When choosing honey, many people assume they’re making a healthier choice over sugar. But did you know that not all honey is created equal? The difference between raw honey and processed honey is significant, and if you’re buying honey that has been packed or processed outside of Western Australia, you might not be getting the nutritional benefits you expect.

What Happens to Processed Honey?

Most commercially available honey has been heat-treated and finely filtered before it reaches store shelves. This process is designed to create a clear, smooth honey with a longer shelf life, but it comes at a cost:

✅ High Heat Treatment (often above 70°C) destroys natural enzymes, antioxidants, and beneficial nutrients.
✅ Fine Filtration removes pollen, propolis, and other beneficial compounds, stripping the honey of its natural goodness.
✅ Loss of Medicinal Properties, making it no more beneficial than refined sugar.

Biosecurity & Honey: Why It Matters

In Western Australia, we have strict biosecurity laws to protect our environment and bee populations. Any honey imported or processed outside of WA must be heat-treated and ultra-filtered to meet these requirements. This means that if the honey you buy isn’t produced AND packed in WA, it has likely lost its natural benefits.

The Healthiest Choice? Raw WA Honey.

If you’re choosing honey for its health benefits, the only real alternative to sugar is raw, unprocessed honey—specifically honey that is:

✅ Produced and packed in WA (not just sourced from WA).
✅ Handled by WA beekeepers who are also registered food businesses, ensuring they follow food safety regulations for producing, packing, and selling honey.
✅ Unheated, unfiltered, and packed fresh, retaining all its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and beneficial properties.

How to Ensure You’re Buying the Best WA Honey

When buying honey, always check the label. Look for honey that is:
✔ Produced AND packed in Western Australia
✔ From a WA-based registered food business
✔ Clearly labeled as raw or unprocessed

By choosing authentic WA raw honey, you’re not only making a healthier choice but also supporting local beekeepers who are committed to quality, sustainability, and food safety.