Honey ingredient

All About Honey

sweeteners

Your complete guide to honey - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.

1 storage method
22 substitutes

How Long Does Honey Last?

Storage times and freshness tips for honey in different conditions.

Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.

Pantry / Room Temperature
Effectively indefinite (for safety); 2-3 years (for optimal quality)

Signs of Spoilage

True spoilage is rare for pure honey. Signs of contamination or quality degradation include: mold growth on the surface or around the lid (indicates water contamination), fermentation (bubbly appearance, sour or alcoholic smell, sour taste – also indicates water contamination), significant darkening beyond its natural color, or a noticeable loss of its characteristic aroma and flavor over many years. Crystallization is a natural process and not a sign of spoilage.

How to Check

  1. Visual Inspection: Look for any fuzzy mold spots, especially on the surface or near the lid. Check for unusual bubbling or foamy layers, which indicate fermentation.

  2. Smell Test: Pure honey should smell sweet and characteristic of its floral source. If it has a sour, alcoholic, or otherwise 'off' odor, it may be contaminated or fermented.

  3. Taste Test (if no other signs): If visual and smell tests are clear, a small taste can confirm. It should be sweet and true to honey flavor. If it tastes sour, alcoholic, or unpleasant, discard it.

Storage Tips

Honey's low water activity and acidity make it highly resistant to microbial growth. Store in a tightly sealed container to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to fermentation. Do not refrigerate honey, as this accelerates crystallization and makes it harder to pour. If crystallization occurs, gently warm the container in a bowl of warm water until it liquefies again. Always use clean, dry utensils when scooping honey to prevent introducing contaminants.