Honey is one of the most remarkable foods on earth. It's the only commonly consumed food made by insects. It also has a deep history, traditionally used as both food and medicine, and holds symbolic significance in many cultures.
Although there are many types of honey, 10 common varieties are widely available today. Each type has unique uses—some are better for culinary applications, while others are great for beauty treatments or health benefits.
10 Types of Honey to Try
Believe it or not, there are many types of honey. While you may think of honey as simply the sweet substance in that cute little squeeze bear in the cupboard, it comes in various forms. Here's a breakdown of 10 types of honey you should check out today!
1. Jarred Honey
When you think of honey, the jarred variety is probably what comes to mind first. Versatile and convenient, jarred honey is perfect for cooking, baking, and spreading on bread. It also works wonderfully in hot drinks like tea.
At the store, you'll typically find two types of jarred honey:
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Monofloral honey – Comes from a single plant source (e.g., star thistle, orange blossom, clover). These varieties have subtle differences in taste and aroma.
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Polyfloral honey – Often labeled "wildflower" honey, it contains nectar from various plants. Because of this, it can have higher antioxidant properties and varying vitamin and mineral content.
2. Honeydew Honey
Unlike most honey, which comes from flower nectar, honeydew honey is primarily derived from the sweet secretions (honeydew) of aphids and plant-sap-feeding insects that bees collect.
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Typically very dark brown and rich in flavor, it is popular in Europe and New Zealand.
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Higher in antioxidants and nutrients than some other honey types.
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Expensive and rare in the U.S., though some regions like California may have local sources.
Beekeepers must be cautious with honeydew honey because its high ash content can cause bee dysentery, making hive management crucial.
3. Crystallized (Candied) Honey
If you've ever left honey in the cupboard for too long, you've likely encountered crystallized honey. Raw honey is particularly prone to crystallization.
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Easily reversible – Simply warm it gently to return it to liquid form.
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Can be used as a natural sugar substitute in baking.
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Adds texture to yogurt, cake, oatmeal, and fruit.
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Works as a natural exfoliant for skincare applications.
4. Pasteurized Honey
Most store-bought honey is pasteurized, meaning it's heated to kill yeast cells and delay crystallization.
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Pros: Longer shelf life, smooth texture.
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Cons: Some believe pasteurization reduces antioxidants and that added sugars may heighten sweetness.
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Best for: General use, including cooking and sweetening beverages.
5. Raw Honey
Raw honey is in its purest form, extracted without heat or processing.
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Often filtered to remove honeycomb, pollen, and debris, but some varieties still contain chunks of honeycomb.
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Rich in flavor – Taste varies by region (Southern U.S. honey differs from Pacific Northwest honey).
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High in nutrients and antioxidants – Some people use local raw honey to help with seasonal allergies.
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Caution: Avoid if sensitive to bee-related allergens.
6. Creamed (Whipped) Honey
Creamed honey has a smooth, spreadable texture due to a controlled crystallization process.
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Never hardens like other types of honey.
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Some brands add herbs and spices (e.g., cinnamon or vanilla) for extra flavor.
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Great for: Spreading on bread, crackers, and soothing sore throats in tea.
7. Ultrasonicated Honey
A modern alternative to pasteurized honey, ultrasonicated honey undergoes non-thermal ultrasonic processing to remove yeast cells while retaining nutrients.
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Similar to raw honey in taste, texture, and aroma.
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Less common but an excellent option for those who want nutrient-rich, yeast-free honey.
8. Comb Honey
Comb honey is raw honey still inside its natural beeswax comb.
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Great for educational purposes – Helps kids learn about bees and pollination.
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Aesthetic appeal – Beautiful for charcuterie boards and holiday tables.
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Can be used in homemade beauty products thanks to its natural wax content.
9. Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is a special honey secretion used by worker bees to feed young bees and future queens.
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High in B-complex vitamins and amino acids.
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Popular in beauty products due to its anti-aging properties.
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Used as a dietary supplement for potential health benefits.
10. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a unique honey from New Zealand and Australia, sourced primarily from tea tree plants.
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Distinct characteristics: Thick consistency, dark brown color, and strong, herbaceous flavor.
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Highly antibacterial – Used in clinical studies for wound healing and immune support.
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At least 70% sourced from the Manuka tree, which has known medicinal properties.
Which Type of Honey Is Best?
The best honey depends on your needs:
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For a treat: Comb honey is a fun and unique option.
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For baking: Jarred honey or crystallized honey works well.
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For tea or spreading: Creamed honey is an excellent choice.
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For health benefits: Raw or Manuka honey may offer the most nutrients.
Bonus Tip: To support local bees, plant wildflower mixes with non-GMO, non-invasive varieties that bloom throughout the year!
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