Does honey expire?

Pure, raw honey never truly expires if stored correctly. Honey has an incredibly low moisture content and high acidity, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria and microorganisms. Archaeologists have discovered pots of edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs thousands of years old.

Over time, liquid honey naturally crystallizes, becoming thick, cloudy, or grainy. Crystallization is a natural physical change, not a sign of spoilage. However, if honey is exposed to ambient moisture or stored in unsealed containers, yeast can cause fermentation. If your honey smells sour, forms foam, or shows mold, discard it.