Honey is one of those food items that often gets taken for granted. Whether you slip into your tea when you’re feeling sick or spread it on your toast for a bit of extra taste in the morning, you probably don’t think much about it. But you should. A healthier replacement for sugar, among other things, honey is rich in both flavor and texture, and a great companion for a number of foods.
However, much like sugar, options for honey are about a dime a dozen. Cutting through all the hassle to determine the best of the best can be a bit of a slog—but that’s why we’re here. Below, check out eight of the best kinds of honey around to elevate your eating and drinking experience.
1. Nature Nate’s Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey
BEST OVERALL
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Nature Nate’s Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey comes in that classic honey bear shape and is made “just as nature intended,” which means it’s gently warmed to retain any remaining pollen composition, providing a better source of protein, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. The squeeze bottle makes it easy to spread over and into everything you can imagine.
2. Big Island Bees Gourmet Hawaiian Raw Honey Gift Set
BEST SAMPLER
If you’re not sure where to start as it relates to the world of gourmet honey, this gift set from Big Island Bees has plenty to get you rolling. Each set contains a set of certified organic honey including Ohia-Lehua Blossom, Wilelaiki Blossom, and Macadamia Nut Blossom honey. Found only in Hawaii, the honey is rich and spreadable, with a creamy and floral taste. It’s a great way to find out what you like best.
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3. Manukora Raw Mānuka Honey
BEST SPLURGE
Viewers of Broad City are likely already aware of Mānuka honey and its impact. Native to New Zealand, it has a considerable amount of antibacterial properties that aren’t present in traditional honey. Helpful as a treatment for a variety of different health conditions, it has an extremely rich flavor and texture that’s the bee’s knees (sorry for the pun), resulting in the Ferrari of honey. 100% sustainable and ethically made, it’s worth the plunge if you’re willing to take it.
4. Mieli Thun French Honeysuckle Honey
BEST FOR BAKED GOODS
For those looking to add a bit of honey to anything they’re eating, this honeysuckle honey from Mieli Thun will be the perfect pairing. Sweet with a touch of floral notes, it’s got a neutral base that pairs well alongside baked goods—especially breads—to make them softer and much more fragrant. Made in Italy without pasteurization or additives, it’ll pair well in your kitchen.
5. Savannah Bee Company Tupelo Honey Flute
BEST ALL AROUND
Not to be confused with the restaurant of the same name, this tupelo honey from Savannah Bee Company is the “gold standard” upon which all other variations of honey should be judged. With silky, buttery notes that give way to a sweet and clean finish, tupelo honey will pair well alongside any number of food. This 20-ounce flute is not only distinctive in its taste, but also in its design.
6. Mike’s Hot Honey
BEST HOT HONEY
Looking for something sweet and spicy? Look no further than Mike’s Hot Honey. Combining both honey and chili peppers, the balancing act between the two results in a flavor that’s got a bit of bite, but never in a way that’s overwhelming. Feel free to drizzle it on fried chicken wings, pizza, or even as a way to spice up a cocktail.
7. Zesty Bee Organic Honey
BEST ORGANIC HONEY
Those in search of a clean, organic honey should look no further than Zesty Bee Organic Honey. Perfectly tailored to provide great taste, the honey forgoes any of the nonsense you might get with non-organic honey. That results in a cleaner, better tasting flavor you’ll want to put on anything and everything you may have.
8. Homestead Honey Sticks
BEST SINGLE USE
If you already are an avid honey lover and want to ensure you can get that premium quality taste no matter where you go, you’ll want to snag a set of these Homestead Honey Sticks. Helpful to keep on your person as a quick snack or to add flavor to whatever you might be having, this particular version comes in a package of 50, so you’ll have more than enough to last for quite a while. Sourced entirely in the Rocky Mountains, you’re supporting American business when you purchase too, if that’s your bag.
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