Honey is one of those store cupboard staples that seems simple to buy, until you're stood in front of a shelf full of jars promising to be "pure", "raw" or "100% natural". If you've ever wondered how to tell the difference between an ordinary jar and one that's genuinely worth your money, you're not alone. Buying the best honey isn't about picking the fanciest label, it's about knowing a few practical things to look out for. Here's what to check before you pop a jar into your basket.

Check the Label Carefully

The label on a jar of honey tells you a lot more than the marketing on the front might suggest. Before you buy, flip the jar round and take a proper look.

Look for Country of Origin

UK regulations require honey labels to state where the honey comes from. Some jars are blends of honey from more than one country, which is perfectly legal but worth knowing. If you'd prefer single-origin honey, look for a label that names one specific country or region rather than "a blend of EU and non-EU honeys".

Understand the Terms Used

Words like "raw", "pure" and "natural" aren't always strictly regulated, so don't rely on them alone. Instead, check for:

  • Ingredients list – genuine honey should only list "honey" as the ingredient, nothing else.
  • Processing details – some labels mention whether the honey has been filtered, pasteurised or cold-extracted.
  • Best before date – honey lasts a long time, but a sensible date range still suggests proper storage and handling.

Look at the Texture and Appearance

You can learn a surprising amount just by looking at the jar before you open it.

Crystallisation Is Normal

Many people think crystallised honey has gone off, but this is actually a natural process, especially with raw or less-processed honey. If your honey turns grainy or solid over time, it's usually still perfectly fine to eat. A gentle warm water bath around the jar can help soften it again.

Consistency and Colour

Honey varies naturally in colour, from pale gold to deep amber, depending on the flowers the bees visited. This isn't a sign of quality on its own, but very runny, watery honey can sometimes indicate it's been heavily processed or diluted. Thicker, more viscous honey often points to less interference during production.

Taste and Smell

Good honey should taste distinctly of honey, with a rounded sweetness and sometimes subtle floral, fruity or earthy notes depending on the flowers involved. If a honey tastes overly sugary, flat or has an odd chemical aftertaste, it may have been mixed with syrups or other sweeteners. Trust your taste buds here as much as the label.

Buying the Right Type for Your Needs

Not all honey is used the same way, so think about what you actually want it for.

For Everyday Use

If you're mainly using honey in tea, on toast or in baking, a good quality all-purpose honey is usually the sensible and cost-effective choice.

For Something Special

If you want a more distinctive flavour, single-origin or speciality honeys (such as those from a particular flower source) can offer more character, though they often come at a higher price point.

Storage Tips to Keep Your Honey at Its Best

Buying good honey is only half the job, storing it properly matters too:

  • Keep the jar sealed tightly to stop moisture getting in.
  • Store honey at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
  • Avoid putting honey in the fridge, as this can speed up crystallisation.
  • Use a clean, dry spoon each time to avoid introducing moisture or bacteria into the jar.

A Quick Checklist Before You Buy

What to Check Why It Matters
Ingredients list Should only say "honey"
Country of origin Tells you where it's sourced from
Texture Crystallisation is natural, not a fault
Taste Should taste rounded, not artificial
Storage instructions Helps keep honey fresh for longer

Frequently Asked Questions

Does raw honey have added health benefits compared to regular honey?

Honey is generally considered a natural sweetener, but specific health claims can vary and aren't always well supported by evidence. If you have particular health goals or conditions, it's best to speak to a GP or pharmacist rather than relying on labelling claims alone.

Why has my honey turned solid in the jar?

This is called crystallisation and is a completely natural process, particularly in raw or minimally processed honey. It doesn't mean the honey has gone off. Gently warming the jar in warm water can help return it to a runnier consistency.

Is more expensive honey always better quality?

Not necessarily. Price can reflect factors like origin, production method or speciality flower sources, but it's not a guarantee of quality on its own. Checking the label and ingredients is a more reliable way to judge quality than price alone.

Can I use honey instead of sugar in recipes?

Honey can often be used as a substitute for sugar in some recipes, though it behaves differently in terms of sweetness and moisture. If you're following a specific recipe, it's worth checking whether adjustments are needed for the best results.

Ready to Stock Up?

Choosing the best honey doesn't need to be complicated once you know what to look for on the label, in the texture and in the taste. At Adomoo, we stock a range of honey options to suit different tastes and budgets, all delivered straight to your door. Browse our selection today and find the jar that's right for your kitchen.