Does Honey Go Bad?

While honey is certainly a super-food, it isn't supernatural–if you leave it out, unsealed in a humid environment, it will spoil. As Harris explains, ” As long as the lid stays on it and no water is added to it, honey will not go bad.

How do I know if my honey is bad?

It Can Crystallize and Degrade Over Time

Crystallized honey becomes whiter and lighter in color. It also becomes much more opaque instead of clear, and may appear grainy (1). It is safe to eat. However, water is released during the crystallization process, which increases the risk of fermentation (1, 17).

How long can you keep honey?

If stored properly, it can essentially stay good for decades, sometimes even longer. Primarily made up of sugars, it's known as one of the most natural stable foods out there. According to the National Honey Board, most honey products have an expiration date or “best by” date of around two years.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.