The Bees Honey
Inspired by the Juice WRLD song “The Bees Knees” from his album “Death Race For Love.”
It’s Madame Midni9ht Mandarin here!
I hope everyone enjoyed my first blog post and the introduction to my brand and website. It was a pleasure sharing a bit about myself as CEO, as well as the mission and purpose behind my brand.
In today’s blog, I want to briefly bring attention to misleading labels and marketing tactics that many companies use when selling honey.
What’s Really in Your Honey?
Honey is a commonly used sweetener, known for being less processed than others, like cane sugar. Honey has many amazing benefits, but unfortunately, a lot of the honey found in supermarkets across the United States has been modified or adulterated.
According to Google, the definition of “adulterated” is:
“render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one.”
This growing issue in the food industry is part of what’s called FOOD FRAUD! Adulterated honey may contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or other harmful substances. Another common example of food fraud is extra virgin olive oil, which is often mixed with cheaper oils like canola or vegetable oil.
How Is Honey Adulterated?
Here are some common ways companies modify or adulterate honey to save money and increase profits:
- Removing natural pollen by filtering the honey to alter its origin.
- Adding chemicals and preservatives to extend the honey’s shelf life.
- Mixing natural honey with low-quality or non-natural honey to save on production costs.
- Diluting honey to increase the quantity, then adding starches/thickeners and artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin to mimic real honey’s taste and consistency.
- Adding high fructose corn syrup or other cheap sweeteners.
- Heating honey to improve its appearance and consistency, which destroys its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and other beneficial properties.
How to Avoid Buying Adulterated Honey
Here are a few tips to ensure you’re getting real, natural honey:
Buy locally: Purchase honey from a trusted local honey bee farm. Search “honey bee farms near me” on Google to find local options.
Check the label: Look for labels with words like “organic,” “100% pure,” “raw,” and “unfiltered” when shopping for honey in stores.
Made in the USA: Choose honey labeled “Made in the USA.” Be cautious of honey that says “Product of [another country],” as it may not meet the same standards.
Recommended Brands
If you don’t have access to a local honey bee farm, here are some brands I recommend:
- Nature Nate’s Honey Co. 100% Organic Raw & Unfiltered Honey
Available at Target, Sam’s Club, Kroger, and more.
View Product Here - Y.S. Organic Bee Farms Raw Honey
Available at Vitamin Shoppe and other retailers.
View Product Here - Jack & Co Organic Raw Honey
View Product Here
(Note: I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any of these companies.)
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you found this blog post helpful and informative! As always, I’m here to answer any questions. Feel free to email me at midni9htmandarin@gmail.com—first four questions are free for new clients!
Blessings, peace to the Gods & Earth.
Peace, Love, & Light.