The Dirty Secret About Honey in America: No Such Thing as ‘Organic

Why Raw Honey is Considered a Superfood

Raw honey is more than just a natural sweetener—it is a nutrient-dense superfood with medicinal properties that have been celebrated for thousands of years. Unlike processed honey, raw honey is unheated, unpasteurized, and unfiltered, meaning it retains its full spectrum of enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

• Antioxidant Rich: Raw honey is loaded with flavonoids and polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Immune Boosting: It contains natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds that support the immune system.
• Gut Health: Enzymes and prebiotics in raw honey feed beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestion and overall health.
• Wound Healing: Applied topically, honey has been shown to accelerate wound healing and fight infection due to its antimicrobial properties.
• Energy Support: The natural glucose and fructose provide a quick, clean energy source for athletes and active lifestyles.

raw unfiltered honey here 

The Problem with Fake Honey

While raw honey is packed with nutrients, not all honey sold on supermarket shelves is authentic. In fact, much of the honey consumed in the U.S. is fake or adulterated honey, often imported from overseas—most notoriously from China.

These counterfeit honeys are typically diluted with corn syrup, rice syrup, or high-fructose sweeteners. Some are ultra-filtered to the point that they no longer contain pollen, making it nearly impossible to trace their origin. This stripping process not only removes valuable nutrients but also deceives consumers who believe they are buying a natural product.

Why this matters: Fake honey provides no real health benefits, may contain contaminants, and supports unethical supply chains that hurt honest beekeepers.

Brands and Labels to Watch Out For

In the United States, you may notice something peculiar: there is no official USDA “Organic Honey” certification. While some jars are labeled “organic,” these claims can be misleading, as bees forage over wide distances, making it impossible to control pesticide exposure at scale.

Major commercial brands found in most grocery stores—often the cheapest options—are frequently implicated in honey scandals. Many of these brands test positive for adulteration or ultra-filtration, stripping away the very compounds that make honey beneficial.

• Be cautious of: Extremely cheap honey, honey labeled “blend of EU and non-EU honey,” or brands that don’t list their source.
• Avoid: Mass-market brands that have been flagged in reports for adulteration, particularly those importing from China.

The Best Honey to Buy

If you want the full health benefits of honey, choose wisely. Here are the best options for purchasing genuine, nutrient-rich honey:

1. Local Raw Honey: Visit local farmers markets or trusted beekeepers in your area. This ensures freshness, authenticity, and often helps with seasonal allergies due to local pollen.
2. Single-Source or Monofloral Honey: Varieties like Sidr honey from Yemen are prized for their medicinal qualities and strict authenticity standards.
3. Certified Raw Honey Brands: Look for U.S.-based companies that specialize in raw, unfiltered honey and are transparent about their sourcing, such as Bee Raw, Nature Nate’s Raw & Unfiltered, or Really Raw Honey.

Remember: if your honey looks perfectly clear, pours like syrup, and never crystallizes—it’s a red flag. Real raw honey will crystallize over time.

Key Takeaway

Raw honey is a true superfood, offering antioxidants, enzymes, and antibacterial compounds that processed and fake honeys simply don’t provide. But in today’s market, not all honey is created equal. By avoiding mass-produced and imported honeys—especially those from China—and instead choosing raw, local, or specialty honeys, you can ensure that every spoonful is both delicious and genuinely healing.