As a mother, I am always conscious of what my family eats. This is why I have stuck with using honey as a substitute for sugar in all my meals. That includes both sugar-based foods and baking that require sweeteners, and during breakfast, tea and coffee.
But using it comes with a challenge. Honey is healthy, yes, but only when it is pure. Unfortunately, most of the products over the counters have already gone through processing and therefore, lost most of the nutrients. So, I spent a great deal of time sourcing for the best and trusted pure brands I can find in the supermarket.
*If you are in rush then check out the best selling organic honeys in the UK. Otherwise continue to read on my reviews on supermarket honeys.
People believe you need to go to a farm to get pure, raw honey, but that is far from the truth. In my years of hitting the stores, I have discovered some of the best supermarket honey money can buy. These brands are healthy, free from additives and 100% original. I know this because I have put them through the numerous verification tests, researched the brands, and spoken to various users.
With this in mind, I have prepared this review and buying guide. The review features what I consider the best brands of pure and raw honey you can buy at the supermarket. Also included is a buying guide that highlights the factors to consider when choosing premium quality supermarket honey.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Supermarket Honey UK
1. Nelson UK Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey 30+ MG
Everyone who eats honey for health benefits knows that Manuka is the best grade. They also know that it can be one of the most expensive. So, finding a Manuka honey brand of such quality and rating as this one was a big win. And buying it at a price, it was offered was even bigger.
When the brand mentions ‘pure’, it does not lie. The colour is rich and appealing, as also is the unique Manuka aroma. And the taste is divine. My family found it an easy alternative to syrup and sugar during breakfast. They also loved it when I substitute it with jam in doughnuts.
The antibacterial property of this honey is also powerful. I used it to cure my daughter’s sore throat in less than four days. I t was also effecting at treating my husband for gum infection.
Features
- 100% pure
- 30+ MG Manuka honey
- Multi-floral flavour
- Made in New Zealand
- Glass jar container
2. Manuka Health MGO 400+ Manuka Honey
Being a special type of honey, Manuka tends to be very pricey. When compared to other types, however, the high price is usually worth it. This is because Manuka honey is rich in antibacterial properties, meaning the product comes with tons of health benefits.
In addition to all these advantages, this particular product also comes with an exquisite taste and aroma. It blends well in sandwiches, oats, teas and even cakes. I love the smooth and glazy consistency, and the thickness is just right.
I also noted that products with higher MGO ratings come with higher price tags. However, when I consider the numerous medicinal benefits my family has gotten from this product, this is barely an issue.
You can also use this in the fruit infusers, which will enhance the water flavour.
Features
- 100% pure Manuka honey
- 400mg/kg MGO
- Dairy, gluten and wheat free
- Plastic jar container
- Made in New Zealand
3. Steens UMF 10+ MZ Manuka Honey
My family loves the unique taste of Manuka honey, so I always find myself shopping for more of them at the supermarket. I come across so many brands promising great benefits, and choosing can seem hard. But ever since I came across this product, I have added it to my list of trusted Manuka honey brands I can always go for at the supermarket.
The antibacterial and nutritional properties of this delicious honey are incredible. I find it quite helpful for easing various minor ailments in my kids. The taste is also out if this world. It blends with the thick, rich consistency and gives you a full, satisfying feeling.
It is also very easy to scoop and apply on toast and baked foods. And it mixes tremendously well in tea, coffee, milk and breakfast cereals.
Features
- 100% Raw Manuka honey
- UMF 10+ (MGO 263+) grading
- Cold-pressed
- Contain bee bread
- Made in New Zealand
4. Honeytar UK Pure Organic Creamed Honey
At times, my family may tire from the conventional honey format, so to spice things up. I would purchase the creamed one. And over the years, I have tried a lot of creamed supermarket honey brands. Though I found a lot of good ones, this particular product left a more lasting impression.
My first take is that it is organic. I researched the brand and confirmed the bees are fed purely on pollen. The consistency of the honey is admirable and enticing. And, as expected from creamed honey, it is incredibly delicious.
I also noted how unique the taste is; quite like nothing I have ever had. I want to believe this is because it is Ukrainian, as I have never bought honey from that region before. Whatever the case, it made an exciting addition both during meals and in the kitchen.
Features
- 100% pure organic
- Wildflower flavour
- Unpasteurized and unfiltered
- Plastic jar container
- Made in Ukraine
5. Q-Honey Pure Raw Honey
My family seems rather fond of creamed honey, as I notice the jar gets empty within a very short time. So I find myself buying more of the type every time I hit the supermarket. And sometimes, I might not find my favourite creamed brand. So, I sourced for alternatives and settled for this one, because of one simple reason; the taste.
This is by far, the most delicious creamed honey I have ever eaten. The flavour is out of this world, and the aroma is great as well. It spreads smoothly and evenly on toast, scones, muffins; everything. My husband and I enjoy filling our drinks with it. And I find it to be quite a handy additive in the kitchen as it gives my baked foods a certain hint of exotic freshness.
When kept in storage, the honey assumes a somewhat solid, almost butter-like form, which I like. I read that it is the unique crystallization form of the product, so I had nothing to worry about. And when I feel like using it, I just drop the jar in warm water, and it melts again, ready to use.
Features
- 100% natural
- Forest and field flavour
- Cream format
- Glass jar container
- Cruelty-free
6. Rowse Organic Squeezable Honey
For variety, I usually purchase two types of honey in the house. The types in jar containers sit on my kitchen shelf since I use them a lot for baking. On the dining table, I always opt for a honey brand with runny texture, especially for the kids, so they can always reach it. And this brand, I have found to be exceptional for this purpose.
For one thing, the squeezable plastic bottle displays its golden rich colour. Hardly would you notice it on the dining table and not develop a craving for it. You get that familiar sweet and fruity taste the Rowse brand is known for. And the runny texture spreads itself over whatever you squirt the tasty honey onto.
Though it is runny, it tends to crystallize after a long time, but this is completely natural. In such a situation, just place the bottle in hot water and it returns to its former state.
Features
- Organic honey
- Strength rating 3
- Kosher, suitable for vegetarians
- Runny texture
- Plastic squeeze bottle
7. Bulgarian Bee Black Forest Honey
Black Forest honey is known to be one of the tastiest and healthiest variants on the market, and you can trust that I have had my share of them. But of all the products I tested, this one is by far the best. Everything about it lets it stand out among the tons of Black Forest honey brands in supermarkets all around.
The hue is rich and impressive, with a palette-bursting taste. And its antibiotic and prebiotic properties are off the charts. This honey is one potent blend of healthiness and deliciousness. It is what the package calls it; a nutritious elixir.
You might feel unconvinced because the aroma is not as pleasant and enticing as its flashier counterparts, but believe me, the taste and texture are worth every penny.
Features
- Organic and pure
- Black Forest honey
- 100% Honeydew
- Glass jar container
- Made in Bulgaria
8. Black Bee Honey British Summer Honey
Over the years, I have come across lots of British honey, and they all taste great. British brands are well known for their excellent quality and purity, and my family is very fond of their delicious flavour. Among the many brands and I bought, tested and served my family, I prefer this one the most.
The nectar combination gives off an exotic hint, quite impressive for local honey. Its various sources include Rosebay Willow, Bramble, Sweet Chestnut, Blackberries and a wide array of wildflowers. The result is a pure, undiluted, unpasteurized natural flavour that sends your tastebuds dancing with euphoria.
I love the rich colour and aroma it gives, and my kids could eat a whole batch of toast smeared with its gooey goodness. And the honey is quite effective against coughs and sore throats.
Features
- 100% traceable British
- All-natural, single-source multi-floral honey
- 10+ TA antibacterial properties
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for vegetarians
9. Raw Health Organic Maya Honey
I discovered this supermarket honey when scrolling through numerous reviews on the internet, so I thought to give it a try. I figured with so much positive feedback surrounding it. The product must be a good one. I was right.
This is great squeezable honey to have around the dining table regularly. The runny texture and rich golden brown colour attract you to it every time. And the taste is heavenly, making it a great choice for breakfast meals.
It also has a very intense floral aroma that complements the taste. And the plastic bottle makes it very easy to squeeze onto toast, cakes, scones, tea, coffee and even oatmeal.
Features
- Raw, organic nature
- Maya honey
- Blossom flavour and aroma
- Cold extracted
- The squeezable plastic bottle container
10. Black Seed Honey Pure Mountain Honey
Now, many vegetarians frown at eating honey, especially because they believe it is not suitable for their diet. What they do not know is many honey brands are vegan-friendly. In this review, I have mentioned a few products that satisfy the general vegetarian but not one that is specially made for them. That is where this product comes in.
This pure mountain honey has an interesting taste, complemented by the ginger and black seed combo. The consistency is pasty, so it is set in the jar, allowing you to measure a specific amount for food application. Do not let this thickness fool you, however, as it easily dissolves in fluids, making it ideal for tea and coffee.
It also contains black cumin oil, renowned for its powerful healing components. The entire ingredients combine to give you a taste so foreign, yet familiar to the vegan tongue.
Features
- Pure mountain honey
- Contains Nigella, cumin oil and ginger bee pollen seed
- Pasty consistency
- Jar container
- Suitable for vegetarians
Supermarket Honey for UK Product Guide
Different people look out for different things when purchasing supermarket honey. As taste and preference differ, so do the various products available over the counter. To get the best out of your supermarket, honey, you must learn to interpret the various factors that come with the product.
Processing
There are two methods of processing honey, and these result in two types; raw and regular. Raw honey is scooped directly from the comb and the highest processing it goes through is cold compress. This rarely, I ever, affect the antibacterial and enzymatic properties of the honey. It also ensures the nutrients are intact.
Regular honey, however, goes through filtering and pasteurizing processes. Most times, the heat from pasteurizing leads to a significant decrease in the nutritional value of the honey. Filtering also takes out essential ingredients like bee bread.
Raw honey is also free of sugar, additives and preservatives, compared to regular honey, therefore standing out as the superior. You must take care, however, to ensure the product you select is actual’ raw and natural’ honey. Fortunately, every product listed here is confirmed and tested to be such. You also need to ensure your choice is organic. Organic honey is derived from bees fed strictly on pollen and nectar. Regular honey is not organic, as some beekeepers feed their bees with sugar and sugar-based materials.
Variety
The variety depends on how much antibacterial property the honey possesses, as well as the flower nectar the bees are fed. For antibacterial properties, Manuka honey is the best, as these varieties are proven to possess immune-boosting properties, among other things. The flower nectar and pollen determine the taste and aroma of the honey, and as such result in a wide variety of honey. These include blossom, multi-floral or poly-floral, and forest. The region also determines the uniqueness in taste, like the British golden varieties.
Container
The container determines how you can store and dispense the honey. Two types of containers exist for packaging honey; jar, and squeezable bottles. Jars may come in plastic or glass, depending on the brand. Such containers allow you to scoop with a honey spoon or regular spoon.
Squeezable bottles usually come in plastic forms, so they allow you to squeeze the content out through a nozzle. I usually purchase jars for kitchen use, while I keep squeezable bottles on the dining table for every member of the family to have access to at any time.
Consistency
The thickness of the honey determines if it crystallizes faster. Runny honey, like Raw Health Organic Maya Honey, are best for table presentation, and quick applications. Set honey, like Honeytar Pure Organic Creamed Honey, are thicker, so, you can easily scoop with a spoon or butter knife. Some runny honey brands crystallize quickly when not used for a long time, while set honey brands are already in semi-solid form, so the crystallization process is slower. Other brands produce honey that is a combination of both consistencies.
Bear in mind, though, that crystallization in honey is completely normal and expected.
FAQs
Why is the floral type indicated for only some honey?
This is because some honey brands do not indicate their nectar source. For such, generic names are given, like wildflower, multi-floral and poly-floral. In such honey, the bees forage a range of different flowers, but the exact floral source of the honey is not identified. In cases where the flora type is indicated, it means the floral source is known.
Is thick, viscous honey better than thin, runny honey?
Not exactly. The thickness or viscosity of the honey is dependent on the source of the nectar, as some floral varieties are usually thicker than others. Also, runny honey may be as a result of not enough moisture in the hive before harvesting (in most cases, due to early harvesting). Therefore, runny honey is not a sign of lesser quality, as some honey have more watery content than others.
What is the best way to store honey?
Air-tight jars are the best ways to store honey. The container may be made from glass or high-quality, food-grade plastic. It should be kept in a cool, dry place, as direct sunlight and excess heat may cause it to lose flavour and hue over time. Also, avoid storing honey in refrigerators, as it can cause it to harden. Only refrigerate honey with high moisture content, to prevent it from fermenting.
Is the honeycomb edible?
Yes. Honeycombs are made from the wax, which in turn are made from the nectar extracted from flowers by bees. They are a great source of roughages and can be eaten and swallowed.
Can honey be fed to infants?
No. Children less than a year old cannot properly digest and process honey. It is however very safe to feed it to children who are more than a year old.
Benefits of Honey
Honey has many beneficial qualities, which make it an excellent sweetener.
Honey is high in antioxidants and is the only natural food source of vitamin C. This mineral is essential for a healthy immune system, skin, and hair. Honey also contains high amounts of potassium and B vitamins, which boost energy.
Although sugar contains sugar alcohols, which can increase the blood sugar level, the use of honey to sweeten food and drinks is less likely to result in weight gain, because the body becomes used to a taste for sweetness after only a few uses.
All sugars are naturally high in calories and are completely filling, so you will only need to eat about 4 tablespoons (60 ml) to feel satisfied for the same amount of time as you would with a sugar-sweetened treat.
Best uses for honey
Honey can be added to drinks and foods to sweeten the taste. Examples of this include cooking oil, milk, cereal, fruit, or jam.
Honey is also available to purchase online as a condiment, in jars or tubes. Honey can be added to food as a sweetener or added to products to flavour the food or drink.
Honey contains a bitter enzyme that limits its use in cooking. Cooking foods in honey removes this bitter factor, which can limit the use of honey in baking.
If you use honey in baking, read the packaging to ensure that the honey is made from pure wildflower honey and not any other kind of sweetener. Otherwise, a bitter flavour may be left after cooking.
Honey is also a great way to soothe an upset stomach and also works as a natural mouthwash.
Is honey good for your teeth?
To help prevent teeth stains, try brushing your teeth with a natural sugar-free toothpaste, rather than using sugar-sweetened ones. To help prevent teeth stains, try brushing your teeth with a natural sugar-free toothpaste, rather than using sugar-sweetened ones.
While honey can do its job as a sweetener well, some experts suggest that it is best to avoid honey if you have teeth which are prone to decay.
The sticky nature of honey and the high acidity in the liquid make it hard to clean off teeth properly. It can even break down the enamel on the teeth, leading to dark discoloration.
The organic acids found in honey have a negative effect on the enamel. Consuming too much of these acids can cause small cracks in the enamel that let bacteria into the mouth, causing a common dental problem called cavity, or cavities.
Commercial honey can also made with lots of additives that can contain irritating chemicals and chemicals that could potentially damage the teeth.
One of the most common additives is acrylamide. This chemical is derived from plant-based sugars. However, acrylamide can be harmful to humans and is thought to be linked to cancer and weight gain.
How to use honey
There are two main ways to use honey in your diet. The first method is to add it to a mixture of milk or water to make a thick liquid. The other method is to add it to a cup of boiling water to make a warm drink.
The honey should be added to a mixture of water or milk or any other sweet liquid, and the amount to add will depend on the heat required.
For example, if boiling the mixture is required, a tablespoon of honey should be added to the water. If the liquid is to be poured into a cup, a tablespoon of honey will be added to it.
Avoid using honey that is too warm. Too warm honey becomes too syrupy and can easily stain teeth.
Tips for using honey
If a full-size tablespoon is needed, a teaspoon should be added as well. If a full-size tablespoon is needed, a teaspoon should be added as well.
Choosing a honey that is free from added sugars, such as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), can help you limit the amount of sweeteners in the diet.
If the added sugar has been absorbed by the honey, it may still be good to use, as it will be sweeter than other honey.
To maximize the amount of honey in the mixture, check the label. If the honey does not include additives that can be harmful to the teeth, add less honey to the mixture.
Also, make sure the honey is free from added sugars, which may contain some natural sugars. These include lactose, which is the sugar found in dairy products.
If the honey has been heated, it should be used in the correct temperature. If the honey is warmed to room temperature, then it should be used after cooling the temperature to below body temperature.
Honey can be used in smoothies to add flavour. If a full-size tablespoon is needed, a teaspoon should be added to the mixture.
Tips for adding honey to a recipe
When adding honey to a recipe, ensure that the honey is not too hot.
If the honey is hot when added, it can change the taste of the dish. The honey should be poured into a small bowl and allowed to cool slightly before adding to the mixture.
- Using honey can also improve the flavour of the dish if the honey is cold.
- Adding honey to salad dressing can add sweetness and colour to the salad.
- If a full-size tablespoon is needed, a teaspoon should be added to the mixture.
- To keep the honey in the mixture, mix well before pouring into the bowl.
Recipe ideas
Use honey in cooking to add sweetness, as this can improve the flavour of the dish. It can also improve the flavour if the honey is cold.
Use honey to sweeten smoothies, as honey is added cold, and can still be creamy. Add in apple slices for more flavour and sweetness.
Health benefits of honey
As a source of natural compounds, honey is rich in antioxidants that may help protect the body against various diseases. Honey also contains nutrients that can fight tooth decay, stop bacteria from growing, and encourage a healthy immune system.
People have used honey for centuries, which suggests that it has some benefits for the body. Some of these include:
Dental benefits
Honey is full of minerals and enzymes that can prevent the decay of teeth and freshen breath.
However, there is no evidence that honey can prevent tooth decay, as it does not contain the same nutrients as toothpaste.
In some cases, honey can be a source of infection. People with sensitive teeth should use a decayed toothpaste with the following ingredients:
- chlorine bleach
- diamond powder
- phenol
- brite
Some studies have shown that a group of nutrients found in honey may provide support to the body’s immune system and help fight against the spread of cancer cells.
Other possible health benefits of honey include:
- antimicrobial properties that help protect against oral infections
- can act as a natural mouthwash
- prevents cavities
- promotes oral hygiene
- reduces bad breath
- may help with curing oral diseases
- can act as a painkiller
- may help to relieve headaches
- may help with reducing inflammation
- Helps with recovery from burns
In some cases, honey can help the body to recover from a burn.
Honey is a natural antibiotic, so it may help to heal any wounds and act as a natural mouthwash to prevent infection.
Most commercial honeys contain salt to preserve it. So, it is unlikely that the honey will last long without refrigeration.
Honey Risks and considerations
People should not consume honey if they have a cold, as it can contain eucalyptol, a compound that can cause complications in the body.
People with allergies to many substances, including tree nuts and milk, should also avoid consuming honey.
Honey is a common ingredient in many sweet foods, such as chocolates, which can contain peanuts and other ingredients. People with peanut or tree nut allergies should avoid these products.
Anyone with sensitive teeth should be careful when using honey, as it may cause the teeth to become discoloured. However, using a tablespoon of honey will be enough for most people.
If a person is unsure about which honey is safest to use, they should take a small amount of honey and swish it around the mouth. If this happens, it is not likely to cause any harm.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the consumption of honey as a food additive in 1937.
The FDA do not require a manufacturer to put warnings on the label for products such as honey.
When to see a doctor
If a person becomes dehydrated, dizzy, or weak after consuming honey, they should seek medical attention immediately. Anyone who has a chronic illness should see a doctor if they have consumed honey within the last 6 hours.
A person should also seek medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms after consuming honey:
- severe heart or blood pressure problems
- fever
- loss of consciousness
- tiredness
- nausea
- nausea or vomiting
- acute pain or irritation in the throat or tongue
If a person has a personal or family history of any of the above, they should also see a doctor.
Takeaway
- In general, honey is safe to consume as long as it is consumed in moderation.
- Anyone who is concerned about the health effects of honey should see a doctor.
- Honey is naturally sweet, so if a person consumes too much it can create a feeling of hunger.
- By limiting the amount of honey that a person consumes, they can avoid a host of problems that can come from overconsumption, including dehydration, headaches, and dizziness.
- Anyone who believes that honey is causing side effects in their body should try to cut back or stop using it immediately.
- If a person is unsure about which honey is safe to consume, they should seek a professional opinion.
- Anyone who experiences side effects should contact a doctor.
- In rare cases, a person may develop a sensitivity to honey, which can be avoided with careful consumption.
- Anyone with a weakened immune system should seek medical advice before consuming honey.
Conclusion
Honey is a healthy addition to our everyday meal. It is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and antibacterial properties, guaranteed to improve health and food. I never do without adding honey to my family’s diet and have discovered that supermarkets do have some of the best organic and raw honey over the counters.
To help you pick such, I have created this review, listing some of the best raw and organic supermarket honey in the market. I have also included a comprehensive product guide, filled with intricate details about the factors to look out for when selecting the best supermarket, honey.
My vote for the overall best Superman honey goes to Nelson Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey. It blends a perfect combination of taste, aroma, flavour and consistency, and offers them at the perfect, pocket-friendly price. For premium supermarket shoppers, Manuka Health MGH 400+ Manuka Honey is my top choice. And if your budget requires you to spend lesser, Rowse Organic Squeezable Honey is the best option for quality and extreme deliciousness.
Written by Katie John, London
Katie is a dietetics and have spent quite a lot of time thinking about the subject.
