How to Choose Honey for Kids, Adults and Every Kitchen
With more than a dozen honey varieties to choose from, it helps to know which one fits who you're buying for and how they'll use it. Start with the most important rule.
The one rule: no honey before age one
Never give honey in any form to babies under 12 months old. Honey can contain spores of the bacteria that cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness. Babies' digestive systems aren't mature enough to handle them. After the first birthday, honey is fine for most children.
For kids (over age one)
- Pick mild, light honeys. Clover, orange blossom and sage taste familiar and gentle.
- Try honey sticks. Single-serving sticks are portion-controlled, mess-free and lunch-box friendly.
- Use a squeeze bear. Honey bears make it easy for kids to drizzle on their own.
For tea lovers
Choose a light honey that won't mask the tea. Sage honey is a favorite for green and white teas, and orange blossom brightens black tea and iced tea.
For coffee drinkers
Darker honeys stand up to coffee. Avocado honey adds caramel and molasses notes, and buckwheat pairs with the strongest brews.
For bakers and cooks
Clover and California wildflower are versatile everyday choices. For gingerbread, rye bread and glazes, use buckwheat or avocado. 3 lb jars are the best value if you bake often.
For cheese boards
Pair bold eucalyptus with aged cheeses, and creamy cactus honey with soft, fresh cheeses.
For gifts
Honey gift sets put two or three varieties side by side, so the recipient can taste the difference between light and dark honeys.
If you're watching your sugar
Honey is still a sugar. If you're managing diabetes or blood sugar, talk to your doctor about how honey fits your diet.
Still not sure? Compare every variety in our honey varieties guide.
Do not feed honey to infants under 12 months old.