Can Honey Go Bad? Everything You Need to Know

Honey has been prized for centuries as a natural sweetener, a healing remedy, and a long-lasting pantry staple. But many people wonder: Can honey go bad? If you've ever found an old jar of honey in your cupboard, you may have questioned whether it's still safe to eat.

In this article, we'll answer key questions such as: Does honey go bad at room temperature? Does honey need to be refrigerated? How long is honey good for after opening? Let’s dive into the science behind honey’s incredible shelf life and how to store it properly.

Does Honey Go Bad at Room Temperature?

The short answer: No, honey doesn’t go bad at room temperature.

Pure, raw honey is naturally resistant to spoilage due to its unique chemical composition:

• Low moisture content: Bacteria and mold require water to grow, but honey’s moisture content is too low for microbial life to thrive.
• High acidity: With a pH between 3.2 and 4.5, honey creates an environment where most bacteria and fungi cannot survive.
• Natural hydrogen peroxide: Raw honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide—acting as a natural preservative.

This is why archaeologists have discovered honey in Egyptian tombs that is thousands of years old—and still perfectly edible!

What Can Affect Honey’s Quality Over Time?

While honey doesn’t "go bad" in the traditional sense, improper storage can affect its texture and flavor. Exposure to moisture, excessive heat, and direct sunlight can degrade its quality over time.

Can Unpasteurized Honey Go Bad?

Unpasteurized (raw) honey is just as shelf-stable as pasteurized honey.

However, raw honey may crystallize faster than pasteurized honey. Crystallization is not a sign of spoilage—it’s simply a natural process where glucose separates from water and forms crystals. If your honey crystallizes, you can gently warm it in a water bath to return it to a liquid state.

Does Honey Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, honey does not need to be refrigerated—in fact, refrigeration can do more harm than good. Storing honey in the fridge accelerates crystallization, making it thick and grainy.

Instead, keep your honey:

• At room temperature (between 20-25°C or 68-77°F)
• In an airtight glass or food-safe plastic container
• Away from direct sunlight and heat sources

How Long Is Honey Good for After Opening?

Once opened, honey remains safe to eat indefinitely, provided it’s stored properly. Unlike other foods that spoil after exposure to air, honey’s natural properties prevent bacterial growth.

That said, honey may darken in color or develop stronger flavors over time. This is a normal aging process and does not indicate spoilage.

How Long Can You Store Honey?

If stored correctly, honey can last forever—or at least for decades! While most commercial honey comes with a “best before” date of 2-3 years, this is mainly for quality assurance rather than safety reasons.

To maximize its shelf life:
✔ Keep the jar sealed when not in use to prevent moisture contamination.
✔ Avoid using wet utensils to scoop out honey, as water can promote bacteria growth.
✔ Store in a dry, cool place to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Does Creamed Honey Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, creamed honey does not need refrigeration. Like liquid honey, it should be stored at room temperature in a sealed container.

However, creamed honey has a smoother, spreadable consistency because it undergoes a controlled crystallization process. Keeping it in the fridge can make it too firm, so it's best stored in a cool pantry.

Looking for the Best Raw Honey?

At OneRoot Honey, we offer premium Canadian raw honey sourced from the pristine Boreal Forest—one of the cleanest beekeeping environments in the world. Explore our collection of pure, unpasteurized honey today!