Honey has been used for thousands of years in various cultures as a natural sweetener, a medicinal remedy, and an ingredient in cooking and baking. It is also one of the most commonly adulterated foods. There are so many non-organic and organic honey brands in India to choose from.
Most of the popular brands claim to offer pure organic honey. What does “pure organic honey” actually mean? We use honey as a staple sweetener, yet most of us are not able to figure out if the honey is pure or not.
It’s important to know that honey comes in different varieties and flavours depending on the source of the nectar, the location and climate of the beekeepers, and the processing method.
What is Organic Honey?
In conventional farming practices, there is a common use of pesticides and chemicals harmful to the environment and the health of the bees. These chemicals can also accumulate in honey and negatively affect human health if consumed in large quantities.
So, when it comes to choosing honey, it’s important to opt for organic varieties. Organic honey does not include the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or antibiotics. They involve only sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
This means the bees feed on natural sources of nectar and pollen, and the honey is free from harmful residues accumulating in conventional honey.
Also, organic honey is richer in nutrients than conventionally produced honey. Because the bees are allowed to feed on a natural diet, the honey contains higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This means that organic honey can provide greater health benefits than non-organic honey.
Organic beekeeping practices prioritise the health and well-being of the bees and focus on maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By supporting organic beekeeping, we can help protect the environment and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
How to Choose the Best Organic Honey in India?
When choosing organic honey, it’s important to look for certified organic labels like the India Organic logo from ECOCERT, PGS India Green, PGS India Organic, or the USDA Organic logo. These logos on labels indicate that the honey has been produced following strict organic standards and has been verified by an independent or government certification agency. This ensures that the honey is of high quality and free from harmful chemicals.
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Top 10 Honey Brands in India
Our selected best 10 Indian honey brands are certified by reputable certification agencies, which ensures that they meet strict government norms and standards. This means the honey is of high quality and free from harmful chemicals.
1. Saffola Honey
Saffola is an Indian brand that offers a wide range of healthy cooking oils, oats, and other food products. Honey is one of their most popular products, made from pure, natural honey sourced from the finest bee farms in India.
It is known for its high quality and purity, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals who want to add a touch of sweetness to their diet without compromising on nutrition. The brand ensures that the honey is free from any additives or preservatives, and it is also regularly tested for purity and quality.
Product Claims:
- 100% Pure and Natural
- No added sugars
- Tested using the latest NMR technology to ensure it is free from any adulteration.
- Compliant with all the FSSAI parameters.
- Made with Kashmir honey.
Pros:
- Saffola honey ranks #1 as it is one of the three brands that passed the NMR test conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment in 2020 for adulteration.
- Saffola has been successfully catering to the needs of the Indian healthcare market since 2010. The brand has a trustworthy reputation that similarly transfers to the quality of its products.
- Saffola honey is available in glass bottles and squeezy packs with leak-proof packaging.
- It is available in various quantities of 350 g, 500 g and 1 kg packs and bottles.
- Satisfies 22 stringent FSSAI parameters for preventing adulteration.
Cons:
There were no apparent cons found in our research.
Why do we recommend this product?
With a strong focus on health and wellness, Saffola has built a reputation as a trusted brand among consumers in India. Their honey is a great addition to any diet and is a natural source of energy and antioxidants.
Price: INR 370 (1 kg)
2. Nature’s Nectar
Since 1996, Nature’s Nectar has been a major part of the honey industry in India. Their honey is sourced from different regions across India, where bees feed on a variety of flowers and plants, resulting in a unique flavour profile for each type of honey.
Nature’s Nectar Honey is known for its purity and quality, as the brand ensures that its honey is free from any additives or preservatives. They also follow sustainable practices and support local beekeepers, which makes their honey environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
With a focus on natural and organic products, Nature’s Nectar has gained a reputation as a trusted brand among consumers who prioritise healthy eating and sustainable living. Their honey is a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet.
Product Claims:
- 100% pure and traceable to beehives.
- FSSAI- and NMR-compliant.
- Certifications from NPOP, BRC, FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, HALAL, and KOSHER, as well as USDA and EU organic certificates.
- Ethically sourced honey.
- More than 20,000 local beekeepers are involved in harvesting honey.
Pros:
Another great honey brand that passed the NMR test from the CSE study report and avoided the controversy of adulteration. Also, Nature’s Nectar offers a wide range of honey flavours and varieties. Their natural honey is a blend of eucalyptus and mustard nectars with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cons:
The only cons we can mention are that this product looks too good to be true.
Why do we recommend this product?
Nature’s Nectar Honey has passed all the purity tests it was put through, proving it is 100% natural and pure. Their honey collection is vast and includes simple natural honey, organic honey from various flora, and raw uniflora honey with unique properties.
Price: INR 460 (1 kg)
3. Markfed Sohna Honey
Markfed Sohna Honey is sourced from the hills and forests of India, where bees collect nectar from different types of flowers and plants, resulting in a rich and diverse flavour profile. It is known for its purity and quality, as the brand ensures that its honey is free from any additives or preservatives. They also follow sustainable practices and support local beekeepers, which makes their honey environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Product Claims:
- Sourced directly from farm-based honey producers
- 100% natural and pure.
- No pesticides, antibiotics, or heavy metals are added.
Pros:
Markfed Sohna has gained a reputation as a trusted brand among consumers who value quality and taste. Their honey is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal or beverage. Their honey is one of the three honey samples that passed the NMR tests by the Centre for Science and Environment, verifying that it is unadulterated with sugar syrup.
Cons:
No flavours or organic varieties are available. It is not available on the popular e-commerce sites Amazon and Flipkart. You can only buy them from Big Basket, Swadeshi Dukan, or JioMart.
Why do we recommend this product?
This is a great product for those who prefer simple, natural honey without any flavours. The product has passed purity tests that even other popular brands have failed. Hence, it is definitely a product we’d recommend you try.
Price: INR 450 (1 kg)
4. Dabur Honey
Dabur is a popular Indian brand that produces a wide range of products, including healthcare, personal care, and food products. One of its most popular products is Dabur Honey, which is made from pure, natural honey sourced from the Himalayan regions of India.
Dabur Honey has been a market favourite for many years and is known for its high-quality, unadulterated honey that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Product Claims:
- 100% pure and free from any chemicals or preservatives.
- 100% compliant with all 22 parameters mandated by FSSAI.
- Tested and packed in USFDA-registered facilities.
- Triple purity is guaranteed.
- IRMS tested for no sugar adulteration.
- LC-MS/MS tested for SMR (no rice syrup adulteration).
- LC-MS/MS tested for antibiotic residues.
Pros:
- It is also known for its delicious taste, making it a popular choice for sweetening tea, coffee, and other beverages.
- Dabur has built a strong reputation for its commitment to quality and natural ingredients, making it a trusted brand among consumers in India and beyond.
- Dabur offers two types of packaging. The plastic squeezy pack in 400 g packs is easy to use and avoids sticky fingers.
- Glass bottles of honey are available in 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg packs, packed well with tight lids.
Cons:
The Centre for Science and Environment conducted NMR tests on 10 popular honey brands in India, Dabur among them. And Dabur’s honey did not pass it. The test results concluded that Dabur’s honey contained sugar syrup additives.
Why do we recommend this product?
Despite CSE reports and controversial test reports, Dabur remains one of the most popular and trusted products on the market to date.
Price:
- Squeezy Pack: INR 292 (400 g)
- Glass Bottle: INR 216 (500 g)
5. Organic Tattva
Organic Tattva established itself in the organic food industry of India in 2012 with high-quality products sourced directly from farms. Their honey is pure and natural, without any additives, preservatives, or artificial colours. It is sourced from the nectar of flowers in the pristine environment of the Himalayan ranges, ensuring high quality and nutrient content. It is a great choice for those who are health-conscious and want to incorporate natural, organic food products into their diet.
Product Claims:
- Organic Tattva claims its honey to be raw and crude in its original form.
- No added preservatives or sugars.
- Tested for 186 pesticides before every product reaches their factory.
- Certified by the USDA, European Union, and NPOP Indian Organic Standards.
- Grade-A BRC-certified facility for manufacture.
Pros:
Organic honey is sourced naturally from the Himalayan forests with sustainability in mind. The brand has been a trusted Indian company in the organic food industry for the past decade and has built a consumer base satisfied with its product quality. Packaged in pretty 250 g glass jars with a tight black lid.
Cons:
They offer only one honey variety – Organic wild honey. It is also not available in larger or smaller quantities other than the 250g jar.
Why do we recommend this product?
Organic Tattva is a trusted brand that makes sure that its products are grown organically, right from the selection of seeds. Their products are USDA certified which is more stringent than the FSSAI, for sure. Its honey is one of the best organic honey you can find in the market.
Price: INR 167 (250 g)
6. Zandu Honey
Zandu Pure Honey is a premium quality honey from the rich floral resources of the Indian subcontinent, like the Himalayas, Muzaffarpur, Coorg, and the Sunderbans. It is collected from the nectar of various flowers, like orange, litchi, lemon, eucalyptus, and mustard, giving it a distinct flavour and aroma.
Product Claims:
- 100% pure honey.
- No added sugars.
- Every batch of honey is clinically tested for adulteration with sugar syrup.
- Proof of purity is available for every batch on the brand website.
Pros:
As a trusted brand, Zandu’s honey remains a favourite among consumers. It is made from a blend of Sunderban honey and tulsi to boost immunity. It comes in tightly packed glass jars of 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg.
Cons:
Zandu is another honey brand that failed the NMR test by the Centre of Science and Environment. The study found added sugar syrup in the samples.
Why do we recommend this product?
Despite the test reports and adulteration claims by the CSE, Zandu has not lost its position in the organic honey market. Its product remains trusted and a crown favourite.
Price: INR 332 (1 kg)
7. Indigenous Honey
Indigenous Honey is a brand that offers a range of pure, raw, and unprocessed honey harvested from different regions of India. Their honey comes from the natural habitats of bees, and it is raw and unfiltered, ensuring that all its natural nutrients remain in the product.
Indigenous Honey aims to provide pure and natural honey free from any additives or preservatives. It offers both natural and infused honey varieties. Each type of honey has a distinct flavour and aroma, depending on the region and the flowers it comes from.
Product Claims:
- 100% pure NMR-tested honey.
- Raw, Unfiltered, Unprocessed, Unpasteurised honey.
- Certified by FSSAI, USFDA, APEDA, RSOCA, INDIA ORGANIC, and JAIVIK BHARAT.
- No added sugars or preservatives.
Pros:
It is 100% pure, as it is, in fact, raw and unprocessed. It has all the required certifications and approvals from the above-mentioned bodies. They also offer honey infused with different health-beneficial ingredients like clove and ginger.
Cons:
Children less than one year of age cannot consume raw honey. It may contain pollen as it is raw and hence safer to avoid by those with pollen allergies. Also, it is slightly more expensive than other brands.
Why do we recommend this product?
This is another popular honey among regular honey consumers. It is a highly popular product on Amazon and other e-commerce sites. The honey is raw and completely organic, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer honey harvested directly from the source.
Price: INR 594 (530 g)
8. 24 Mantra Honey
If you’re looking for high-quality, organic honey, 24 Mantra Organic is a brand that you can trust. This brand offers a pack of wild honey that is rich in natural flavours and nutrients. Unlike regular honey, this wild honey is free from any additives or preservatives, ensuring that you get the right sweetness and health benefits from every drop.
Product Claims:
- 100% organic.
- Zero added sugars and antibiotics.
- FSSAI, India Organic, and JAIVIK BHARAT certified product.
- It conforms to the standards set by the Indian NPOP, EEC, and USDA NOP Organic.
Pros:
Another brand that has retained its consumers despite difficulties. It offers good-quality honey that seems to satisfy customers no matter what. This brand continues to grace the tables directly from certified organic farms. It holds all necessary certifications and approvals from regulatory bodies to add support to its claims.
Cons:
Although popular in the market, this is another brand that failed to pass the NMR tests by CSE in 2020.
Why do we recommend this product?
Whether you want to add honey to your tea or desserts, 24 Mantra Organic’s wild honey is a perfect choice. You can enjoy the natural sweetness of this honey without worrying about any harmful additives. So, if you’re looking for an organic and natural sweetener, consider giving 24 Mantra Organic’s wild honey a try.
Price: INR 225 (500 g)
9. Organic India Forest Honey
Organic India’s organic forest honey is sourced from the lush and verdant Himalayan forests, where it is collected by skilled beekeepers who use traditional methods to maintain the purity and quality of the honey.
The sweet aroma of this honey will immediately transport you to the serene and majestic environs of the Himalayan forests, filling your mind with a sense of calm and relaxation. In addition to its fragrance, the organic forest honey from Organic India boasts a delicious and unique flavour, unlike any other variety of honey.
Product Claims:
- Certified organic honey
- HACCP, GMP, ISO 9001-2015 and Kosher Certifications.
- Organic Certifications from Control Union and SGS as per USDA, EU, and NPOP Organic Standards.
Pros:
One of the most remarkable features of this forest honey is its rich and enticing fragrance, which is sure to tantalise your senses. The sweetness of this honey has natural richness and depth, making it an ideal ingredient to enhance the flavour of your favourite snacks and dishes.
Cons:
It is only available in 250 g jars.
Why do we recommend this product?
Whether you are looking for a quick energy boost or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, Organic India’s pack of organic forest honey is a must-try. So go ahead and treat yourself to this delicious and healthy sweetener, and let the goodness of the Himalayan forests infuse your life with joy and vitality.
Price: INR 225 (250 g)
10. Societe Naturelle
Societe Naturelle Raw Honey is a premium-quality honey straight from the beehives without any artificial additives or processing. It utilises traditional methods to ensure the preservation of natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals present in the honey.
Product Claims:
- Completely unprocessed and unadulterated.
- 100% Organic.
- Only cold-filtered.
Pros:
- Societe Naturelle Raw Honey has a distinctive flavour and aroma that sets it apart from other commercial honey.
- Offers varying packaging sizes depending on your needs, such as 250 g, 340 g, 500 g and 1 kg.
- FSSAI-approved.
- Attractive, recyclable, and leak-proof packaging.
Cons:
A comparatively expensive product. Other brands are offering raw organic honey at lower prices.
Why do we recommend this product?
Whether you use it as a sweetener, a spread, or an ingredient in your recipes, Societe Naturelle Raw Honey is a delicious and nutritious alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. It is a rich source of antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and essential nutrients that make it a healthy addition to your diet.
Price: INR 280–INR 849
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is organic honey?
Organic honey is honey that is produced by bees that have been fed organic nectar and pollen and have not been exposed to any synthetic chemicals or pesticides. Organic honey is free of any harmful substances and uses sustainable and natural methods for harvesting and manufacturing.
2. What is raw honey?
Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurised, filtered, or processed in any way. It is a natural product that retains all of its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients. Raw honey may contain small amounts of bee pollen and propolis, which provide additional health benefits.
3. What are the benefits of organic honey?
Organic honey is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and helps boost the immune system, improve digestion, and promote overall health and well-being. Organic honey may also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help fight off infections and reduce inflammation in the body.
4. How does organic honey differ from raw honey?
Organic honey refers to honey from bees that feed organic nectar and pollen and are not exposed to synthetic chemicals or pesticides. On the other hand, raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurised, filtered, or processed in any way. While both types of honey are natural and beneficial, they differ in terms of production methods and processing.
5. Which is the best organic honey in India?
The top 10 best organic honey brands in India
- Saffola
- Nature’s Nectar
- Markfed Sohna
- Dabur
- Organic Tattva
- Zandu
- Indigenous Honey
- 24 Mantra
- Organic India
- Societe Naturelle
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