Honey & natural sweeteners

Honey is easy to cut with cheap syrup, and maple syrup can pick up lead from old equipment, so we rank proof ahead of price. The FDA’s 2025 isotope tests found 4 of 102 honeys adulterated, and the FDA says its method catches only some added sweeteners (FDA (opens in a new tab)). Health Canada treats 0.5 ppm or more of lead in maple syrup as a sign of avoidable contamination (CFIA (opens in a new tab)). Authenticity tests and independent lab results count most, then sourcing, glass or metal packaging, trust and price. Honey and syrup are still added sugar.

Real and unblended 25%

One ingredient, with an authenticity test (NMR or isotope analysis) showing nothing was added. Unproven “pure” claims score low.

Independent testing 30%

Glyphosate, antibiotic and lead results for the honey or syrup, published, from a lab the maker does not pay where possible.

Sourcing 15%

A named region and producer, and for honey whether it is raw and how it is filtered.

Packaging 10%

Glass or metal. Plastic jars and squeeze bottles cost points.

Trust 10%

Highest when the maker names everything, answers questions, and has no recalls, warning letters, Prop 65 notices or lawsuits over safety or labeling. Points come off for unresolved problems and for paid promoters it does not disclose.

Value 10%

Price per ounce against the others here that pass.

Each product scores every one from 1 to 5, and its rating is the weighted average. We list only products rated 3 or above that break none of our rules.

We avoid

• “Honey blends”, syrups cut with rice or corn syrup, and “pure” claims with no test behind them.
• Sweeteners with additives: flavorings, preservatives, or stevia and monk fruit blends padded with erythritol.
• Health claims beyond what the research shows, such as “cures allergies”.

Read the research

• Raw & Manuka Honey
• Natural Sweeteners
• Added Sugar
• Glyphosate (Roundup)