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How Can One Distinguish Between Real and Fake Honey?

Distinguishing between real and fake honey is tricky, as we can’t conduct tests like professionals. However, there are some key factors can help one make more informed choices.

There may be more methods, below are just what I’ve learnt over the years:

1. Source and Labeling

  • Check the label: Look for terms like "raw," "organic," or "100% natural" honey. However, labels can sometimes be misleading, so it's important to check for certifications like UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) for Manuka honey, or Total Activity (TA) for Jarrah Honey and other Western Australia’s honey as these are recognized quality standards.
  • Origin of honey: Honey sourced from trusted regions or brands (e.g., New Zealand for UMF-rated Manuka honey, Australia for TA-rated honey) is generally more reliable. Do note that not all countries have the same tight regulations as others, so the country of origin is important. Moreover, be cautious when a honey is labeled as “blended” because it indicates that the honey has been mixed (e.g. Honey A from country X mixed (aka blended) with Honey B from country Y).

2. Crystallization

  • Natural honey crystallizes over time, especially at cooler temperatures. Real honey will form small and fine crystals. This is a natural process, and it indicates that honey is real. We call it “crystal candy” sometimes. Fake honey, however, typically processed or mixed with sugars and syrups, tends to remain smooth and liquid for long periods, and they won’t crytallize.
  • Speed of crystallization can depend on the type of honey, but crystallization itself is a sign of real honey.

3. Water Content

  • Pure honey has low water content (typically less than 18% moisture). High moisture levels in fake or adulterated honey can cause it to ferment over time, that’s why real hone lasts LONG while adulterated one does not. A quick check at home is to observe its texture—real honey tends to be thicker and more viscous, while fake honey with added water is often runnier and overly liquid. Adulterated honey flows too smoothly, making it harder to scoop with a teaspoon.

4. Additives and Processing

  • Real honey is minimally processed and can vary in appearance and taste from batch to batch, offering unique flavors. Ultra-filtered honey is often a sign of adulteration or syrup blending. Be cautious of honey that looks unnaturally clear or overly smooth, as real honey tends to have natural variations in color and texture. Each batch of authentic honey may taste slightly different due to the flowers the bees pollinated.

5. Taste and Aroma

  • Real honey has a complex, rich flavor with floral undertones that vary depending on the flowers the bees have pollinated, along with a distinctive natural aroma and aftertaste. For example, Jarrah Honey has a smooth, caramel-like flavor with an earthy aftertaste that lingers pleasantly, known for its mild sweetness. Manuka Honey is more robust, offering a slightly bitter, medicinal aftertaste with rich, woody undertones, which reflects its potent antibacterial properties.
  • Fake honey lacks depth and may taste overly sweet, like sugar water, with no aftertaste.

6. Consistency and Texture

  • Thicker and slower to pour: Real honey has a thicker consistency that allows you to scoop it easily with a teaspoon or honey stick. In contrast, fake honey is often runnier due to added water or syrups, making it difficult to scoop and causing it to flow too quickly.

7. Home Tests

  • Water test: Add a spoonful of honey to a glass of water (room temperature). Real honey will settle at the bottom and only dissolve when stirred. In contrast, adulterated honey will dissolve quickly, indicating the presence of added sugars or water.
  • Thumb test: Place a small drop of honey on your thumb. Real honey stays in place and doesn't spread easily, while fake honey might run off due to its thin consistency.

8. Certification and Traceability

  • Buy from trusted brands: Reputable brands provide detailed information about the source and purity of their honey. At Hives Keeper Honey, we ensure full traceability—from the year, month, and batch to the specific flowers the bees pollinated and the results of quality tests. I also know that we are not alone because there are many trusted brands offer this level of transparency as well. Unfortunately, some cannot. They cannot trace their honey back to their origin because they’ve mixed it with cheaper, inferior products. This blending process makes it difficult (even for them) to guarantee the authenticity or quality of the honey they are offering.
  • Certifications: For specific types of honey like Manuka, ensure it has a UMF or MGO rating to indicate its authenticity and antibacterial potency. For Jarrah, Blackbutt, Marri, or Red bell honey, ensure it has a TA rating to indicate its authenticity and origin.

I didn’t intend to write so much when I first approached the question, I hope the above is helpful and can help you not to buy fake or adulterated products.

If you have any other honey-related questions or want to explore more ways to enjoy honey, feel free to reach out! 🐝🍯

I took this attached photo at the previous harvesting season. It shows the stars of our shows - our happy bees! 

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