Bees need both nectar and pollen to function, but they’re distinctly different. Pollen consists of protein and other nutrients, and nectar contains sugar and vitamins that provide great energy sources for bees.

Bees collect both nectar and pollen for their colony ‘s needs. Nectar is a source of carbohydrates, while pollen provides protein and other essential nutrients. Pollen is only used to feed the bee larvae. While pollen is an important food source for developing bees, adult bees also consume it as a source of nutrition.

The nectar is for energy and the pollen provides protein and other nutrients. Most pollen is used by bees as larvae food, but bees also transfer it from plant-to-plant, providing the pollination services needed by plants and nature as a whole.