrated and energized.
Sapphire Labs Naturally Fresh Hummingbird Nectar with Nectar Defender
Sapphire Labs Naturally Fresh Hummingbird Nectar with Nectar Defender is a convenient and healthy option for attracting and feeding hummingbirds. With its added micronutrient, this nectar prevents spoilage without any artificial ingredients, ensuring the well-being of the hummingbirds. Unlike ready-to-use nectar, there is no need to boil water, simply add water and mix. The nectar stays fresh longer, thanks to the Nectar Defender, maintaining its quality in hummingbird feeders for up to 2 weeks. Additionally, this product allows you to make a single serving and store the remaining nectar for later use. With no dyes and a formula loved by hummingbirds, this nectar is a must-have for any hummingbird enthusiast.
Audubon Park Hummingbird Food Nectar
Audubon Park Hummingbird Food Nectar is an all-natural, preservative-free nectar that attracts hummingbirds, orioles, warblers, woodpeckers, and chickadees. The nectar comes in three pre-measured 3-ounce packets, which are ready-to-mix and can be used in a nectar feeder. The food is colored with natural extract from cochineal and annatto. The product is made by a family-owned, American business.
Perky-Pet 244Sfb Instant Nectar
The Perky-Pet Nectar 2 lb is an excellent choice for hummingbird enthusiasts. This product comes in a convenient two-pack, giving you a total of 192 fluid ounces of vibrant red nectar. The formula is made entirely of sucrose, ensuring that your feathered friends enjoy a natural and sweet treat without any artificial additives. Plus, there's no need to boil water, making it easy for you to prepare and serve right away. With this nectar, you can attract more hummingbirds to your garden effortlessly.
Hummingbird Market Nectar Powder - 5 lbs
The Hummingbird Market Nectar is designed to turn your yard into a hummingbird paradise. This unique formula mimics the natural sugars found in floral nectar, providing essential energy and hydration that attracts these beautiful birds. Mixing the powder is a breeze; just combine one part powder with four parts warm water, and it dissolves quickly for easy feeding. Plus, this blend is crafted for various hummingbird species across the country, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need. With its resealable packaging, you can keep any unused powder fresh for future use.
Perky-Pet 244SFB Hummingbird Nectar
The Perky-Pet Hummingbird Nectar is a convenient solution for attracting these beautiful birds to your garden. With three 2 lb bags included, you can easily mix the powder with water without the hassle of boiling. This nectar is made from 100% sucrose, providing essential energy for hummingbirds. The vibrant red color of the mixture is designed to draw them to your feeder, making it an inviting spot for your feathered friends. Each bag can create up to 192 oz of nectar, ensuring you have plenty to keep your feeders full.
Perky-Pet 522 Hummingbird Nectar
Introducing the Perky-Pet 522 Hummingbird Nectar, the perfect solution to attract hummingbirds to your backyard. This ready-to-use nectar comes in a set of four 16 oz cans, providing a total of 64 ounces of delicious bird-friendly recipe. Made with pure cane sugar, this nectar mimics real flower nectar and contains no red dye. With 100% more sugar than standard Perky-Pet nectar, it serves as an essential energy source for hummingbirds. The aluminum can design not only reduces plastic waste by 95% compared to standard plastic bottles but also offers the convenience of no boiling or mixing. Simply pop open a can, pour the nectar, and recycle the can. Bring joy to your outdoor space with the Perky-Pet 522 Hummingbird Nectar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the correct ratio of sugar to water for hummingbirds?
The correct ratio of sugar to water for hummingbirds is four parts hot water to one part sugar. Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners. Mix the sugar and water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once it cools to room temperature, it is ready to be used.
2. Do you have to boil the sugar water for hummingbirds?
Boiling the sugar water initially can help slow down fermentation, but it is not necessary. Once the sugar has dissolved, boiling or heating the nectar is not required. Extra fine sugar may eliminate the need for boiling or heating.
3. Is a 3 to 1 ratio OK for hummingbirds?
While other ratios can work, the most consistent ratio is 4-to-1, which means one cup of water to 1/4 cup of sugar. A 3-to-1 ratio can be used during cold, rainy, or foggy conditions when hummingbirds need more energy.
4. How much sugar do I add to 2 cups of water for hummingbirds?
The standard ratio for homemade hummingbird food is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. For 2 cups of water, you would add 1/2 cup of sugar.
5. Can you over sugar hummingbird water?
While hummingbirds can drink sweeter nectar, sugar water that is too sweet can cause problems for both the birds and the birders who offer it. It is best to stick to the recommended ratio.
6. How long can sugar water sit out for hummingbirds?
If the weather is cooler, around 60 degrees, it is acceptable to leave the nectar out for two or three days. However, it is important to regularly change the nectar to ensure freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
7. Will hummingbirds drink cold sugar water?
Hummingbirds prefer sugar water at a reasonable temperature, neither too cold nor too warm. Cold sugar water can sap their energy and make it difficult for them to maintain their body temperature, which can be dangerous.
8. Can you put 2 hummingbird feeders together?
Yes, you can hang multiple hummingbird feeders in your yard or garden. However, it is a good idea to separate the feeders from each other due to the territorial nature of hummingbirds.
9. What is the best mixture for hummingbird food?
The best mixture for hummingbird food is a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. For example, mix 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water until the sugar is dissolved.
During our hummingbird food research, we found 24 hummingbird food products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 154,400 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hummingbird food list. We found that most customers choose hummingbird food with an average price of $17.18.
The hummingbird food are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hummingbird food, including Pennington, Kaytee, Perky-Pet, Happy Wings, Sapphire Labs. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Darin Boyd runs a small pest control business in Texas, and he is a regionally renowned pest control expert. His areas of expertise include pest control, gardening and outdoor gear. He is willing to share some practical tips on how to protect plants and vegetables from pests.
Hummingbird Food Comparison Table
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Brand | Pennington | Kaytee | Perky-Pet | Happy Wings | Sapphire Labs | Audubon Park | Perky-Pet | Hummingbird Market | Perky-Pet | Perky-Pet |
Flavor | Flower Nectar | Unflavored | Red | Cranberry, Beetroot | Clear Nectar | Pack | Unflavored | Sweet | Original | - |
Item Form | Liquid | - | Liquid | Powder | Powder | Powder | Instant | Dry powder | Powder | - |
Item Weight | 4.6 pounds | - | 2 pounds | 2 pounds | 1.31 pounds | - | 2.02 pounds | - | 2 pounds | 4.1 Pounds |
Specific Uses For Product | Allergy Relief | - | Feeding | Hummingbird Feeding | - | Training | Hummingbird Feeding, Wild Bird Watching | Hummingbird & Oriole food | Hummingbird Feeding | - |
Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages | - | All Life Stages | All Life Stages | - | All Life Stages | All Life Stages | All Life Stages | - | - |
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Where to Buy |