The Truth About Raw Honey: Why It Matters (and Why You Should Avoid “Fake” Honey)
Have you ever stood in the grocery store aisle staring at rows of honey bottles that all look the same? Golden, sweet, and tempting—but what’s really inside?
You might be surprised to learn that not all honey is created equal. In fact, much of the “honey” sold in stores today isn’t truly honey at all. It’s often diluted with cheap sweeteners like rice syrup or corn syrup—and stripped of the natural nutrients and benefits that make raw honey so special.
As a small-batch maker of handcrafted elderberry syrup here in Kentucky, I care deeply about what goes into every bottle I sell. And that’s why I proudly use only pure, raw honey in Sweet ’n Simple Elderberry Syrup and in our Elderberry Infused Honey Sticks.
Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on the honey industry, why raw honey matters, and how you can choose the best honey for your health.
What Is Raw Honey?
Raw honey is exactly what nature intended—honey that is harvested straight from the hive, strained (not filtered), and bottled without being heated or overly processed.
This matters because raw honey retains:
- Live enzymes
- Antioxidants
- Pollen
- Vitamins & minerals
These compounds support your body in ways that processed honey simply can’t.
Most mass-produced honey, on the other hand, is heated and ultra-filtered—removing beneficial compounds and leaving behind little more than empty sweetness. That’s why many commercial honeys taste flat and offer minimal health benefits.
The Hidden Truth About Honey Fraud
Unfortunately, honey fraud is a real problem around the world. Studies show that up to 30-40% of honey on grocery shelves is adulterated—cut with cheap syrups and fillers that don’t come from bees at all.
If this surprises you, you’re not alone. In fact, the Netflix docuseries Rotten dedicated an entire episode to this issue. In Season 1, Episode 1, the show dives deep into the global honey supply chain—and exposes just how widespread honey fraud really is.
It’s an eye-opening look at why so many so-called “honeys” aren’t what they claim to be. And it reinforces why sourcing matters more than ever.
Many consumers have no idea they’re buying a product that has been stripped of its health benefits—or worse, diluted with foreign, sometimes contaminated ingredients.
How to spot fake honey:
- It pours too thin and watery
- It never crystallizes (real raw honey will naturally crystallize over time)
- The label says “honey blend” or “contains honey” instead of 100% pure honey
- It’s extremely cheap ($3-4 for a big bottle is a red flag)
But here’s the good news: When you choose raw, local honey from trusted producers—like the Kentucky beekeepers we proudly partner with—you can feel confident you’re getting honey as nature intended. No fillers. No shortcuts. Just pure, real honey full of flavor and wellness benefits.
Why We Use Raw Kentucky Honey in Sweet ’n Simple Elderberry Syrup
From day one, I knew that raw honey would be the heart of our handcrafted elderberry syrup. I personally work with local beekeepers here in Central Kentucky who provide us with some of the most beautiful, nutrient-rich honey you’ll ever taste.
Here’s why this matters:
- Local raw honey contains trace pollen that supports your body’s natural resilience
- Raw honey offers powerful antioxidants that pair beautifully with elderberries
- It enhances both flavor and function—our syrup is delicious thanks in part to the natural floral notes of raw Kentucky honey
When you pour a spoonful of Sweet ’n Simple Elderberry Syrup, you’re not just getting elderberries. You’re getting the goodness of raw honey, rose hips, goji berries, star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of cold-pressed orange peel—all chosen for their wellness benefits.
Health Benefits of Raw Honey
Immune Support:
Raw honey provides immune-boosting antioxidants and natural enzymes that help your body fight off stress and illness.
Allergy Relief:
Consuming local raw honey may help your body build tolerance to seasonal pollen—one reason why it’s a beloved natural allergy remedy.
Gut Health:
Raw honey contains prebiotic compounds that feed the good bacteria in your gut, supporting digestion and immunity.
Skin Support:
With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, raw honey is a time-tested remedy for soothing skin both inside and out.
Energy + Balance:
As a natural carbohydrate, raw honey provides quick, clean energy—perfect for a morning boost or afternoon pick-me-up.
Why This Matters for YOU
If you’re investing in your wellness, it’s important to know what you’re putting in your body. Choosing raw honey over cheap processed “honey” is one of the simplest upgrades you can make—and your body will thank you for it.
At Sweet ’n Simple, I’m passionate about sourcing the very best ingredients. I want every bottle of our elderberry syrup to deliver real, meaningful benefits—and that’s why you’ll always find raw Kentucky honey in every batch.
You can also enjoy this goodness in our Elderberry Infused Honey Sticks—the perfect travel-friendly way to take a little wellness with you on the go. They’re delicious in tea, drizzled on toast, or enjoyed straight from the stick.
Taste the Difference
When you choose Sweet ’n Simple Elderberry Syrup, you’re choosing:
- Real elderberries
- Raw Kentucky honey
- Local craftsmanship
- Ingredients you can trust
I’m proud to say that no rice syrup, corn syrup, or fillers will ever touch our honey or our elderberry syrup—because your health (and your tastebuds) deserve better.
Ready to experience the difference?
Shop Elderberry Syrup →
Shop Elderberry Infused Honey Sticks →
Here’s to honoring nature—and enjoying the sweet, simple goodness it provides.
