Not all honey is the same — and most people only realize that when it’s too late.
You’re standing in the supermarket, jar in hand, reading "honey" on the label. Pure, natural, healthy, right? Unfortunately, the reality is different. Most honey you buy in a Belgian supermarket is heated, filtered, and blended — coming from countries on the other side of the world, with little control over quality or processing method.
In this guide, we honestly explain what raw honey is, why it is different from regular honey, what the new Belgian legislation means for you as a consumer, and where you can truly buy good raw honey in Belgium.
What exactly is raw honey?
Raw honey (also called "raw honey") is honey that comes straight from the hive, without heating or industrial processing. That sounds simple, but it makes a big difference.
Raw honey still contains all the substances bees naturally put into it:
- Enzymes — that play a role in digestion and antibacterial action
- Antioxidants — that neutralize free radicals
- Pollen — with trace and micro elements
- Vitamins and minerals — in small but present amounts
- Propolis — a natural resinous substance bees use for protection
In regular supermarket honey, most of these substances disappear during the production process. And that is exactly why the difference matters.
New legislation: finally honesty on the label
Since June 14, 2026, stricter rules for honey labeling apply in Belgium and the rest of the EU. The reason? A large European study found that nearly half of all honey entering Europe did not comply with regulations. Producers added sugars or colorants, or sold cheap imported honey under misleading labels.
The main change: producers can no longer simply state "blend of EU and non-EU honey". From now on, each country of origin must be explicitly listed, including the percentage — in descending order. A label can now look like this: 45% China — 30% Ukraine — 25% Argentina
That is a big step forward for transparency. But beware: the new labeling requirement does not immediately solve the control problem. The harmonized analysis methods and the European traceability system are still under development. This means enforcement is currently limited — so reading and understanding labels is still up to you.
What does this concretely mean for you as a consumer? Read the label. Does it say China, Argentina, or a vague mix of countries? Then you know what you’re buying: honey that has traveled thousands of kilometers, with a higher ecological footprint, produced under different quality and control standards than those in the EU.
Why is most supermarket honey not what you think?
Supermarket honey undergoes an industrial process consisting of three steps — and each step removes something valuable.
1. Heating
To keep honey nicely liquid and clear, it is heated to 60–80 °C or higher. Above 40–42 °C, enzymes, antioxidants, and flavor compounds start to degrade. You end up with a sweet, syrupy product — but the biological activity is largely gone.
2. Filtering
Then the honey is finely filtered to remove pollen and other particles. This creates a nice, commercially attractive appearance. But pollen is one of the most valuable components of honey — and it’s also the way you can trace the geographic origin. No pollen? No traceability.
3. Blending from around the world
Most brands sell a blend of honey from multiple countries — China, Argentina, Ukraine, Brazil. That honey is cheaper, but the quality and pesticide controls in those countries are not always as strict as in the EU. Moreover, that honey travels thousands of kilometers before it reaches your table — with a corresponding ecological footprint.
The result? A product that looks like honey and tastes sweet like honey, but has retained few of the original properties — and until recently, you couldn’t even know where it came from.
How to read a honey label correctly? (Checklist)
With the new legislation, you can now read much more on a jar of honey. Here’s what to look for:
Good signs:
- "Unheated" or "not heated" — explicitly stated
- "Unfiltered" or "raw honey"
- One clear country of origin within the EU (no blend)
- Certified organic (BIO) — means no pesticides, better environment for bees
- Independent lab analyses available via a link or QR code
- The honey is solid or crystallized (see below)
Warning signs:
- Origin outside the EU: China, Argentina, Ukraine, Brazil — or a mixture of these
- Perfectly liquid and crystal clear (indicates heating)
- No mention of processing method
- Price that is noticeably low for the quantity
Regarding ORGANIC: organically certified honey means the beehives are in an organically certified environment, free from pesticides and industry. That’s not the same as raw — but it is an extra quality guarantee showing serious care for the product.
Wait — crystallization is not a flaw
Many people think crystallized honey is spoiled. The opposite is true: crystallization is proof of authenticity. Raw, unheated honey naturally crystallizes because it contains a high concentration of glucose.
Want to make it liquid again? You can do that without damaging the nutrients:
- Place the closed jar in a bowl of warm water (au bain-marie)
- Make sure the water does not get warmer than 40 °C
- Let it warm slowly to the desired texture
- Stir gently if needed
Above 40–42 °C, valuable substances are lost. So never use the microwave or boiling water.
Where to buy raw honey in Belgium?
There are four ways — each with their pros and cons.
1. At a local beekeeper nearby ⭐ Recommended
This is the most direct and local option. You know which hives the honey comes from, the ecological footprint is minimal, and you support a local producer.
You can find beekeepers through local farmers’ markets, hobby clubs, or the Beekeepers Association of Flanders.
But always ask these questions:
- Is the honey unheated (raw)?
- Is it filtered, or only coarsely strained?
- From which region do the beehives come?
- Is there an analysis or certificate available?
Because even local beekeepers sometimes heat the honey for a nicer, liquid appearance — and filter it for commercial clarity. Raw and local is ideal, but ask explicitly.
2. Organic stores and health food shops
Stores like Bio-Planet or local health food shops sometimes sell raw honey. Also pay close attention to the labels here — "organic" does not automatically mean "unheated" or "local."
Look specifically for "raw" or "unheated" on the packaging, and check the country of origin.
3. Supermarket (Colruyt, Delhaize, Lidl, Aldi...)
Honest answer: real raw honey is rarely found in supermarkets. The selection mainly consists of industrially processed honey, often from outside the EU. Thanks to new legislation, you can now see where the honey comes from — and that’s already a big step.
But the processing method (heated, filtered) is rarely mentioned. If you don’t know whether the honey is heated, it probably is.
4. Specialized webshop
A reliable webshop offers what other channels often cannot: full transparency about origin, processing method, and quality controls — with the possibility to review everything before you buy.
What to look for when buying online:
- Does it explicitly say "unheated" and "unfiltered"?
- Is the origin clear — one country, preferably EU?
- Are independent lab analyses available?
- Is there a quality label or award that confirms the quality?
Why we choose Bulgarian raw honey
At Hant, we sell raw honey that comes directly from Bulgaria — 100% EU origin, organically certified, unheated, and unfiltered.
Bulgaria has a long tradition in beekeeping and boasts a rich biodiversity of wild flowers and herbs — far from industrial areas and intensive agriculture. The honey is harvested as it should be: pure from the hive, without heating, without industrial filtration.
But we don’t ask you to take our word for it.
Our honey was awarded at the Paris Honey Awards 2026 — Gold, 2nd place. This is the most prestigious international honey competition in the world, where honey is blind-judged by a panel of experts on taste, aroma, texture, and quality.
And there’s more: all our products are independently lab-tested, and the results are publicly accessible. Because we believe in transparency — and because we have nothing to hide.
👉 View our analyses and certificates
With every order, you also receive a free bamboo spoon — antibacterial, reusable, and perfect for daily use.
Frequently asked questions about buying raw honey in Belgium
What changes with the new EU legislation from June 2026? From June 14, 2026, every label on blended honey must list each country of origin with the exact percentage. "Blend of EU and non-EU honey" will no longer suffice. You will be able to see if your honey contains 45% from China or Argentina — allowing you to make an informed choice.
Is raw honey available at Colruyt or Lidl? Rarely. The selection mainly consists of heated, filtered honey. Always read the label carefully — and if it doesn’t say "unheated," assume it has been heated.
What is the average cost of raw honey? Quality raw honey typically costs between €8 and €20 for a jar of 250–500 grams. Significantly cheaper honey is almost always a sign of industrial processing or a low-quality blend from countries with less strict controls.
Is raw honey safe for babies? No. Honey — raw or not — is not suitable for children under 1 year due to the risk of botulism. This applies to all types of honey without exception.
How do I know if raw honey is truly raw? Look for "unheated," "unfiltered," or "raw" on the label. Clear EU origin from one country is a good sign. Independent lab analyses are the best guarantee. Crystallization is also a positive signal — but not proof on its own.
Is organic honey the same as raw honey? No. Organic refers to the cultivation method — no pesticides, certified environment. Raw refers to processing — not heated, not filtered. The best honey combines both.
Is honey from China bad? Not necessarily, but quality controls and pesticide regulations in China are less strict than in the EU. Moreover, the ecological footprint of honey traveling thousands of kilometers is significantly higher. As a consumer, choosing EU honey is the safer and more sustainable choice.
Why has my raw honey suddenly solidified? That’s normal and even a good sign. Crystallization proves the honey is unheated and genuine. Warm it gently au bain-marie at a maximum of 40 °C to make it liquid again.
Can I use raw honey every day? Yes, in moderate amounts. One tablespoon a day is fine for most people. Raw honey does contain sugars, so don’t overdo it — especially if you watch your blood sugar levels.
Summary: how to consciously buy raw honey in Belgium
- Read the label — thanks to new legislation, you can now see where the honey comes from
- Preferably choose EU origin — better controls, lower footprint
- Go local if you can — find a beekeeper nearby and explicitly ask if the honey is unheated and unfiltered
- Look for ORGANIC + raw — that’s the combination that truly makes a difference
- Beware of perfect liquidity — real raw honey crystallizes
Whatever you choose: read the label, ask for analyses, and trust your instincts. Real raw honey looks different, tastes different, and behaves differently than what you find in the average supermarket.