Honey

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Common questions

Is Honey healthy?

Honey scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This honey product is primarily composed of natural honey, which is a minimally processed sweetener with beneficial properties such as antioxidants and antimicrobial effects.

How processed is Honey?

Honey is NOVA Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients.

Which ingredients drive Honey's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Honey counts in its favor; Dextrose, Fructose are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Honey

70 Good

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

$14.47 · 32 oz · $0.45 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 2
Category Honey
Summary

This honey product is primarily composed of natural honey, which is a minimally processed sweetener with beneficial properties such as antioxidants and antimicrobial effects. However, the presence of additional sugars like levulose and dextrose, along with various acids and gums, indicates a moderate level of processing that slightly detracts from its purity. Despite these additions, the product maintains a relatively clean label with no harmful artificial additives.

Key ingredients 14

Honey
Good

Honey is a natural sweetener with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is minimally processed and retains beneficial enzymes and nutrients. Compared to refined sugars, honey offers additional health benefits due to its bioactive compounds.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to increased blood sugar levels and weight gain.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties that can support immune health. Provides a natural source of energy and may soothe sore throats.

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Levulose
Neutral

Levulose, also known as fructose, is a natural sugar found in honey and fruits. It is sweeter than glucose and often used to enhance sweetness in foods. While it is a natural component of honey, excessive intake can have health implications.

Risks

High consumption of fructose can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic issues.

Benefits

Provides a quick source of energy and is naturally occurring in many fruits and honey.

Water
Neutral

Water is a fundamental component of honey, contributing to its viscosity and texture. It is essential for the natural preservation and stability of honey. The water content in honey is typically low, which helps prevent microbial growth.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining the texture and stability of honey.

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Ash
Neutral

Ash in honey represents the mineral content, including trace elements. It is a natural component that varies depending on the floral source of the honey. While it contributes to the nutritional profile, it is present in small amounts.

Benefits

Provides trace minerals that contribute to the nutritional value of honey.

Waxes
Neutral

Waxes are natural components found in honey, originating from the beeswax used in honeycomb construction. They are present in minimal amounts and contribute to the texture of honey. Waxes are generally considered inert and safe for consumption.

Benefits

Contributes to the natural texture and stability of honey.

Gum
Neutral

Gum in honey refers to natural polysaccharides that contribute to its viscosity. These are naturally occurring and help maintain the texture of honey. They are generally considered safe and are not added artificially in honey.

Benefits

Helps maintain the natural viscosity and texture of honey.

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Organic Acids
Neutral

Organic acids in honey, such as gluconic acid, contribute to its flavor and preservation. They are naturally occurring and help maintain the acidity of honey, which inhibits microbial growth. These acids are a natural part of honey's composition.

Benefits

Contributes to the flavor profile and preservation of honey.

Amino Acids
Neutral

Amino acids in honey are naturally occurring and contribute to its nutritional profile. They are present in small amounts and vary depending on the floral source. While they add to the nutritional value, they are not a significant source of protein.

Benefits

Contributes to the nutritional profile of honey with essential amino acids.

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Formic Acid
Neutral

Formic acid is a natural component of honey that contributes to its acidity and preservation. It is present in small amounts and helps inhibit microbial growth. While it is a natural preservative, it is not present in significant quantities.

Benefits

Helps preserve honey by inhibiting microbial growth.

Acetic Acid
Neutral

Acetic acid is a natural acid found in honey that contributes to its flavor and preservation. It is present in small amounts and helps maintain the acidity of honey. This acid is a natural part of honey's composition and aids in preservation.

Benefits

Contributes to the flavor and preservation of honey.

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Butyric Acid
Neutral

Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid found in small amounts in honey. It contributes to the flavor profile and is naturally occurring. While it is not a major component, it adds to the complexity of honey's taste.

Benefits

Contributes to the flavor complexity of honey.

Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural acid found in honey that contributes to its flavor and preservation. It is present in small amounts and helps maintain the acidity of honey. This acid is a natural part of honey's composition and aids in preservation.

Benefits

Contributes to the flavor and preservation of honey.

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Dextrose
Bad

Refined added sugar.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and potential weight gain.

Benefits

Acts as a quick source of energy and is naturally present in honey.

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Fructose
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

High consumption of fructose can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic issues.

Benefits

Provides a quick source of energy and is naturally occurring in many fruits and honey.

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Processing

Group 2 · Culinary ingredients

Processed Culinary Ingredients

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