EDUCATION May 22, 2025

Myths and Facts About Honey

EDUCATION

13 minute, 30 seconds read

Essential Takeaways

Humans have used honey for thousands of years so it’s only natural that we have developed all sorts of honey myths and beliefs that seem to blur into one. From a nice sugar alternative to a wound healing aid, which bold claims can you trust?

This guide delves into interesting honey facts from why bees make honey in the first place and whether they can survive without the honey we harvest, to the medical conditions that honey might help, creative ways to use it in our food, and more.

We are putting all the most common myths and facts about honey to the test, so get all your burning questions answered.

Disclaimer: Statements within this email have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. New Zealand Honey Co. products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or injury. Any information provided is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with a healthcare professional.

Honey has long been associated with health and wellness throughout the world. And these days, there are plenty of bold claims about the wondrous things it can do.

From managing seasonal allergies and preventing colds to balancing hormones and improving fertility, how do you sort the facts from the fiction?

Here, we’ve collected many of the common honey myths and facts to discuss one by one, providing more context around these beliefs and where we actually have scientific evidence.

That way, you can make the most informed decision about which honey might be right for you.

In this guide to myths and facts about honey:

Facts vs. myths about honey production and storage
Myths and fun facts about honey in food
Myths and facts specific to Manuka honey
Where to get your genuine Manuka honey

Facts vs. Myths About Honey Production & Storage

Let’s get down to business and sort the truth from the myths about honey.

All bees produce honey (MYTH)

Less than 4% of bee species produce honey and many of those don’t make enough that is worth commercially harvesting¹. The European Apis mellifera species was brought to New Zealand to produce honey and is the species that we have to thank for our world-renowned Manuka honey.

Learn more about which bees make honey, how, and why here.

Honey never spoils (MYTH)

Pure, raw honey crystallises over time due to its uneven sugar and water content². This is a sign that your honey is pure, and it can be reversed through gentle heating and stirring.

If however, you don’t soften your honey, it can ferment - and that’s not so pretty. The flavour of the honey changes and although it’s safe to eat, it won’t be very pleasant, and it can’t be undone.

Learn more about honey crystallisation and how to prevent fermentation here.

Manuka honey has an impressive shelf life when stored correctly. To keep your Manuka honey at its best for longer, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight—ideally around 20°C (68°F). Keeping it in its original container also helps maintain its quality over time.

Here’s what you need to know about how long Manuka honey lasts and how to store it.

Crystallised honey isn’t spoiled (FACT)

Pure, raw honey will crystallise over time as the water and sugar separate². This is a good sign, it means that your honey is not overly processed - and it doesn’t mean that the honey has gone bad.

Some people like the extra crunch of crystallised honey, but if that’s not you, it’s easy to soften the honey again.

Here’s our guide to reversing honey crystallisation.

Raw honey is dirty (MYTH)

Honey can be heated and filtered to remove any debris from the hive (like pollen), and get rid of bacteria. The problem with this process is that it destroys the beneficial enzymes too and in most cases, the honey wouldn’t have caused any real health threat anyway.

So raw honey is not dirty, it’s just closer to its natural state in the hive - and studies suggest that this offers us the most health benefits³.

Learn more about pure honey and the signs of a genuine product.

It’s dangerous to eat raw honey (MYTH)

It’s perfectly safe to eat raw honey. However, it should not be given to infants under 12 months, as their digestive systems aren’t developed enough to handle certain naturally occurring bacteria. People with specific allergies or weakened immune systems may also want to check with a healthcare provider before consuming it.

Honey, like other fruits and vegetables that have come into contact with plants and soils, can contain naturally-occurring bacteria which the average healthy child and adult can process without any issues⁴.

Processed honey is often free from these bacteria but also a lot of the beneficial enzymes too. It’s best to get advice from your doctor if you’re worried about eating raw honey.

In our guide to organic honey, we discuss different processing methods and how to interpret honey labels safely.

All honey is the same (MYTH)

There is a huge variety in the flavour, taste, consistency, and quality of honey. Everything from the nectar and pollen used by bees to their geographical location, its climate, their health, and the characteristics of the hive can influence the final product⁵ - not to mention what we do with it after it’s harvested.

From light and floral flavours and textures to thicker, more caramel-like consistencies with earthier undertones, you’ll find all sorts of exciting differences between honey types. And you might even notice some subtle variation between different jars of the same type when it’s pure and raw honey like ours⁶.

But it’s not just about taste. Manuka honey, in particular, stands out for its unique health and wellness properties. Known for its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content, manuka honey is valued for a wide range of uses - from daily wellbeing and immune support to soothing sore throats, supporting digestion, skincare, aiding wound healing, and more.

Unfortunately, many honeys on grocery store shelves are highly processed and diluted with artificial sugars. These are often short on any nutritional value, whereas other honeys pack a serious wellness punch.

Learn more about the honey varieties found throughout New Zealand alone.

Bees die for us to harvest honey (MYTH)

Careful and responsible beekeepers (like those we work with) handle the hive and honeycomb with the utmost care when harvesting honey. Bees should not die, or be harmed, during this process.

It is best practice to leave some of the honey in the hive too, protecting the health and resilience of the colony in the long-term.

Learn more about bees and beekeeping here.

Bees need all the honey that we harvest (MYTH)

Bees make honey to protect them during the months when nectar and pollen are in short supply⁷. In the cases where beekeepers are harvesting honey, they will ensure that the bees have what they need to survive these months, rendering any honey reserves unnecessary.

Responsible beekeeping is safe for bee colonies, and they are never left without the crucial food, nutrients, and resources they need to thrive.

Learn more about how and why bees make honey.

Expensive honey indicates quality (MYTH)

Just like any other product or service, spending more money doesn’t always guarantee better quality. And unfortunately, honey labels aren’t always very helpful either.

For example, honey can be called “pure” even when it contains added sugars⁸.

When it comes to Manuka honey, however, quality can be measured more reliably. UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) is an independent grading system that verifies the presence of key compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO), and reflects the honey’s natural potency and antibacterial activity.

Studies have found that Manuka honey offers particularly potent health benefits compared to other honey types⁹, and this has led to an independent grading system to verify them.

UMF™ graded Manuka honey is priced differently based on its activity level, so while a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee better honey, in this case, it can indicate a stronger, more active batch.

Learn more about the different Manuka honey ratings and quality assurance labels here.

Fake honey is a serious global issue (FACT)

Honey is one of the most faked foods in the world thanks to its global reputation for health and wellness¹⁰.

The supply cannot meet the demand, and many honeys in stores are overly processed and diluted to extend their shelf life and the quantities of stock.

Here’s how you can avoid buying fake honey.

It’s difficult to certify that honey is organic, even if it is (FACT)

Bees can travel up to two miles (roughly three kilometers) when collecting pollen and nectar¹¹. So even if most of the surrounding areas are farmed or managed organically, there’s a chance that they may have ventured elsewhere, too.

For this reason, it’s best to exercise caution when you see “organic honey” labels. We recommend that you also look for other testing or verifications, like our glyphosate-free, UMF™ graded Manuka honey. That way, you’re more likely to get a good quality product.

Learn more about honey labels like “organic” and how to interpret them.

Honey stored in plastic will degrade (MYTH)

It’s true that honey should be stored properly to last as long as possible, but it’s more important that the container is airtight and kept at room temperature, than whether it’s made from plastic or glass.

Our Manuka honeys are packaged in recyclable plastic as we find this best meets the needs of shipping, storage, and sustainable waste management.

Learn more about how long honey lasts and how to boost its shelf life.

Honey should be stored in the fridge (MYTH)

If you want to keep your pure, raw honey and its beneficial compounds intact, keep it out of the fridge. Keeping honey cold could speed up the crystallisation process, and this, if not reversed, may lead to fermentation - which cannot be undone. Leave your honey in the pantry in an airtight container for the longest shelf life.

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Myths & Fun Facts About Honey in Food

The best thing about getting all the good stuff from honey is the eating part, right? Let’s dive into some of the common ways to use honey in food and where you might be going wrong…

You can eat honey if you’re allergic to bee stings (FACT-ish)

Most people who are allergic to bee stings can safely consume raw honey, but it’s always best to check with your doctor. If you’re allergic to pollen, it could be dangerous to eat raw honey as this can sometimes contain traces of pollen¹².

Honey is a known prebiotic (FACT)

Honey contains special carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which can act as prebiotics (substances that feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut). According to research, these oligosaccharides from honey have shown potential to promote the growth of good gut bacteria, including Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.

"Honey is also being recognized as a potential prebiotic, since it has oligosaccharides that can promote the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, in addition to antimicrobial components which can act synergistically with the probiotics against certain pathogens."

Effect of honey in improving the gut microbial balance, 2005 study.

More research (especially human clinical trials) is still needed to confirm how effective honey may be as a prebiotic in our everyday diet.

Learn about using Manuka honey for stomach problems.

Honey is a great source of energy (FACT)

We know that sugar boosts our energy, but it’s the other nutrients you consume with it that influence how long that energy lasts.

As well as sugar, honey also contains amino acids, lipids, and peptides which are important for a longer, sustained energy kick.

“These results are great news for athletes or anyone looking for a natural, convenient energy boost.”

Boost athletic performance with honey, Food Navigator¹³.

Read up on how you can use Manuka honey as a natural source of energy.

Honey is a great natural sweetener alternative (FACT)

Honey contains naturally occurring sugars, so it’s a great way to sweeten our foods and drinks without turning to the overly processed, refined sugar options out there. Studies have shown it also offers a host of additional benefits and nutrients, unlike some of the other natural options available.

In fact, we dive into the details of using honey as a natural sweetener and how it compares to other popular options in the guides below:

For a summary, check out our healthy natural sweeteners guide.

Honey is dangerous for diabetics (MYTH-ish)

Every diabetic person will have a different relationship with sugar, so it’s vital that you get advice from your doctor before introducing honey into your diet if you haven’t used it before.

Honey contains sugar, so it needs to be consumed with caution - but it may offer diabetic people some interesting benefits¹⁴. Studies have found that honey can help to reduce inflammation, ulcers, and wound infections that are particularly dangerous for diabetic people.

“MHID [manuka honey-impregnated dressings] represent an effective treatment for NDFU [neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers] leading to a significant reduction in the time of healing and rapid disinfection of ulcers.”

Manuka honey-impregnated dressings in the treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers, 2014 study¹⁵.

Learn more about using Manuka honey when you have diabetes here.

Honey is gluten-free (FACT)

This is true, nice and simple! Gluten is a protein commonly found in things like wheat, barley, rye, and grains. Pure, raw honey will not contain gluten - but processed honey products might, so it’s always best to double-check the packaging.

Learn more about gluten-free honey and the watch-outs you need to know.

You should never give a baby honey (FACT)

Infants under 12 months old should never be given raw honey. Some naturally-derived foods like honey (and also some low-acid vegetables, fish, and meats) can carry toxins that underdeveloped digestive systems can’t safely process yet.

One of these toxins is called Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism, a nasty illness that can be fatal⁴. After twelve months, babies should have the capacity to process this bacteria and many others without any trouble, but it’s best to check with your doctor first.

Learn more about Manuka honey for children here.

Honey is safe for children (FACT)

Healthy children can enjoy the health benefits of pure, raw honey just like adults. By the time they turn one year old, they should have developed the capacity to digest any naturally-occurring bacteria which might have caused them problems as babies, such as Clostridium botulinum.

Infant botulism is a serious and nasty illness, so if you’re unsure whether your child can enjoy honey safely, it’s best to check with your doctor first.

Learn more about giving Manuka honey to children here.

Honey is safe for pets (FACT-ish)

Honey is generally safe to give to your pets, but it’s best to check with your vet to make sure. It’s more common for vets to recommend using honey for wounds, particularly when it comes to horses, as they are typically more prone to infection and complications¹⁶.

Learn more about using honey for your pets with our dedicated guides:

Heating honey makes it toxic (MYTH)

Heating honey doesn’t make it toxic, but it can remove some of the beneficial properties found in the honey.

For example, Manuka honey contains uniquely high levels of antibacterial activity¹⁷, but this can be lost when it is heated above the natural temperature of the hive (37℃/98.6℉).

So it’s safe to eat hot honey, but it may not offer you much more than a sweet kick.

Honey is a great way to add extra nutrition to food (FACT)

As well as sugar, honey also contains beneficial nutrients like amino acids, peptides, and lipids¹³, and has been shown to offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

So, adding pure, raw honey to your food is a great way of adding an extra health boost to your diet. Particularly Manuka honey, which is especially potent in all that good stuff¹⁸.

Learn more about why and how Manuka honey is good for you.

Specific Manuka Honey Myths and Facts

Let’s end with a few myths and facts about Manuka honey, specifically.

Manuka honey is the best type of honey (FACT-ish)

This all depends on what you want to use your honey for. Manuka honey has been studied for decades because of its uniquely potent antibacterial properties¹⁹. As a result, there’s a wealth of evidence now that it can be helpful in keeping us looking and feeling our best²⁰.

So Manuka honey might be the best type of honey for people who want a delicious wellness punch or for specific uses like healing wounds. For those who simply want a drizzle of something sweet on their morning porridge and don’t want to pay extra for the health benefits, store-bought honey would work fine.

Learn more about what makes Manuka honey special and what it can be used for here.

Manuka honey is the only antibacterial honey (MYTH)

Most types of honey provide antibacterial activities thanks to the presence of hydrogen peroxide. However, Manuka honey also gets its antibacterial properties from a different compound: methylglyoxal (MGO).

Whilst a range of different honey types contain MGO in small amounts, Manuka honey has been found to have the highest concentrations, with up to 100 times more MGO than other types of honey²¹.

Why does this matter? Our bodies produce a type of enzyme called catalases, which readily break down hydrogen peroxide to avoid damage. So while the antibacterial effects of most honeys are limited inside the body, Manuka honey may continue to perform.

Learn more about MGO and honey here.

Monofloral Manuka honey is better than multifloral (FACT-ish)

Monofloral Manuka honey (honey made only with the nectar of the mānuka flower) will likely be more potent in the unique benefits this particular plant offers - compared to honey sourced from a combination of mānuka and other flowers²².

This doesn’t mean that multifloral honey (made with a mixture of different nectars) doesn’t offer health benefits, too. It really depends on what you’re looking to get from your honey.

Learn more about the difference between monofloral and multifloral Manuka honey.

All Manuka honey is certified by UMF™ or MGO (MYTH)

UMF™ and MGO are two different things.

UMF™ stands for Unique Manuka Factor™, and this refers to an independent grading system which authenticates genuine and fresh monofloral Manuka honey from New Zealand. Only Manuka honey which has this grade on the jar has been tested and certified to the UMF™ standard.

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, which is a naturally-occurring compound found in many honeys. It is particularly potent in Manuka honey and is associated with its high antibacterial activity²¹. The level of MGO found in Manuka honey dictates its UMF™ grade, if it has one.

Learn more about the various Manuka honey ratings here.

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We Only Deal With Real Manuka Honey at New Zealand Honey Co.

Why not sort the facts from the fiction by trying our genuine Manuka honey yourself? Here’s what some of our customers think:

“This honey tastes way better than I thought it would, and it's been a new addition to our family's daily routine since I got it. I love that it's also great for dogs - I add it to my fur baby's homemade treats and he obviously can't get enough. Overall very happy with this, would definitely recommend and will be purchasing once this one is empty!”

Simona N., verified buyer | UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+

“I’m loving the Manuka Honey! The smooth texture and unique, delicious flavor set it apart. I’ve been using it for daily wellness and have noticed great results. Highly recommend!”