Honey Base

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, mostly fructose and glucose, with smaller amounts of other sugars, water, and trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Manufacturers add honey primarily as a sweetener and flavor enhancer in a wide variety of foods. Its distinct flavor profile makes it popular in baked goods, cereals, dairy products like yogurt and ice cream, and as a topping or ingredient in sauces and marinades. Honey can also contribute to moisture retention and browning in baked items.

Honey is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It is a natural sweetener with a composition similar to other sugars. While often perceived as healthier than refined sugar, its impact on blood sugar levels is similar due to its high sugar content. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting intake of free sugars, including honey, to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. JECFA has evaluated honey and established specifications for its identity and quality.