Sweet or Scam? Before You Buy Honey Again, Read This…

You find yourself standing in the supermarket aisle, confronted by an enticing wall of honey jars—each one promising to be “pure,” “natural,” or “100% real.” The golden labels glimmer under the bright lights, and the charming branding makes it hard to resist. But just then, a little voice in the back of your mind whispers, 

“Is this really honey, or just sugar in disguise?” 

For centuries, honey has represented more than just a sweetener. It’s been a symbol of health and vitality—drizzled over warm, fresh bread, swirled into steaming cups of tea, and used to soothe a stubborn cough. Yet today, the real challenge isn’t just finding honey; it’s uncovering the truth behind the label. The biggest challenge isn’t finding honey; it’s making sure the honey you buy is truly authentic.

The Essence of Honey

Honey comes to life through the diligent work of bees, who transform sweet nectar into a rich, nutrient-packed syrup. With its naturally occurring antioxidants, anti microbial activity, enzymes, and plant compounds, honey can work wonders for your health, calming coughs and aiding in wound healing. But alas, the bigger challenge today isn’t about why it’s good for you; it’s about ensuring you’re actually bringing home the genuine product.

FUN FACT

Did you know that raw honey doesn’t go bad?

Jars discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs were still edible!

The Bitter Truth About Adulteration

Behind those beautifully crafted jars lies a troubling reality. Many commercial honeys have been diluted with cheap sugar syrups, artificially flavoured, or overly filtered until their natural goodness is stripped away. Global studies have revealed alarming numbers of store-bought brands failing purity tests, as what’s inside doesn’t match the bold claims on the label. So, how can you safeguard yourself from this sweet deception? It’s time to channel your inner label detective.

The Smart Shopper’s Honey-Label Guide

Picture yourself clutching a jar of honey, your heart racing as you flip it over to examine the label. 

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you navigate the world of honey:

• – Ingredients list : It should simply state “Honey.” If you spot cane sugar, corn syrup, or anything else, place it back on the shelf.
• – Total sugars ≈ total carbs : Honey’s carbohydrates almost entirely come from its natural sugars. If these numbers don’t align, something’s amiss.
• – Calories per 100g : Real honey typically falls in the range of 300–330 kcal.
• – Protein & fat : Nearly negligible.
• – Sugar profile : Fructose and glucose should dominate; sucrose should be less than 1% (and never more than 5%).
• – Other disaccharides (like maltose or lactose) : Should be under 5%.
• – No “other sugar sources” : If you see them listed, walk away—it’s not pure honey.

These valuable insights require no lab; just your keen eyes and a smidge of knowledge.

Pink Tiger Verified

Of course, even labels can deceive. That’s why Pink Tiger takes the guesswork out of your honey hunt—verifying authenticity through independent third-party lab tests. Our Pink Tiger Verified Native Again Wild Forest Honey isn’t merely “claimed pure”, it’s proven pure.

Native Again Wild Forest Honey

See More

Quick At-Home Purity Clues

If you’re curious, you can also try these classic checks:

• – Thumb test : Pure honey stays put; fake honey spreads out like a lazy puddle.
• – Water test : Pure honey will sink like a stone; adulterated varieties dissolve quickly, vanishing under the surface.
• – Cotton test : Pure honey burns steadily like a focused flame; fake honey crackles, betrayed by the moisture it contains.
• – Smell & taste : Real honey offers a rich, floral aroma and layers of flavour, while counterfeit versions provide only flat sweetness.

The Sweet Conclusion

Honey holds a cherished place in our kitchens and hearts. It’s important to distinguish between pure honey and imitation. By choosing pure honey, you’re not just sweetening your food; you’re honouring nature’s golden gift.

Disclaimer : This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns regarding your health.

References :

1. 1. Mohamed, Abdelaziz, Liming, Yuan, & Kai. (2025). Health benefits of honey: A critical review on the homology of medicine and food in traditional and modern contexts. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095754825000195 

2. 2. Palma-Morales, M., Huertas, J., & Rodríguez-Pérez, C. (2023, July 6). A Comprehensive Review of the Effect of Honey on Human Health. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10346535/ 

3. 3. Detect adulteration with rapid test. (n.d.). https://fssai.gov.in/upload/knowledge_hub/1878035b34b558a3b48DART%20Book.pdf 

4. 4. View of Natural Honey as a Potent Therapeutic Agent: A Review. (n.d.) https://journaljsrr.com/index.php/JSRR/article/view/3064/6883 

5. 5. FSSAI. (2020). Food Safety And Standards (Labelling And Display) Regulations, 2020. In Food Safety And Standards (Labelling And Display) Regulations, 2020. https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Comp_Labelling.pdf 
6. 6. Khan, S. U., Anjum, S. I., Rahman, K., Ansari, M. J., Khan, W. U., Kamal, S., Khattak, B., Muhammad, A., & Khan, H. U. (2017, August 16). Honey: Single Food Stuff Comprises Many Drugs. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5815988/