Shelf Life Tips
- How long does honey last? The answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - store honey in a cool, dry area and keep tightly covered at all times.
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How long does honey last at room temperature? Properly stored, honey will remain safe to consume indefinitely.
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Is honey safe to use after the "expiration date"? Yes, honey will remain safe to use indefinitely provided it has been stored properly and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged honey will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the honey will remain at peak quality.
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Should you refrigerate honey? Refrigeration of honey is not recommended, as it accelerates the crystallization process.
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If honey gets darker in color, is it still safe to use? Yes, after prolonged storage, honey may darken in color and lose some of its flavor, but it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly.
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If honey develops crystals, is it still safe to use? Yes, over time, the honey may become cloudy and crystallize - this is not harmful; the honey will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly.
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If honey crystallizes, place the honey jar in warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve.
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Should you freeze honey? While not necessary, freezing honey will help prevent crystallization; to freeze honey, store in an airtight container and leave at least 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
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