Does Honey Expire? The Answer Might Surprise You

If you look at the back of a jar of honey, chances are you'll see an expiration date. You might be tempted to toss the jar in the garbage and buy yourself a replacement if the date came and went months ago...but not so fast. You can still enjoy the health benefits of honey long after the expiration date. If you've ever wondered if honey expires, here's what you need to know.

Does Honey Go Bad?

Raw honey isn't a perishable product. As long as it's stored in an air-tight container and isn't exposed to excess moisture, it will be safe to consume for decades or more. It's important to keep honey clean, though. For instance, resist the practice of dipping a knife already used to spread butter on your toast and then into the honey jar. You should only use clean utensils to dip in honey, according to the Mississippi State University Extension.

"Honey can go bad under certain circumstances," the MSU Extension explains. "If your honey foams or smells like alcohol, it’s best to throw it out."

What Does Honey's Expiration Date Actually Mean?

According to the USDA, except for baby formula, most properly stored, unspoiled foods can be eaten after the "use by" or "sell by" date passes. However, manufacturers usually place expiration dates or best-used-by dates to assist stores with inventory and help customers enjoy consumables while they are at their optimum flavor and freshness. This means that many products like honey are still perfectly healthy to eat long after their expiration dates.

Is Crystallized Honey Safe To Eat?

Although honey rarely goes bad, this doesn't mean it will look and taste exactly the same over time. Eventually, honey will turn darker, cloudier, and crystallize. If this happens, there's no cause for alarm. The honey is still perfectly safe to consume.

How To Convert Crystallized Honey To Liquid

Fortunately, it's easy to convert crystallized honey back to its liquid state—all it takes is a little bit of heat. If your honey is in a glass jar, simply place it in a shallow pot of water and let it warm over low heat. If it's in a plastic jar, transfer it to a glass container and then proceed.

The crystals should dissolve, though it might be necessary to repeat this process to return the entire jar of honey back to liquid. Be careful not to overheat the honey, which can affect its color and flavor.

How To Store Honey

According to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension, honey should be stored in a clean, airtight container away from moisture. "Honey is hygroscopic, which means it draws in moisture. [The] addition of moisture to honey can create favorable conditions for mold and yeast growth."

Honey is best stored at room temperature in a cool, dry spot. Additionally, store honey away from sunlight and appliances that produce heat. Avoid storing honey in the refrigerator, as it will solidify faster.

What Are Some Uses For Honey?

You probably know that honey is delicious in tea or drizzled on top of buttermilk biscuits, but there are many more delicious recipes to put that honey in your cupboard to good use. Some beauty trends are even making the most of honey's benefits for your skin these days.

Some of our favorite recipes, like our honey-glazed spiced carrots, one-pan hot honey chicken and rice, or bee's knees honey cocktail, will get you started. We asked Jennifer Earnest and Jamey Evnoiuk, the husband and wife team behind Jen and Jamey's Virtual Cooking Classes out of Jacksonville, Florida, for a few more ideas on how to use honey. They'd had some great ideas for how to make the most of honey in condiments and cocktails.

Jamey's Lemon-Thyme Vinaigrette

Jamey says he uses honey to create his easy, delicious, signature lemon-thyme vinaigrette. For a five-cup batch, combine:

• 2 cups orange juice concentrate
• 1/6 cup sherry vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/6 cup honey
• 1/6 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon picked thyme
• 2 cups extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Jen's "Bless Your Heart" Cocktail

Not to be outdone, Jen shared her recipe for her "Bless Your Heart" cocktail.

• 4 ounces blood orange juice
• 2 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 2 ounces wildflower honey simple syrup (to make, just add warm water to the honey until you get the desired consistency, usually a 1:1 ratio)
• 2 ounces of gin, vodka, or club soda