Does Honey Go Bad? Shelf Life, Storage and Signs of Spoilage

Does honey go bad? Stored properly, honey keeps for a very long time; it’s one of the most stable foods in the kitchen. It can lose quality, and it can ferment if it takes in water. Here’s why honey lasts so long, what changes over time, and how to tell if a jar has actually spoiled.

Why honey lasts so long

Honey is mostly sugar and contains very little water. EU rules set a maximum water content of 20% for most honey, and international standards are similar. With that much sugar and that little water, microorganisms struggle to grow. Honey is also naturally acidic. Keep the lid on, and these conditions stay stable for years.

What changes over time

• Crystallization: most honey eventually turns grainy or solid. This is glucose forming crystals. It’s natural and doesn’t mean the honey has gone off. To make it runny again, see how to decrystallize honey.
• Colour and flavour: honey slowly darkens and its aroma fades, especially in warm places.
• Texture: some honeys separate into a liquid layer and a crystallized layer. Stir, or warm gently.

Signs your honey has gone bad

Honey that has absorbed moisture, for example from a wet spoon or a loose lid in a humid kitchen, can ferment. Throw it away if you notice:

• Foam or bubbles on the surface that weren’t there before
• A sour, yeasty or alcoholic smell
• Mould on the surface
• A swollen or hissing container

A thin liquid layer on top of crystallized honey isn’t necessarily a sign of spoilage, but if it smells sour, the honey has started to ferment.

Does honey expire? What the date means

Jars sold in the EU carry a date of minimum durability (“best before”). It’s a quality date: after it, the honey may have darkened or crystallized, but that doesn’t mean it is unsafe. Use your senses. If it looks, smells and tastes as it should, it’s fine to eat.

How to store honey

• Keep the jar tightly closed, at room temperature, away from the stove and direct sunlight.
• Don’t refrigerate it: the cold speeds up crystallization.
• Use a clean, dry spoon every time, so no water or crumbs get in.
• For long storage, honey can be kept in the freezer, which slows crystallization.

How long does honey last once opened?

Opening the jar doesn’t start a countdown, as it does with milk or juice. What matters is keeping water and crumbs out. A jar of honey you open and close with clean spoons can keep its quality for a year or more, and much longer if you don’t mind it crystallizing. Honey is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture from the air, which is why a loose lid in a steamy kitchen is the main risk.

Honey mixtures and products

These guidelines apply to pure honey, whether raw or processed (see raw honey vs regular honey). Products that contain honey, such as honey mustard, infused honey with fresh ingredients or honey butter, have different storage needs. Follow the label, and refrigerate them if it says so.

Honey and babies

Whatever its age, don’t give honey to babies under 12 months. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against it, because honey can contain the bacteria that cause infant botulism.

Using older honey

Honey that has darkened or crystallized is perfect for cooking: stir it into dressings, marinades or baking, or warm it gently for drizzling. Spoon it over Greek yogurt or use it in syrup for baklava.

Our Kalymnos thyme honey comes in a 450 g jar; follow the storage details on the label. Read more about Greek thyme honey and creamed vs liquid honey, or browse the Greek honey collection.

Sources

• EUR-Lex: Council Directive 2001/110/EC relating to honey
• National Honey Board: Honey FAQ (crystallization and storage)
• CDC: Botulism prevention (honey and infants)

Does honey go bad: frequently asked questions