Does honey expire or just change form? Easy ways to keep it safe and fresh

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener, home remedy and pantry essential. Many families keep a jar tucked away in a kitchen shelf for years and still reach for it without hesitation. Because honey seems to stay good for such a long time, people often wonder whether it can ever truly spoil. You may have noticed crystallisation, thickening or colour change in an old jar and questioned if it is still safe to eat. The belief that honey lasts forever appears widespread, but how accurate is that idea? Understanding the science behind honey’s unusual stability and learning how to store it correctly helps you know whether honey ever really goes bad or if it simply matures with time.A peer-reviewed study titled “The antibacterial activity of honey” published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that honey’s composition makes it naturally unfriendly to bacteria because of its low water content, high sugar concentration and the production of hydrogen peroxide. The researchers concluded that these factors prevent microbial growth and preserve honey for exceptionally long periods. This scientific foundation supports the idea that pure honey can remain safe and stable for decades, or even longer, when stored correctly.Honey does not usually spoil in the traditional sense. What many people assume is spoilage is often a natural ageing process. Honey may crystallise, becoming grainy or solid, or slowly darken in colour as time passes. These changes are chemical and do not mean the honey is unsafe. Crystallised honey can still be eaten as it is, or it can be returned to liquid form by placing the sealed jar in warm water and stirring gently until smooth again.Although honey rarely spoils by itself, it can go bad if contaminated with moisture. When water is introduced, natural yeasts can begin fermentation, causing bubbles, froth, separation of layers or a sour or alcoholic smell. Any sign of mould or unusual odour means the honey should not be consumed. Contamination typically happens when wet spoons are dipped inside the jar or when the lid is left open in a humid environment. To avoid these issues, always use a clean and dry spoon and close the jar tightly after every use.Proper storage is essential to maintain honey’s quality and safety. Store honey in an airtight glass container in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat. Sunlight can weaken flavour and reduce beneficial compounds, while excess heat may accelerate darkening. Honey should not be refrigerated, as cold temperatures encourage faster crystallisation, affecting texture. Keeping the jar sealed and stored consistently protects honey’s flavour and long shelf life.Most branded honey jars show a best-before date. However, this date usually reflects optimal flavour and commercial rotation guidelines rather than a strict safety limit. Honey does not suddenly become unsafe once the date passes. As long as it has been stored properly and not contaminated, it remains safe to eat. With time, aroma and taste may become milder, but quality remains acceptable. The expiry label mainly helps retailers rotate stock rather than warn consumers of actual spoilage.Raw honey contains more natural enzymes and antioxidants than processed honey, which enhances its antimicrobial properties. It may crystallise more quickly because of pollen particles and natural sugars, but this does not mean it is spoiled. Raw honey remains safe and stable when stored correctly. If texture changes, gentle warming returns it to a pourable consistency without affecting its nutritional value.Pure honey is one of the most durable natural foods in the world. With its low moisture level, acidic pH and antimicrobial chemistry, honey protects itself against bacteria and mould. Natural changes such as crystallisation or darkening are normal signs of ageing and not indicators of spoilage. True spoilage usually occurs only when moisture allows fermentation. Keep honey in a tightly sealed jar, store it in a cool and dry place and use clean, dry utensils to preserve its quality.In most cases, honey does not go bad. It lasts for years and sometimes even generations.Disclaimer: This content is intended purely for informational use and is not a substitute for professional medical, nutritional or scientific advice. Always seek support from certified professionals for personalised recommendations.Also read| 5 easy ways to keep food warm in winter without reheating