Does honey contain sugar?

Introduction

Honey is one of the most beloved natural sweeteners with numerous health benefits. However, in recent years, incidents of adulteration have increased, mainly through the addition of sugar or syrups. This raises questions like:

• "How can I tell if the honey I buy is pure?"

• "Does it contain added sugar? How can I check?"

In this article, we will explore scientific evidence and practical methods to help you easily identify whether honey has been adulterated.

What is Honey Adulteration?
Adulteration is the deliberate addition of substances (such as glucose syrup, sucrose, or fructose) to honey to increase its volume and reduce production costs.
Sugar adulteration not only degrades honey's nutritional value but can also alter its flavor.

Scientific Methods for Detecting Sugar in Honey

• Carbon Isotope Ratio Analysis (δ13C)
  Used to detect whether corn syrup (a C4 sugar) has been added. It is the most reliable laboratory method.

• LC–MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry)
  Can detect specific monosaccharides and polysaccharides derived from beet sugar or rice syrups.

• Electrical Conductivity Measurement
  Adulteration with sugar affects the honey's conductivity.

These methods are mostly performed in laboratories, but there are also practical home tests you can try yourself.

Practical Home Tests

1. Water Test
   Place 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of cold water without stirring.

• Pure honey settles at the bottom and dissolves slowly.

• Adulterated honey dissolves more easily due to added sugar or syrups.

2. Flame Test (with a matchstick)
   Dip a cotton wick or wooden stick in honey and try to light it.

• If it burns, it’s likely pure.

• If it doesn’t, it may contain water or syrups.

3. Texture and Taste Test

• Pure honey has a rich, complex flavor and sticks more to the spoon.

• Adulterated honey has a cleaner, syrup-like sweetness, similar to sugar syrup.

Nutritional Components: Pure vs Adulterated Honey

Adulterated honey lacks honey’s natural health benefits and may raise blood sugar more quickly.

What to Look for When Buying Honey

• Read the label: It should state “100% honey” with no additives.

• Prefer local producers and certified PDO/PGI products.

• Request a certification analysis (if available).

• Avoid products labeled “blend of EU and non-EU honeys.”

Conclusion
Honey is a natural treasure, but vigilance is needed to ensure what you're consuming is pure and of high quality. With a bit of research, careful label reading, and basic taste tests, you can distinguish authentic honey from adulterated. And of course, remember: quality starts with the beekeeper.

Nasos Iliopoulos
Agricultural Technologist (ATEI), Beekeeper & Entomologist

References

• Chatzimanolis, K. (2019). Chemical Analyses and Evaluation of Honey Adulteration. Food Chemistry Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH).

• EFET. (2022). Guidelines for Authentic Honey & Signs of Adulteration. Retrieved from www.efet.gr

• 1. Bogdanov, S. et al. (2002). Quality and authenticity of honey. International Honey Commission.

  2. Ruoff, K. & Bogdanov, S. (2004). Authenticity of honey and honey adulteration detection. Food Chemistry, 85(4), 599–605.

  3. European Commission, Joint Research Centre. (2021). Honey Market Surveillance Report.

  4. Codex Alimentarius. (2001). Standard for Honey (CODEX STAN 12-1981). FAO/WHO.