Not all honey is created equal — and most people only realize that when it is too late.
You are standing in the supermarket, jar in hand, and you read "honey" on the label. Pure, natural, healthy, right? Unfortunately, reality is different. Most honey you buy in a Belgian supermarket is heated, filtered, and blended — sourced from countries on the other side of the world, with little control over quality or processing methods.
In this guide, we explain honestly what raw honey is, why it differs from ordinary honey, what the new Belgian legislation changes for you as a consumer, and where you can buy truly good raw honey in Belgium.
What exactly is raw honey?
Raw honey (also called "raw honey") is honey that comes directly from the beehive, without heating or industrial processing. That sounds simple, but it makes a big difference.
Raw honey still contains all the substances that bees naturally add to it:
- Enzymes — which play a role in digestion and antibacterial activity
- Antioxidants — which neutralize free radicals
- Pollen — containing trace elements and microelements
- Vitamins and minerals — in small but present quantities
- Propolis — a natural resinous substance that bees use for protection
In ordinary supermarket honey, all these substances largely disappear during the production process. And that is precisely why the difference matters.
New legislation: finally, honesty on the label
Since June 14, 2026, stricter rules have applied in Belgium and the rest of the EU for honey labeling. The reason? A major European investigation found that almost half of all honey entering Europe does not comply with regulations. Producers added sugars or colorants, or sold cheap imported honey under misleading labels.
The most important change: producers may no longer simply state "blend of EU and non-EU honey". From now on, every country of origin must be explicitly listed, including the percentage — in descending order. A label could therefore look like this: 45% China — 30% Ukraine — 25% Argentina
That is a major step forward for transparency. But be aware: the new labeling requirement does not immediately solve the oversight problem. The harmonized testing methods and the European traceability system are still being developed. This means enforcement is limited for the time being — and that reading and understanding labels is still up to you.
What does this 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 quality and control standards different from those that apply 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 beautifully liquid and clear, it is heated to 60–80 °C or higher. Above 40–42 °C, enzymes, antioxidants, and flavor compounds begin to degrade. What remains is a sweet, syrupy product — but most of its biological activity has disappeared.
2. Filtering
The honey is then finely filtered to remove pollen and other particles. This gives it an attractive, commercially appealing appearance. But pollen is one of the most valuable components of honey — and it is also how you can trace its geographical origin. No pollen? No traceability.
3. Blending from around the world
Most brands sell a blend of honey from several countries — China, Argentina, Ukraine, Brazil. That honey is cheaper, but quality and pesticide controls in those countries are not always nearly as strict as in the EU. In addition, that honey travels thousands of kilometers before reaching 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 its original properties — and whose origin you couldn't even know until recently.
How to read a honey label correctly (Checklist)
With the new legislation in place, 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 clearly stated country of origin within the EU (not a blend)
- Organically certified (organic) — means no pesticides and a better environment for bees
- Independent laboratory 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 thereof
- Perfectly liquid and crystal clear (indicates heating)
- No mention of processing method
- A price that is noticeably low for the quantity
As for ORGANIC: organically certified honey means that the beehives are located in an organically certified environment, free from pesticides and industry. That is not the same as raw — but it is an additional quality guarantee showing that the product is handled seriously.
Wait — crystallization is not a flaw
Many people think crystallized honey has gone bad. 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 so without damaging the nutrients:
- Place the closed jar in a bowl of warm water (bain-marie)
- Make sure the water does not get warmer than 40 °C
- Heat slowly until it reaches the desired consistency
- Stir gently if necessary
Above 40–42 °C, the valuable compounds are lost. So never use the microwave or boiling water.
Where can you buy raw honey in Belgium?
There are four ways — each with its advantages and disadvantages.
1. From 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?
- Which region do the beehives come from?
- Is an analysis or certificate available?
Because even local beekeepers sometimes heat honey to give it a more attractive, liquid appearance — and filter it for commercial clarity. Raw and local is ideal, but ask explicitly.
2. Organic shops and health food stores
Stores such as Bio-Planet or local health food shops sometimes sell raw honey. Here too, check the labels carefully — “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: genuine raw honey is rarely found in supermarkets. The selection mainly consists of industrially processed honey, often sourced from outside the EU. Thanks to the new legislation, you can now see where that honey comes from — and that is already a major step forward.
However, the processing method (heated, filtered) is rarely stated. If you do not know whether honey has been heated, there is a good chance that it has.
4. Specialized online store
A reliable webshop offers what other channels often cannot: complete transparency about origin, processing method, and quality controls—with the opportunity to read everything before you buy.
What to look for when buying online:
- Does it explicitly state "unheated" and "unfiltered"?
- Is the origin clear—one country, preferably within the EU?
- Are independent laboratory analyses available for review?
- Is there a quality seal or award confirming its quality?
Why we choose Bulgarian raw honey
At Hant, we sell raw honey sourced directly from Bulgaria—100% EU origin, organically certified, unheated, and unfiltered.
Bulgaria has a long tradition of beekeeping and boasts rich biodiversity of wildflowers and herbs—far from industrial areas and intensive agriculture. The honey is harvested as it should be: straight from the hive, without heating and without industrial filtration.
But we do not ask you to take our word for it.
Our honey won Gold, 2nd place, at the Paris Honey Awards 2026. This is the most prestigious international honey competition in the world, where honey is blind-tasted by a panel of experts for flavor, aroma, texture, and quality.
And there is more: all our products are independently laboratory-tested, and the results are publicly available. 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 everyday use.
Frequently asked questions about buying raw honey in Belgium
What changes under the new EU legislation of June 2026? From 14 June 2026, every label of blended honey must list each country of origin along with the exact percentage. "Blend of EU and non-EU honeys" is no longer sufficient. You will therefore be able to see whether 45% of your honey comes from China or Argentina—and make that choice consciously.
Is raw honey available at Colruyt or Lidl? Rarely. Their selection mainly consists of heated, filtered honey. Always read the label carefully—and if it does not say "unheated", assume that it has been heated.
What does raw honey cost on average? High-quality raw honey typically costs between €8 and €20 for a 250–500-gram jar. Significantly cheaper honey is almost always a sign of industrial processing or a low-quality blend from countries with less stringent controls.
Is raw honey safe for babies? No. Honey — raw or otherwise — is not suitable for children under 1 year old because of the risk of botulism. This applies to all types of honey without exception.
How do I know whether raw honey is truly raw? Look for “unheated,” “unfiltered,” or “raw” on the label. Clear EU origin from a single country is a good sign. Independent laboratory analyses are the best guarantee. Crystallization is also a positive sign — 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 the 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 considerably higher. As a consumer, choosing EU honey is the safer and more sustainable option.
Why has my raw honey suddenly become solid? That is normal and even a good sign. Crystallization proves that the honey is unheated and genuine. Warm it gently in a bain-marie at a maximum of 40 °C to make it liquid again.
Can I use raw honey every day? Yes, in moderation. One tablespoon a day is fine for most people. Raw honey does contain sugars, so don’t overdo it — especially if you are monitoring your blood sugar levels.
Summary: how to consciously buy raw honey in Belgium
- Read the label — thanks to the new legislation, you can now see where the honey comes from
- Prefer EU origin — better controls, lower footprint
- Go local if you can — find a nearby beekeeper and explicitly ask whether the honey is unheated and unfiltered
- Look for ORGANIC + raw — that’s the combination that truly makes a difference
- Be wary 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 from what you find in the average supermarket.