Honey Types Explained
How honey is processed affects its texture, shelf life, and nutritional content. Learn about each type to make informed choices.
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Raw honey is unheated and retains all natural enzymes and nutrients. Filtered honey has had particles removed but keeps most benefits. Pasteurized honey is heat-treated for shelf life but loses some enzymes. Creamed honey is controlled-crystallized for spreadability. Comb honey is completely unprocessed, still in beeswax. For maximum health benefits, choose raw and unfiltered.
Raw Honey
Browse RawHoney as it exists in the beehive. Raw honey is strained to remove debris but is never heated above natural hive temperatures, preserving all natural enzymes, pollen, and beneficial compounds.
Benefits
- Contains natural enzymes
- Preserves pollen and propolis
- Maximum nutritional value
- Natural antibacterial properties
Considerations
Not recommended for infants under 1 year. May crystallize faster than processed honey.
Filtered Honey
Browse FilteredRaw honey that has been lightly filtered to remove larger particles like wax and bee parts while still preserving most beneficial properties.
Benefits
- Clearer appearance
- Longer shelf life
- Retains most nutrients
- Slower crystallization
Considerations
Some pollen may be removed during filtering.
Pasteurized Honey
Browse PasteurizedHoney that has been heated to high temperatures to kill yeast cells and slow crystallization. This process extends shelf life but reduces some beneficial properties.
Benefits
- Long shelf life
- Consistent texture
- Clear appearance
- Widely available
Considerations
Heat destroys some enzymes and antioxidants.
Creamed Honey
Browse CreamedAlso called whipped or spun honey. Controlled crystallization creates a smooth, spreadable texture while maintaining raw honey benefits.
Benefits
- Spreadable consistency
- No dripping
- Same nutrition as raw
- Great for toast
Considerations
Texture preference is personal - some prefer liquid honey.
Comb Honey
Browse CombHoney sold still in the beeswax comb, exactly as the bees made it. The most unprocessed form of honey available.
Benefits
- Completely unprocessed
- Contains beeswax
- Edible wax adds fiber
- Impressive presentation
Considerations
Higher price point. Wax texture may not appeal to everyone.
Infused Honey
Browse InfusedHoney that has been combined with other ingredients like herbs, spices, fruit, or hot peppers to create unique flavors.
Benefits
- Creative flavor combinations
- Unique gifting option
- Culinary versatility
- Added functional ingredients
Considerations
Added ingredients may alter nutritional profile.
Organic Honey
Browse OrganicHoney certified to meet organic standards, meaning bees forage on pesticide-free flowers and hives are managed without synthetic chemicals.
Benefits
- No pesticide exposure
- Environmental sustainability
- Strict quality standards
- Traceability
Considerations
Certification can be difficult as bees forage up to 5 miles from hives.
Raw Honey Guide Editorial Team
Reviewed by certified beekeepers and apiculture specialists. Our editorial team consults with professional beekeepers, food scientists, and registered dietitians to ensure accuracy.