Honey

Sweetener

Honey at a glance

Category: Sweetener
Also called: Bee Honey, Natural Honey
Commonly found in: Tea, Baked goods, Granola, Salad dressings
Diets reviewed: 26 diets

What is Honey?

Honey is a thick, golden liquid produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowering plants. The bees collect nectar, process it within their hives through regurgitation and evaporation, and ultimately store it in honeycombs. Honey has been used as a sweetener and medicinal remedy for thousands of years and is known for its unique flavor, which can vary greatly depending on the type of flowers visited by the bees. It is composed primarily of sugars like glucose and fructose, and it contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Also known as:

Bee HoneyNatural Honey

Diet Compatibility

Corn FreeCaution

Many commercial honeys are made from plants like sugar cane, rice, and in some cases, corn. If the label doesn't specify, contact the manufacturer to learn more.

VeganAvoid

Honey is a sweetener made from bees.

Low FODMAPCaution

Honey can be high or low FODMAP depending on serving size. Check the Monash app for more details.

Alpha-Gal FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Alphagal diet.

Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

VegetarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegetarian diet.

Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Honey

Some individuals avoid honey due to dietary restrictions, such as veganism, because it is an animal product. Additionally, people with allergies to pollen or bee products might also avoid honey. In the context of corn-free diets, it's important to be cautious as some commercial honeys may be adulterated with sweeteners derived from corn or other plants. Consumers should check labels carefully and may need to contact manufacturers for detailed sourcing information to ensure that the honey is pure and not mixed with corn-based products.

Potential Reactions

Allergic reactions (in those with pollen or bee allergies)

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Honey

Tea Baked goods Granola Salad dressings Sauces

Browse products that match your diet.

Explore Products

Related to Honey

Other ingredients people often check alongside Honey.

Agave NectarUnknown Maple SyrupUnknown

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

Take the Guesswork Out of Grocery Shopping

Join thousands who use Spoonful to find foods that match their dietary needs.

Get Spoonful — It's Free

Scan Foods with Spoonful