The Beehive Blog
Does Raw Honey Expire or Go Bad?
If you’ve had a jar of honey sitting in your pantry for a while, you might be wondering: Does raw honey expire? Or perhaps you’ve noticed it turning solid and thought it had gone off. The short answer? No, raw honey doesn’t expire. In fact, it’s one of the few natural foods with an almost infinite shelf life.
Why Raw Honey Doesn’t Expire
Raw honey has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs—still perfectly edible thousands of years later. But why is honey so uniquely long-lasting? Several factors contribute to this:
1. Low Water Content
Honey is hygroscopic, meaning it contains very little water. When properly matured, raw honey has a water content below 18%. Bacteria and mould cannot survive without moisture, making honey naturally antimicrobial.
2. High Sugar Concentration
With its high sugar content, honey inhibits microbial growth. Sugars like glucose and fructose draw water out of bacterial cells, killing them through osmosis.
3. Naturally Acidic pH
Raw honey typically has a pH between 3.4 and 4.5. Most bacteria and microorganisms prefer a neutral environment, so honey’s acidity keeps them at bay.
4. Bee Enzymes
Bees add enzymes to nectar during the honey-making process. One important enzyme, glucose oxidase, produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide—an antimicrobial compound that helps preserve honey naturally.
5. Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Compounds
Raw honey is rich in organic acids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, all of which contribute to its preservation. These compounds help fight microbial contamination and oxidation over time.
Why Is There an Expiry Date on Honey?
Though honey doesn’t spoil, jars in the supermarket often have a “best before” or expiration date. This is due to commercial labelling regulations.
In the UAE, recent guidance from Dubai Municipality clarified that honey is exempt from expiry labelling under standard UAE.S 150-2:2017. Only the production or harvest date needs to be displayed. At Princess Bee Honey Co., we proudly follow this rule. Our jars now display the harvest month and year—not an expiry date—because pure honey doesn’t expire.
Does Honey Change Over Time?
Yes, even raw honey can change in texture or colour—but these changes are natural and do not indicate spoilage.
Crystallisation
Crystallisation is a sign of real, raw honey. It occurs when glucose separates from the water in honey and forms crystals. This process does not mean your honey is expired or ruined. Simply place the jar in warm water (below 40°C) to return it to its liquid state. Avoid microwaving, as it destroys honey’s beneficial enzymes and nutrients.
Darkening
Over time, honey may darken and lose some of its original aroma. This is normal and doesn’t affect the honey’s safety or nutritional value.
How to Store Raw Honey
To ensure your honey stays fresh for years:
Keep the jar tightly sealed
Store it at room temperature (21–27°C)
Avoid direct sunlight and humidity
Do not refrigerate, as this speeds up crystallisation
How to Know If Your Honey Is Raw and Pure
To enjoy the benefits of real honey, make sure it is:
Raw (not pasteurised)
Unfiltered (retains pollen and enzymes)
Lab-tested for purity and quality
At Princess Bee Honey Co., we conduct both in-house and third-party testing to ensure our honey is free from antibiotics, pesticides, and additives. All our lab results and pollen analyses are published online for full transparency.
Final Thoughts: Does Raw Honey Expire?
No, raw honey does not expire. It may crystallise, darken, or change slightly in texture, but these are natural processes. If stored correctly, your raw honey can last indefinitely while preserving all its nutritional and healing benefits.
So next time you rediscover a forgotten jar of honey—don’t throw it out. Celebrate it! You’re holding one of nature’s most powerful and long-lasting gifts.
Author:
Princess Bee Honey Co.
