Sweetener | Vegetarian Gluten Free Paleo

Honey

Apis mellifera product Allergen-Free
honey

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Animal Product)
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Nectar (from flowers), Honey Bees

The Forktionary Angle

"Nature's golden syrup, offering a spectrum of flavors based on floral source, from delicate acacia to robust buckwheat, enriching every dish."

Definition

A sweet, viscous food substance produced by honey bees from floral nectar, known for its unique flavor and preservative qualities.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Floral, Fruity, Earthy (depends on source)
TextureViscous, Sticky, Smooth
AromaFloral, Caramel, Malty
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Science

Primarily composed of fructose and glucose; its hygroscopic nature allows it to draw and retain moisture in baked goods.

Storage

Indefinite shelf life when stored properly in a cool, dark place due to low water content and acidity.

Usage

Globally consumed in beverages, baking, savory glazes, and as a spread.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (21g)
Calories304 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.3 g
Total Carbohydrate82 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars82 g
Calcium6 mg
Iron0.4 mg
Potassium52 mg

Chef’s Secret

To easily measure sticky honey, spray your measuring spoon with non-stick spray or lightly oil it beforehand.

Substitutions

Best Match

Maple Syrup

1:1

Similar sweetness and viscosity, good for baking and drizzling. Distinct flavor.

Agave Nectar

3/4:1 (agave:honey)

Sweeter and thinner than honey, good for vegan baking and beverages.

Corn Syrup

1:1

Similar viscosity and prevents crystallization, less flavor complexity.

Brown Rice Syrup

1:1 (may need more)

Less sweet, but provides similar stickiness and texture, suitable for vegan.

Buying Guide

Look for raw, unfiltered honey for maximum nutritional benefits. Store at room temperature.

Flavor Pairings

Tea Yogurt Cheese Toast Fruit Marinades Glazes Baking.

Recipes Using Honey

Asian Beginner Cook Asian Time To Make

I Stole The Idea From Mirj Sesame Noodles

Inspired by Mirj's famous Funky Chicken Sesame Noodles, this recipe puts a spicy twist on a classic! We've taken the irresistible sesame noodle base and amped up the flavor with a touch of red pepper flakes. Get ready for a quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious meal that's totally different yet undeniably similar to the original. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and will quickly become a family favorite!

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Yeast Small Appliance Quick Breads Technique

Utah Scones Deep Fried

Experience the ultimate guilty pleasure: Utah Scones! These aren't your grandma's scones – think fluffy, golden-brown frybread, sopapillas, and elephant ears rolled into one incredible treat. Crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, these deep-fried delights are unbelievably delicious. We've tweaked the recipe with a few 'healthier' swaps (don't worry, they're still undeniably indulgent!), making you feel just a *tad* better about indulging in this irresistible snack. Serve warm with honey, jam, peanut butter, orange marmalade, powdered sugar – the possibilities are endless!

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Low Cholesterol Healthy Breads 60 Minutes Or Less

100 Whole Wheat Bread Low Fat And Good

This recipe yields 3 hearty loaves of incredibly flavorful, 100% whole wheat bread! What makes this recipe so special? It's unbelievably simple, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers consistently fantastic results every time. Perfect for beginner bakers! This recipe is my own twist on a family favorite, enhanced with oats for extra heartiness (ideal with a comforting soup) and ground flaxseed for a boost of omega-3s and fiber. The result? A bread that's wonderfully soft, not dense, perfect for sandwiches, toast, and freezes beautifully. Prepare to be amazed!

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4 Hours Or Less Desserts 4 Hours Or Less Dietary

Alfajores

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of homemade Alfajores! This authentic South American recipe, adapted from a Nestle classic, yields incredibly delicious sandwich cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth dulce de leche filling. While it requires a bit of time and effort, the rewarding taste is well worth it. Prepare to impress your friends and family with these delightful treats!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Fish Cuisine

Andreas Viestad's Honey And Mustard Marinated Salmon With Rosema

Experience Scandinavian culinary magic with this elegant and easy salmon recipe! Inspired by a 2005 Scandinavian cooking site discovery, this dish features honey-mustard marinated salmon baked to perfection and served with tender rosemary apples. A romantic dinner for two, ready in under an hour. Impress your loved ones with this flavorful and sophisticated meal.

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Taste Mood Main Dish Pork Preparation

Anne Byrn's Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin

This show-stopping recipe, from Anne Byrn's beloved cookbook "What Can I Bring?", is guaranteed to impress. This tender, juicy pork tenderloin is bathed in a sweet and savory honey-mustard glaze, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Easy to follow instructions and minimal prep time mean you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company!

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Dietary Time To Make Low Protein Low Calorie

Apple And Honey Glazed Baby Carrots

Sweet and savory perfection! These Apple & Honey Glazed Baby Carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that elevates any meal. Perfectly tender-crisp carrots are tossed in a luscious glaze of apple juice, honey, and fresh dill, creating a flavor explosion that's irresistible. This recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve alongside pork chops, ham, or your favorite protein for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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Preparation Easy Low Calorie Salads

Apple And Pistachio Salad

Inspired by Nava Atlas's vegetarian cookbook, this vibrant Apple & Pistachio Salad is a flavor explosion! Slightly adapted for extra deliciousness, it's perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or a surprisingly satisfying filling for pita pockets. Sweet apples, crunchy pistachios, and a zesty dressing create a symphony of textures and tastes. Get ready for a quick and easy recipe that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying!

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Time To Make Low Cholesterol Dietary Chicken Breasts

Apple Ginger Chicken Marinade

Unlock unbelievably juicy and flavorful chicken with this irresistible Apple Ginger marinade! Perfect for grilling or baking, this recipe infuses your chicken with a sweet and savory blend of apple, ginger, and garlic. Marinating overnight is key (longer is even better!), resulting in incredibly tender and delicious results. Get ready for rave reviews! This recipe is a keeper.

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Cuisine Dinner Party Main Ingredient Occasion

Apple Pecan Salad

Elevate your autumn meals with this irresistible Apple Pecan Salad! Perfectly roasted Fuji apples, bursting with buttery sweetness, are paired with crunchy pecans and a vibrant honey-cider vinaigrette. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, served atop a bed of crisp oak leaf and butter lettuce, creates a symphony of taste and texture. This easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a festive side dish, or a delightful fall dessert.

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Stove Top 60 Minutes Or Less Low In Something European

Apple Strudels

Indulge in the warm, comforting aroma of homemade apple strudel! This recipe is easily customizable – use apples, cherries, pears, or apricots for a delightful twist. Flaky pastry encases a sweet and tangy fruit filling, creating a perfect dessert or brunch treat. Easy to follow instructions guide you to strudel perfection!

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Holiday Event 3 Steps Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Holiday Event

Apple Cranberry Cider

Warm up with this delightful Apple Cranberry Cider recipe, sweetly enhanced with Sue Bee Honey! This cozy drink is perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings. A simple blend of tart cranberries, crisp apples, and warming spices creates a delicious and unforgettable beverage.

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Novelty Low Cholesterol 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

Craving Applebee's famous Oriental Chicken Salad? This incredibly close copycat recipe lets you recreate the restaurant favorite at home in minutes! A former Applebee's employee-tested recipe, this vibrant salad is packed with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing that will have you hooked. Easy to customize – try it as a salad or delicious wraps!

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Time To Make Inexpensive Preparation Cakes

Arabic Honey Cake

Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of Kuwait with this authentic Arabic Honey Cake recipe! This decadent dessert, discovered on a Kuwaiti website, boasts a delightful honey-infused flavor and moist texture. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience a taste of the Middle East!

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Equipment Time To Make Healthy Meat

Asian Pork Tenderloin

This Asian Pork Tenderloin recipe is a flavor explosion! Light, healthy, and incredibly tasty, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy pork tenderloin gets glazed with a sweet and savory honey-soy marinade, then baked to perfection. Ready in under an hour, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite! #AsianPorkTenderloin #HealthyRecipe #PorkTenderloin #HoneySoy #WeeknightDinner

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Cuisine For 1 Or 2 Picnic Lunch

Asian Style Chicken Nuggets

A fusion of Asian and American flavors, these crispy chicken nuggets are incredibly easy to make! This recipe uses a simple honey-soy-ginger marinade and a classic breading technique for perfectly golden, juicy nuggets. Deep-frying in a pot ensures a mess-free experience. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family snack!

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Time To Make Low Calorie Occasion Seasonal

Autumn Baked Acorn Squash

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible Autumn Baked Acorn Squash recipe! This savory-sweet masterpiece features tender acorn squash perfectly complemented by tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a touch of cinnamon and brown sugar. A simple yet elegant side dish or light vegetarian meal, perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or a weeknight treat. Get ready to savor the delightful autumn flavors!

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Eggs Dairy Meat Main Ingredient Eggs Dairy

Avocado Salad With Bleu Cheese Bacon

Indulge in this creamy and satisfying avocado salad! Perfectly ripe avocados are tossed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crumbled bleu cheese, and smoky bacon bits. A simple yet vibrant dressing ties it all together for a delicious and healthy meal or side dish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party appetizer!

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