Raw vs. Local vs. Commercial Honey: What’s the Difference?

There’s More to Honey Than Meets the Eye

We all know honey is delicious, but there’s a lot more to this golden treat than most people realize. If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between raw, local, and commercial honey, you’re not alone! As a small, family-run beekeeping business, we get this question a lot. Let’s break it down in simple terms, so you can feel confident choosing the honey that’s right for you.

Raw Honey: Straight From the Hive

Raw honey is just what it sounds like—honey in its purest form, straight from the hive. It’s lightly strained to remove bits of wax or bee parts, but it’s not heated or heavily filtered. This means all the natural goodness stays intact.

When you buy raw honey, you might notice it looks a little cloudy or even has small particles in it. That’s totally normal! It still has things like bee pollen, propolis (a sticky substance bees use in their hives), enzymes, and antioxidants. These are the parts that give raw honey its natural health benefits, like helping with allergies, digestion, or even minor wounds.

Commercial Honey: What You Usually Find at the Store

Commercial honey, the kind most commonly found in grocery stores, is usually heated and filtered before it’s bottled. This process, called pasteurization, makes the honey smoother and gives it a clear, golden appearance. It also helps it stay liquid longer and extends the shelf life.

But there’s a trade-off. The heat and filtering remove a lot of the good stuff—like pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants. Some commercial honey may even have added sugars or syrup to cut costs. That’s why it’s always worth checking the label to make sure you’re getting pure honey.

Local Honey: A Taste of Where You Live

Local honey (like the kind we produce here at Dry Creek Beekeeping) is harvested from bees that gather nectar from nearby flowers and plants. It often overlaps with raw honey—in fact, most small local producers don’t pasteurize their honey.

One of the most talked-about benefits of local honey is that it might help with seasonal allergies. Since it contains small amounts of pollen from local plants, it could help your body build a little tolerance over time. Even though research is ongoing, many people swear by it!

Beyond health benefits, local honey just tastes better. Every batch has its own unique flavor, depending on what’s blooming around the hives. Buying local also supports small beekeepers (like us!) and helps keep bees and pollinators thriving in your community.

So, Which Honey Should You Choose?

It depends on what matters most to you. If you want all the natural health benefits, go with raw. If you’re looking to support local businesses and get a taste of your region, choose local. If you’re after a long shelf life and crystal-clear texture, commercial honey might do the trick—just keep an eye on the ingredients.

No matter what kind you pick, honey is a sweet gift from nature. We’re proud to share ours with you and hope this helps you make an informed, tasty choice the next time you’re shopping for a jar.

Visit us at Dry Creek Beekeeping to learn more about our honey, hives, and how you can get involved!