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The Best Raw Honeys of 2024
Raw honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries. It’s packed with antioxidants and is believed to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, healing wounds, and boosting the immune system. In this guide, we’ll share our top raw honey picks of 2024. Our list includes options for all budgets, from affordable supermarket brands to high-end, organic varieties. The Beekeeper's Naturals Raw Honey is top tier, an all-natural product of sweet goodness that is quality-tested and sustainably sourced. So, stick with us as we explore all of our honeyed and raw delights!
Our Top Picks For Raw Honeys
View all ContentsThe Best Raw Honeys
Best Overall
Beekeeper’s Naturals Raw Honey is perfect for anyone that wants a true taste of nature. It’s harvested from remote apiaries in Ontario and carefully inspected by third-party laboratories. The honey is raw and wildcrafted, without any cutting with fructose, agave, or corn syrup, making it 100% pure and natural. Packed with lots of flower nectar and pollen, it is also naturally rich in nutrients and beneficial enzymes.
Unlike others, this raw honey does not contain any pesticide residue or nasty chemicals, making it safe for everyone to enjoy. It is also gluten-free and paleo-friendly, meaning that it can be consumed by anyone looking for a healthy way to sweeten their meals. In addition to this, the manufacturer also practices sustainable beekeeping and focuses on the happiness and safety of their bees when collecting their honey. Because of its exceptional quality, delicious taste, and bee-friendly sourcing, we’ve chosen this raw honey as the best on our list.
Pros
- Available in multiple tasty flavors
- Completely natural and sustainably sourced
- Third party-tested for quality
Cons
- Difficult to spread
Most Delicious
Nature Nate’s Raw Honey is a unique sweetener that offers sweet nutrition as nature intended. Whichever style you choose, it contains one ingredient: honey. Even better, this honey has been sourced from the protected rainforests of South America and is both USDA-certified organic and gluten-free. This ensures that it is of the highest quality and isn’t processed with any unnatural additives. It also has a rich taste profile, an appealing golden color, and a natural aroma, along with a wonderful velvety texture.
This product is ideal for adding sweetness to food and drinks like granola, yogurts, coffee, and tea. In addition, it can also be used while cooking or baking as a healthy replacement for sugar. Best of all, the manufacturer works with beekeepers who have been family owned and operated for 40 years, so you know that the honey is being handled responsibly from start to finish. For those looking for a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners or refined sugars, this raw honey is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Smooth, sweet taste
- Helps soothe stomach issues
- Naturally sourced from South American rainforests
Cons
- Bottle top may leak or become sticky
Most Eco-Friendly
Next up we have Bee Harmony’s Raw Honey, an all-American product that is sure to impress honey lovers everywhere. It contains natural pollen and enzymes and is packed and sealed with care in clear glass jars for maximum freshness and taste. Sourced from trusted select beekeepers who are committed to responsibly tending bees and respecting the environment, this honey is rated Grade A.
The natural pollen in this honey helps boost energy levels and can aid digestion. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body as well as improve overall mental clarity and well-being. Overall, this raw honey is an excellent choice for those looking for a refreshingly sweet flavor and natural health benefits. With its reliable taste, environmental consciousness, and responsible sourcing, it is sure to please anyone.
Pros
- Carefully sealed in clear glass jars
- A healthy alternative to sugar
- Available in four flavors
Cons
- Honey can sometimes crystallize
Most Nutritious
Aunt Sue’s Raw Honey is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a delicious and nutritious sweetener to their pantry. This high-quality honey is made by independent beekeepers with only the finest ingredients possible. It is minimally processed and each batch of honey goes through a rigorous testing process to ensure that it meets the highest standards. The honey itself is raw and unfiltered, meaning that more of the pollen pieces remain in the honey, creating a unique flavor profile that truly stands out. This also means this product retains many of its natural benefits, such as anti-allergenic qualities.
On top of everything, you can also use this raw honey for a variety of recipes because it’s been specifically designed to combine well with different flavors. Whether you are cooking or baking, this honey can be used as a sweetener or taste enhancer. Most importantly, the honey’s quality is ensured by sampling, testing, and grading it for moisture, clarity, flavor, floral type, and color.
Pros
- Unfiltered and minimally processed
- Thick consistency gives a satisfying feeling
- Strained to retain more pollen
Cons
- Taste isn’t strong enough for some
Best Value
Seeking the most value? Consider purchasing TJO Bees’ Raw Honey, which provides a great taste that is natural, pure, and unadulterated. Additionally, this pick contains honey from the primary nectar sources of sweet clover, alfalfa, and wildflower, which are all sourced from North Dakota. The raw and unfiltered nature of this honey preserves its texture and flavor while holding onto its vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants.
This delightful raw honey has a unique flavor and aroma that makes it perfect for all kinds of dishes or even to be enjoyed straight out of the jar. Apart from its culinary uses, this honey is also great for skin care — its natural elements make it an excellent remedy for clearing up blemishes, reducing redness and inflammation, moisturizing dry skin, and combating wrinkles. Furthermore, this honey can be used as a natural cleansing agent for hair to provide nourishment and make it glossier.
Pros
- Can be heated for easy spreading/pouring
- Fragrant, clean flavor
- Not filtered or strained
Cons
- Texture may be gritty
Finding the Best Raw Honey: A Buying Guide
If you’re looking for an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners that’s healthy, delicious, and natural, raw honey may be right for you. But, with so many varieties available, it can be a challenge for shoppers to determine which type is ideal for them. To make the selection process easier, this buyer’s guide will help you choose raw honey based on a variety of criteria, including source, taste, color, health benefits, purity, and more.
Source
One of the most important factors to consider is the honey’s source. Where was the honey produced? Is it organic or conventionally grown? Organic honey is generally considered to have higher nutritional value since it is made without the use of pesticides and other chemicals. It is also thought to contain higher levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
Conversely, conventionally produced honey often contains trace amounts of pesticides and other pollutants due to its mass production methods. Depending on what you’re looking for in your honey experience — the cleanest ingredients or maximum flavor — you should select a source that most fits your needs.
Taste
Another essential element when selecting raw honey is taste. Different varieties have different flavor profiles ranging from mild to strong. Depending on your preference, you’ll want to look for honey that best suits your palate. Additionally, some raw honey has unique flavor notes, such as floral or fruitiness, that can make it stand out from other varieties.
Color
Raw honey’s color can greatly vary by variety and region. Generally speaking though, darker honey tends to have more intense flavors, while lighter-colored kinds of honey are milder. It’s important to consider color when selecting honey, as some might not look exactly like what you expect from the jar.
Packaging
Packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and freshness of raw honey. Look for packaging that seals tight enough to prevent spoilage but still allows some air flow to keep the product fresh tasting. Some honey also comes in opaque containers, which helps protect against light deterioration.
Certified Organic Label
Many consumers opt for raw honey that has been certified organic by a reputable third-party agency to ensure it’s free from synthetic ingredients and potential environmental pollutants. If you’re electing to go this route, then make sure that the product clearly states its organic certification on the label.
Health Benefits
While all honey contains some level of natural health benefits, such as antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, certain types may be richer in specific nutrients than others. For instance, Manuka honey and buckwheat honey are known for their unusually high antioxidant content, making them an attractive option for those looking for an extra health boost with their sweet treat.
Purity
Purity is another key component when selecting raw honey. Make sure that the product is free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives, as these can diminish the overall health benefits of enjoying naturally produced sweeteners like raw honey. Many types are tested beforehand and will advertise their purity measurements on their label as well, so read closely before buying!
Allergens
It’s also important to take into consideration any potential allergens present, as some people may have sensitivities or allergies to ingredients included in certain varieties of honey. If you do have any allergies or sensitivities, make sure they are identified on the label to avoid any potential reactions down the line.
Reviews
Lastly, don’t forget about checking reviews! People who have purchased various brands of raw honey before are usually willing to share their experiences online, so use those reviews as a valuable source of information before making your purchase. This way, you can get firsthand accounts from people who have used these products, which may give you a better idea about what type of raw honey suits your needs!
People Also Asked
What is raw honey?
Raw honey is honey that has been harvested directly from the beehive and has not been pasteurized, filtered, or processed in any way. This type of honey still contains all of the beneficial ingredients, such as enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, that have been naturally produced by bees.
What are the benefits of consuming raw honey?
Raw honey is known to have natural healing properties and can help fight inflammation, allergies, and infections. It is also a natural energy booster and can help improve digestion and boost immunity. Additionally, consuming raw honey may improve your quality of sleep and reduce stress levels.
Is it safe for children and pregnant women to consume raw honey?
While raw honey is generally safe for most people, it's not recommended for children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism. Pregnant women should also exercise caution, as there is a slight risk of contamination with bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming raw honey during pregnancy.
Does raw honey contain any allergens?
Raw honey can contain pollen and other potential allergens, which may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with pollen allergies. It's important for individuals with allergies to exercise caution when consuming raw honey and to consult with a healthcare professional if they have concerns.
Does raw honey need to be refrigerated?
Raw honey does not need to be refrigerated; it can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration can cause honey to crystallize faster, but it doesn't spoil due to its natural antimicrobial properties.
