The best honeys in the UK 2023

There is nothing better than the smooth texture, the atypical sweet taste, and the unique flavor of honey to enhance your homemade recipes, perfect your beauty rituals or simply to prevent stroke, obesity, diabetes, etc. Pure, raw, flavored, filtered or not, manuka honey, thyme honey, etc. What to choose? Read our guide to find out more.

Royal Bee raw white honey from Kyrgyzstan 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Royal Bee raw white honey from Kyrgyzstan

The best honey in 2021

This honey of atypical color will not leave you indifferent as much by its curative and preventive virtues as by its odor and its pleasant savor.

23,99 £ on Amazon

This atypical white honey comes from the Sainfoin flower, also called Esparcet or Sainte Grêle, particularly rich in pollen and nectar. The fine gourmets will appreciate its sweetness in mouth, and its delicate flowery perfume. The virtues of this honey are so numerous that we recommend it without hesitation. If you have fertility or digestive problems, this honey is an excellent remedy.

Being a powerful antioxidant, it is also rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Besides that, it prevents all kinds of cardiovascular diseases, improves memory and gives energy to the body. This makes it an excellent ally for athletes. In short, thanks to this white honey, your dishes will be sublimated, your body healthy, and your palate delighted!

Les Ruchers du Luberon, lavender honey 2
9/10

Inexpensive

Les Ruchers du Luberon, lavender honey

The best entry-level honey in 2021

It is a delicious honey made in the UK with a delicate perfume with which you can perfect all your sweet and salty preparations. Made with lavender, it will also make you benefit from its antiseptic and soothing virtues.

8,41 £ on Amazon

This delicious honey with a floral taste from Provence will work wonders in your kitchen. What to delight the fine gourmets and the followers of culinary art! Madeleines, sorbets, shortbread, cakes, etc. all your savory and sweet recipes will be sublimated thanks to this honey. Of superior quality, it keeps for a long time and benefits from a Label Rouge and a IGP.

It can also be used as a remedy, this lavender honey is particularly effective to treat colds, angina, small burns, bronchitis, hypertension, infected wounds and various respiratory problems. You can even include it in your beauty routine to make homemade face and body masks.

Kiwo manuka honey 3
9/10

Top of the line

Kiwo manuka honey

The best high-end honey in 2021

It is a honey with a thousand and one virtues coming from New Zealand that will relieve your sore throat, coughs, hoarseness of the voice, digestive problems, insomnia, etc... Safe and healthy, it has been carefully tested in laboratory.

30,72 £ on Amazon

Packaged in a 250 g plastic jar, this sweet treat is especially appreciated for its antimicrobial properties and its many health benefits. Of superior quality, it has a high level of methylglyoxal (400 mg). This is to give you all the benefits that any honey can offer but on a higher scale.

This honey is also completely safe due to the fact that it has been thoroughly tested in a laboratory before it reaches you. Its ISO17025 certification is also a guarantee of purity, healthiness and safety that reassures consumers. Finally, it is good to note that this manuka honey is free of gluten, wheat and dairy products.

Vidifood orange blossom honey and royal jelly 4
9/10

A great choice

Vidifood orange blossom honey and royal jelly

A well thought-out combination

This 100% natural honey offers a variety of flavors to perfect your culinary repairs. With royal jelly and orange blossom, it also contributes to a strengthened immune system.

19,92 £ on Amazon

Packaged in a 1 kg jar, this honey will delight children (from 1 year old) and adults. And for good reason, it contains a 100% organic nectar and offers various flavors all as delicious as each other. Thyme, eucalyptus, avocado, rosemary, almond or heather: the choice is yours.

The two main ingredients of this honey also contain many minerals and vitamins that will effectively strengthen your immune system. Very good for blood circulation, this Spanish honey can be mixed into your smoothies, teas, and your favorite dishes. The royal jelly it contains contributes to a beautiful skin and delays its aging.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best honey

Any specific needs?

The best honey in 2021

The best entry-level honey in 2021

The best high-end honey in 2021

A well thought-out combination

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best honeys

The best Inexpensive Top of the line Excellent
Royal Bee raw white honey from Kyrgyzstan 5
9/10
Les Ruchers du Luberon, lavender honey 6
9/10
Kiwo manuka honey 7
9/10
Vidifood orange blossom honey and royal jelly 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Royal Bee raw white honey from Kyrgyzstan
Les Ruchers du Luberon, lavender honey
Kiwo manuka honey
Vidifood orange blossom honey and royal jelly
This honey of atypical color will not leave you indifferent as much by its curative and preventive virtues as by its odor and its pleasant savor.
It is a delicious honey made in the UK with a delicate perfume with which you can perfect all your sweet and salty preparations. Made with lavender, it will also make you benefit from its antiseptic and soothing virtues.
It is a honey with a thousand and one virtues coming from New Zealand that will relieve your sore throat, coughs, hoarseness of the voice, digestive problems, insomnia, etc... Safe and healthy, it has been carefully tested in laboratory.
This 100% natural honey offers a variety of flavors to perfect your culinary repairs. With royal jelly and orange blossom, it also contributes to a strengthened immune system.
Quantity / weight
140 g
340 g
250 g
1,000 g
Floral source
Mountain Sainfoin Flower
Lavender
Manuka Flowers
Orange blossom
Raw or processed
Brut
Brut
Pure
Brut
Taste
Sweet
Very fragrant floral flavor
-
A little tart, sweet and very strong
Origin
Tian-Shan from Kyrgyzstan
France (Provence)
New Zealand
Spain

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How to choose your honey

Choosing a honey is quite difficult especially when you are not a connoisseur. That's why you should consider the following criteria to find the right one for you.

#1 - Water content

Honey is hygroscopic, which means that it easily absorbs the humidity of the air. Thus, in very humid areas, it can be difficult to produce honey with low water content. Raw honey with a water content of less than 14% is considered high quality and valuable. Honey with up to 20% water content is not recommended for making mead, for example. A simple way to judge the relative amount of water in honey is to take two jars of honey of the same quantity, temperature and seal from different sources. Turn the two jars upside down and watch the bubbles rise. Bubbles in honey with more water will rise faster.

#2 - The origin

If you are buying local honey, you can go directly to the beekeeper for more details about the product and make sure it is a quality honey and not produced in an intensive bee farm. If the product comes from abroad, rely on the mention "harvested and potted by the beekeeper".

#3 - HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural)

HMF is a breakdown product of fructose (one of the main sugars in honey) formed slowly during storage and very quickly when the honey is heated. High levels of HMF can indicate excessive heating during the extraction process. It is an indicator of honey degradation and aging. For a quality honey, the HMF level should not exceed 5 mg/kg. The limit set by the European Union is 40 mg/kg. You can also note the color of the honey, as it can sometimes act as an indicator of the length of storage or the time of exposure to heat.

#4 - Organic" certification

Although certified "organic", a honey may still have been subjected to pasteurization and may just as well contain pesticides. Thus, an organic honey is not necessarily good for your health. In any case, nothing is better than a raw organic honey. Filtered honeys are certainly more visually appealing, however, raw honey is more beneficial to the body, as it is richer in antioxidants.

#5 - The color and flavor of honey

Generally speaking, the darker the color of the honey, the higher its mineral content, pH, and aroma/flavor levels. The amount of minerals such as potassium, chlorine, sulfur, iron, manganese, magnesium, and sodium is higher in darker honeys. In terms of flavor, the lighter the honey, the sweeter the taste. Grade C honeys are the lightest (and mildest tasting), while grade B honeys are more amber and have a more distinct honey flavor. Grade A honeys are very dark, almost molasses-like, and have a very strong flavor.

#6 - Cultivation plants

There really is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the type of honey you choose because they are all delicious in their own right. However, if you are buying honey for a specific reason, you will need to be a little more diligent. If you are looking for honey solely for its health benefits, manuka honey may be your best bet.

#7 - The signs of quality and origin of honey

The Label Rouge (Alsace honey and Provence honey), the Appellation d'Origine Protégée (Corsican honey) or the Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) are guarantees of honey quality.

The famous Manuka Honey

This Manuka honey has all the traditional properties of honey, but on a much larger scale. Originating in New Zealand, it is made by bees that pollinate only the manuka bush, or Leptospermum scoparium. While all honeys have antibacterial properties, manuka honey is particularly rich in a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO) which makes it very effective at fighting bacteria. It is also considered a powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory and is often considered one of the healthiest types of honey you can buy.

Good to know

Mild diabetics can consume chestnut or acacia honey but sparingly. Insulin is not required to assimilate these honeys.

Some honeys with interesting virtues

  • Lavender honey

Ideal for soothing respiratory problems and flu-like conditions: bronchitis, asthma, coughs, colds, etc.

  • Thyme honey

Ideal for soothing respiratory problems and flu-like conditions, thyme honey also helps to treat digestive and infectious diseases.

  • Chestnut honey

This honey strengthens and stimulates the body's natural defenses and offers powerful energizing and healing properties.

  • Acacia honey

It is very good for the digestive system and fights against constipation.

  • Hawthorn honey

It is the best ally of athletes and people who do a lot of physical activities. It prevents aches and cramps.

Honey contamination

Pesticides sprayed on plants contaminate not only the pollen and nectar of these plants, but also the bees that come to collect them. These contaminated products then go on to poison the entire hive.

The different types of honeys

Here is a closer look at the two types of honey, with their advantages and disadvantages.

Raw Honey

Unfiltered, raw honey is honey that comes directly from the hive and contains no ingredients other than the honey in the hive. While larger particles may have been removed, this honey contains bee pollen and particles that occur naturally.

Unfiltered honeys are usually thicker than filtered honeys and you often cannot pour them out, but you have to scoop them up with a spoon to use them. Not having gone through pasteurization, raw honey is less attractive (visually) than filtered honey: it looks cloudy or more opaque.

Although it has not yet been confirmed that raw honey is more nutritious than regular honey, some small studies show that raw honey may offer additional health benefits. After all, nothing beats natural! In addition, raw honey owes its antioxidant properties to the phenolic acids and flavonoids it contains. The main role of antioxidants is to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Apart from that, raw honey contains bee propolis which according to several studies, would have antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects as well as an antiulcer and anticancer action.

Regular or filtered honey

Filtered honey goes through a process that consists of heating it first (pasteurization). After that, it is cooled and all the fine particles like pollen grains, air bubbles as well as other materials naturally present in natural honey are filtered out. As a result of this filtration process, the honey becomes clearer and smoother. It is this aesthetic characteristic that most consumers prefer.

Filtration also delays the crystallization and decomposition of filtered honey over time. In this way, honey having been previously filtered will remain fluid longer than unfiltered honey. The pasteurization process that natural honey undergoes also decreases its antioxidant content and nutrients without destroying them as some people think.

However, although filtered honey is visually more appealing than raw honey, it may contain added sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup.

Honey or agave syrup?

Aware of the health hazards of refined sugar, people are turning to other alternatives to eat or indulge in delicious, healthier gourmet preparations. Some prefer honey while others think agave syrup is much better. If you are unsure about these two sugar substitutes, this little comparison will help you decide.

Honey

It is a product made from the pollen of flowers collected by bees. Honey can be raw or processed. In the first case, it is pure and contains no other ingredient than the honey from the hive only. Treated honey is pasteurized before being marketed. Unlike raw honey, it is more syrupy and visually appealing.

Honey has a higher sweetening power than refined white sugar. To replace 100 grams of refined sugar, for example, you would need only 65 grams of honey. The consumption of honey allows the body to assimilate trace elements, minerals (potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium,...), and B vitamins. Honey (especially raw) has a high content of flavonoids and antioxidants to delay cellular aging and important curative and preventive virtues.

The general health benefits of honey are considerable. It can be used in the preparation of face and body masks to soften the skin. It is also a powerful healing agent that heals wounds and burns. Apart from that, honey facilitates digestion, stimulates natural defences, soothes coughs, sore throats and respiratory ailments.

Honey offers different flavors to perfect your sweet and savory preparations. There is something for everyone: lavender honey, manuka honey, thyme honey, niaouli honey, eucalyptus honey, etc. Each type of honey offers different flavours to your dishes: fruity, sour, strong, etc. This super food can be used in all sorts of ways to create culinary creations that will dazzle the palate and the sense of smell of fine gourmets.

Agave syrup

Agave syrup is a natural sweetener made of fructose only. It comes from a Mexican plant called blue agave. The juice of this plant undergoes a filtration process before being boiled at a very high temperature to become syrup.

Like honey, agave syrup has a higher sweetening power than sugar. 75 grams of agave syrup can replace 100 grams of white sugar. It is also highly valued for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

In terms of flavour, agave syrup has a neutral taste. It can be used in all your sweet and savoury preparations without changing the taste of your recipes. It is therefore limited to its sweetening role unlike honey which is both sweetening and flavouring.

Verdict

In short, it is true that both honey and agave syrup are healthier than refined white sugar and can be used for medicinal purposes. However, honey (especially raw) is much better than agave syrup in that the latter has no real nutritional value compared to honey. Moreover, agave syrup cannot be used to flavour your food. On the other hand, if you just want to sweeten your recipes without flavouring them, choose agave syrup. Finally, if you're wondering which of the two is better for weight loss, choose honey because it has a lower glycemic index than agave syrup and its high antioxidant content makes it easier to lose weight. In any case, honey should be consumed sparingly, as any excess can be bad for the liver. Nothing prevents you from alternating between agave syrup and honey to enhance your recipes according to your desires.

Why buy honey?

To heal and prevent disease

Numerous studies have proven that honey can help heal burns and promote wound healing. Honey is also much sought after for its anti-cancer and healing properties. Indeed, it is particularly recommended to soothe ailments caused by coughs, flu-like conditions and hoarseness of the voice.

To prevent gastric reflux

Some studies have shown that honey can help line the esophagus and stomach, eventually reducing the upward flow of stomach acid and undigested food. To this end, it is particularly recommended for soothing gastric inflammation, acid reflux and heartburn.

To fight infections

It has been proven that the famous Manuka honey can kill bacteria thanks to the hydrogen peroxide and defensin-1 proteins that compose it, not to mention its powerful antibacterial properties.

To have a beautiful smooth and young skin

It is not uncommon to find honey in cosmetic products for hair, body and face. This is because of its softening properties. Indeed, honey is a natural anti-wrinkle that allows to have a beautiful smooth and rejuvenated skin. It also delays the aging of body cells.

To make tasty and original culinary preparations

Whether you are a fine cook or not, honey will allow you to flavour and sweeten your dishes. It will make you discover a wide variety of flavours for even more delicious and original preparations.

The best brands of honeys

In our opinion, the best brands of honeys in 2022 are :

Royal Bee
Les Ruchers du Luberon
Vidifood
Haddrell’s of Cambridge
New Zealand Honey Co

Royal Bee has made a name for itself thanks to its 100% natural and artisanal hive products from many parts of the world. The brand markets all kinds of honeys for all tastes and budgets including white honey from Kyrgyzstan, nigella honey from Egypt, nigella honey from Saudi Arabia, etc.

Existing since 1976, Les Ruchers du Luberon is a registered trademark that produces artisanal honey in Provence. Extremely appreciated for its quality and safe honeys, the brand produces raw honey, free of chemical agents and accompanied by the Label Rouge and IGP.

The brand is based in Alicante, in the south-east of Spain, in a family business made up of farmers. Vidifood specialises in the marketing of food products such as jam, honey, spices, seeds, etc. The brand is particularly appreciated for its honeys with multiple flavours, entirely home-made and prepared with care.

Founded by two New Zealand husbands with a passion for honey, Haddrell's of Cambridge produces and markets 100% natural honey. Today, the company is a great success with many chefs and culinary enthusiasts and exports to a dozen countries.

New Zealand Honey Co is a brand founded in 2006 in New Zealand. It is one of the leading producers of premium quality Manuka honey both locally and internationally.

What is the price for a honey

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
4 £ to 15 £
Mid-range
15 £ to 30 £
High-end
more than 30 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Honey to heal quickly

If you are looking to heal and relieve small wounds or burns, thyme and lavender honeys are excellent remedies. This is because they contain boric acid which is a popular element for its healing properties, and thyme honey is actually particularly rich in it.

Restore the original consistency of honey

Honey does not go stale, but it can crystallize, become cloudy or thicker and/or darker over time. If this happens with your honey, you can restore it to its original consistency. To do this, you will need a pot filled with warm water and a glass jar. Start by putting all your honey in the jar. Then, put it in a water bath. All you have to do is wait until the honey melts and returns to its original consistency.

Conservation

Storing your honey in a cool place (between 8 and 14°C) away from light will allow it to retain all its original consistency, color and texture.

Taking honey as part of a diet

Honey contains amino acids, minerals and vitamins that help with the absorption of cholesterol and fat, thus preventing weight gain. Drink a mixture of honey and warm water as soon as you wake up in the morning on an empty stomach for best results. This "potion" will also help you stay energized.

Distinguish between real and fake honey

To do this, simply pour a few drops of the honey to be tested onto a paper towel. If the towel absorbs the spilled honey, it means that the honey is fake honey. If it does, it is raw honey.

FAQ

Can honey be dangerous?

Indeed, honey can be dangerous, especially for babies under one year old, because it can contain bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum, responsible for infant botulism. This is a rare form of food poisoning. Consumption of honey is also dangerous for people with severe pollen allergies.

Is honey also an anti-wrinkle agent?

Yes, you can make your own honey-based anti-wrinkle mask at home. For this, you need a tablespoon of honey, preferably lavender, a teaspoon of sugar and the juice of a lemon. Mix your ingredients in a small bowl and apply it to your face. You can also apply it to your neck. Once it's done, give the mask about 20 minutes to take effect. Then, rinse it off.

In which cases is the consumption of honey recommended?

Honey can be used as part of a detox or other treatment. It is also recommended to treat certain respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, etc. and various flu-like conditions (cold, cough, etc.). It also improves sleep and soothes migraines.

Is it good to eat honey every day?

Yes, consuming honey every day is very beneficial to your overall health. For example, if you consume a teaspoon of it every day, it will contribute to a beautiful skin. However, avoid consuming too much of it, as too much honey can be bad for the liver.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , tasteofhome.com
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  4. , everydayroots.com
  5. , medicalnewstoday.com
  6. , mariefrance.fr
  7. , santemagazine.fr
  8. , topsante.com
  9. , allodocteurs.fr
  10. , consumerreports.org
  11. , elle.fr
  12. , atlantico.fr
  13. , jardiner-malin.fr
  14. , passeportsante.net
  15. , lecomptoirdumiel.com
  16. , fr.wikipedia.org
  17. , miel-lerucherdelours.fr
  18. , mr-ginseng.com
  19. , miel-imperial.com
  20. , maisondumiel.fr
  21. , mielmut.fr
  22. , abeille-heureuse.fr
  23. , mielmartine.fr
  24. , miel-direct.fr
  25. , comtes-de-provence.fr
  26. , quechoisir.org
  27. , amelioretasante.com
  28. , acheteralasource.com
  29. , lesruchersduhautchablais.fr
  30. , miel-andorre.fr
  31. , laruchemartin.fr
  32. , lunedemiel.fr
  33. , mielinfrance.fr
  34. , bienmanger.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Royal Bee raw white honey from Kyrgyzstan 9
Royal Bee raw white honey from Kyrgyzstan
Les Ruchers du Luberon, lavender honey 10
Les Ruchers du Luberon, lavender honey
Kiwo manuka honey 11
Kiwo manuka honey
Vidifood orange blossom honey and royal jelly 12
Vidifood orange blossom honey and royal jelly

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