Honey 3

Honey is a sweet, viscous food substance made by honey bees from the nectar of flowers. Bees collect nectar and store it in their honeycombs, where enzymes and evaporation transform it into honey. It is primarily composed of sugars, mainly fructose and glucose, with smaller amounts of other sugars, water, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Manufacturers add honey primarily as a sweetener, providing a distinct flavor profile that differs from refined sugars. It can also act as a humectant, helping foods retain moisture, and as a mild preservative due to its low water content and acidity. Honey is commonly found in baked goods, cereals, sauces, and marinades.

Honey is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It is a natural sweetener and a source of antioxidants. While often perceived as healthier than refined sugar, it is still a source of calories and sugars. JECFA has evaluated honey and established specifications for its quality and authenticity. It is not recommended for infants under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism.