10 Common Honey Myths and the Real Facts Behind Them

People say a lot about honey – but not everything you hear is true. Let’s separate the facts from the fiction.

Myth: Honey stays the same forever

Fact: Honey is remarkably long-lasting, but that doesn’t mean it remains exactly as it was the day you bought it. If it’s stored in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed, it can keep its natural flavor and texture for years. However, exposure to moisture, heat, or even prolonged sunlight can gradually change its color, alter its aroma, and cause fermentation. So, while honey won’t suddenly “go bad,” the way you store it decides how well it keeps its original charm.

 

Myth: Crystallized honey is adulterated

Fact: The formation of crystals in honey is a completely natural process that happens when the glucose in it begins to solidify. In fact, pure honey is often more likely to crystallize, while some adulterated varieties may remain liquid for longer because of their higher moisture content. If you prefer your honey smooth, simply place the jar in a bowl of warm water and let it slowly return to its liquid state—avoid direct heat, as it can damage its natural goodness.

 

Myth: Only light-colored honey is pure

Fact: The color of honey depends entirely on the flowers from which bees gather nectar—not on its purity. Some of the most beneficial varieties, like buckwheat or Sidr honey, are naturally dark and rich in antioxidants. On the other hand, Fireweed honey is so light it can look almost like water—yet it is completely pure. In short, color has nothing to do with the quality or purity of honey.

Myth: Thick honey that stays on your thumb is pure

Fact: The “thumb test” is a popular trick often shared to check honey’s purity—drop a little honey on your thumb and see if it stays in place. While it sounds simple, thickness alone isn’t proof of purity. Natural honey can vary in viscosity depending on the floral source, temperature, and even storage conditions. Some pure honeys are naturally thin, while certain adulterated honeys can be made thick by adding sugar syrups. In reality, only proper lab testing can confirm whether honey is truly pure.

Myth: Pure honey never dissolves in water

Fact: The “water test” suggests that if honey sinks to the bottom of a glass without mixing, it’s pure, and if it dissolves quickly, it’s adulterated. In reality, this isn’t a reliable method. Honey’s solubility depends on its density, temperature, and even the way it’s poured. Some pure honeys will spread in water, while some adulterated ones can sink if they’re thickened with additives. The only accurate way to determine purity is through proper laboratory analysis—not a glass of water.

 

Myth: Adding honey to hot water boosts its nutrients

Fact: Some people believe that mixing honey with hot water makes it even more beneficial. In truth, excessive heat can damage the natural enzymes and delicate nutrients found in honey. Warm water is fine, but if the water is too hot, you may lose some of the very qualities that make honey special.

Myth: Honey is healthy enough to replace sugar without limits

Fact: Honey is often seen as the better choice compared to refined sugar, and in many ways it is—offering small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But that doesn’t mean it’s a free pass to consume as much as you want. Honey is still high in natural sugars and calories, and overconsumption can contribute to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and other health issues, especially for people with diabetes. Enjoying honey in moderation allows you to benefit from its goodness without risking your health. To learn how much honey you can safely consume in a day, check out our guide Beneficial to Eat Honey Daily: A Complete Guide.

Myth: Pure honey always tastes the same

Fact: Honey’s flavor isn’t fixed—it depends on the flowers from which the bees collect nectar. This is why Sidr, Clover, and Fireweed honeys all taste distinctly different. Even the same type of honey from the same brand can vary in taste, aroma, and color from batch to batch. Factors like the region where the nectar is collected, the season, the climate, and even subtle changes in rainfall can all influence its final profile. In short, pure honey is as unique as the environment it comes from.

 

Myth: Only imported honey is high quality

Fact: The quality of honey isn’t determined by its country of origin—it comes down to purity, floral source, and proper handling. Many local honeys, like Gleezi Honey, are harvested fresh, processed minimally, and retain their natural enzymes and rich flavor. In some cases, fresh local honey can even be superior to imported varieties, which may be heavily filtered or pasteurized to survive long shipping times. Choosing a trusted local source ensures you enjoy honey at its freshest and most natural form.

Myth: Honey is only beneficial in winter

Fact: While honey is often associated with soothing sore throats and boosting immunity during cold months, its benefits extend well beyond winter. In warmer seasons, honey can help maintain energy levels, support digestion, and even aid in soothing minor allergies linked to pollen. Its natural antioxidants and antibacterial properties make it a year-round health booster—not just a seasonal remedy.