Fraudulent Honey

The Truth About Honey: How Most Honey is Altered and What You Need to Know

Honey is often considered a natural, healthy sweetener with a rich history of culinary and medicinal uses. However, what many consumers don’t realize is that much of the honey available on the market today is far from its pure, natural form. Many brands sell honey that has been adulterated, heated, or otherwise altered in ways that degrade its quality and nutritional value. Here’s what you need to know about the ways honey is changed for the worse—and how to ensure you’re getting the real deal.

1. Adulteration with Sugar Syrups

One of the most pervasive issues in the honey industry is adulteration. This involves mixing honey with cheaper sugar syrups, such as high-fructose corn syrup or rice syrup, to bulk up production and cut costs. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre reported in 2023 that 46% of imported honey samples in the EU were suspected of adulteration (European Commission JRC, 2023).

Adulteration not only dilutes the authenticity of honey but also robs it of its unique flavor and health benefits. Genuine honey contains natural enzymes, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties—qualities that are lost when sugar syrups are added.

2. Excessive Heating and Pasteurization

To extend shelf life and create a smoother texture, many manufacturers heat honey to high temperatures during processing. While pasteurization kills yeast that can cause fermentation, it also destroys valuable nutrients, including enzymes and antioxidants.

Dr. Ron Fessenden, author of The Honey Revolution, explains that heating honey above 95°F (35°C) causes the loss of diastase and invertase, two critical enzymes responsible for honey’s digestive benefits. Overheating also reduces its antibacterial properties, making the final product less effective for health purposes (Fessenden, 2010).

3. Microfiltration and Loss of Pollen

Microfiltration is a process used to remove impurities and extend honey’s shelf life. However, it also strips the honey of its natural pollen content. Pollen is not only a marker of authenticity but also provides nutritional benefits and helps trace the geographical origin of the honey.

In 2011, a study by Food Safety News found that 76% of honey sold in U.S. grocery stores had been ultra-filtered to remove pollen, rendering it impossible to determine if the product was genuine or where it came from (Food SafetyNews, 2011).

4. Blending Honey from Multiple Sources

To keep costs low, many commercial brands blend honey from different countries. This practice can mask poor quality and make it difficult to verify authenticity. Worse, some imported honey has been found to contain contaminants such as antibiotics or heavy metals due to lax regulations in certain regions.

A 2023 investigation by The Guardian revealed that honey originating from some non-EU countries failed authenticity tests and contained unapproved additives (The Guardian, 2023).

5. Artificial Additives

In some cases, honey is not just diluted but also artificially enhanced. Manufacturers may add coloring agents, flavors, or thickening substances to create the illusion of high-quality honey. These additives not only deceive consumers but can also pose health risks.

How to Ensure You’re Buying Pure Honey

1. Look for Local and Ethical Producers
   Locally produced honey is less likely to be adulterated and offers better transparency. Many small-scale beekeepers prioritize quality over mass production.

2. Check for Certification
   Look for certifications such as USDA Organic, which indicate adherence to strict production standards. However, be aware that even certified honey can sometimes be blended or heated.

3. Test Your Honey at Home

   • Water Test: Add a drop of honey to water; pure honey will settle at the bottom, while adulterated honey may dissolve.
   • Thumb Test: Place a small amount on your thumb; real honey stays intact, while fake honey spreads.

4. Buy Raw Honey
   Raw honey is unprocessed and retains its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and other beneficial properties.

5. Research the Brand
   Learn about the producer’s practices. Brands like The Art of Honey pride themselves on transparency and quality, offering unadulterated honey that reflects the pure essence of nature.

The Call for Change

As consumer awareness grows, organizations like Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations, are working to improve testing methods and promote authentic honey. Initiatives such as the upcoming “honey map” at the 2025 World Beekeeping Congress aim to highlight regional honey varieties and celebrate the stories of ethical beekeepers.

By choosing pure, raw, and local honey, you can support genuine beekeepers and enjoy the full range of benefits that this golden elixir has to offer.

Sources

1. European Commission Joint Research Centre. (2023). Food Fraud: How Genuine is Your Honey?
2. Fessenden, R. (2010). The Honey Revolution.
3. Food Safety News. (2011). Tests Show Most Store Honey Isn’t Honey.
4. The Guardian. (2023). Honey Fraud in Europe.