The rising rate of adulterated honey in markets has left many consumers worried about whether the sweetener they buy is genuine or not. Reports from Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Commission, NAFDAC says that more than 70% of the honey bottled and sold in stores across the country are either outrightly fake or highly adulterated.
In this report, we share the insights provided by a Ghanian honey dealer, John Tong in an eye opening video as he mentions some tips that may help both consumers and dealers to decipher between a good honey and the unhealthy ones, as well as the harmful effects of using fake honey.
Fake honey, often adulterated with sugars and other substances, can have several negative effects:
Health Risks: Consuming fake honey can lead to digestive issues, allergic reactions, or exposure to harmful chemicals, especially if it contains additives or toxins.
Nutritional Deficiency: Fake honey lacks the beneficial nutrients found in pure honey, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which means you miss out on potential health benefits.
Blood Sugar Spikes: Many fake honey products are high in fructose or glucose, which can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, posing risks for people with diabetes or insulin sensitivity.
Misinformation: The sale of fake honey can mislead consumers about the product’s quality and health benefits, potentially causing them to make poor dietary choices.
Economic Impact on Beekeepers: The prevalence of fake honey can hurt legitimate beekeepers and honey producers, leading to economic losses and threatening sustainable honey production.
Environmental Concerns: The demand for cheaper substitutes can lead to unsustainable practices in honey production, impacting bee populations and ecosystems.
Being aware of both fake products and these effects can help consumers make informed choices about honey.
Fake honey is often mixed with sugar syrup and other additives, making it cheaper but less nutritious and sometimes even harmful. Experts say there are simple tests people can do at home to check the purity of their honey.
One of the easiest methods is the water test. To try it, fill a glass with water and drop in a spoonful of honey. Pure honey will sink straight to the bottom, while fake honey will quickly dissolve and mix with the water, showing it has been tampered with.
Another simple check is the finger test. Place a drop of honey on your fingertip. If it holds its shape without spreading, it is more likely to be pure. Fake honey, on the other hand, tends to spread out quickly because of the added syrups.
Consumers can also try the paper test. By placing a drop of honey on a piece of paper, they can see whether it seeps through. Pure honey stays in place without soaking the paper, while adulterated honey, which contains extra water, will leave a wet mark.
Over time, real honey also goes through a natural process called crystallization. It thickens and forms tiny sugar-like crystals, especially in cooler temperatures. Fake honey, however, often stays in a syrupy liquid state for months without any change, a sign that it has been mixed with additives.
Beyond these tests, experts note that pure honey has a natural floral aroma and a rich, complex taste, while fake honey usually smells faint or sugary with a flat sweetness. This makes the smell and taste another simple way to identify quality.
As fake honey continues to flood local markets, health experts advise buyers to be cautious and carry out these simple tests at home. Knowing how to tell the difference not only ensures value for money but also protects health, since pure honey contains important nutrients and medicinal properties that fake versions cannot provide.
