The Best Vegan Honey Brands + Recipes

Is honey vegan?

The answer to this question is not as simple as it might seem.

Honey, by definition, is a sweet, viscous food substance made by bees and some related insects. Bees produce honey from the sugary secretions of plants, or from secretions of other insects, through a process of regurgitation, enzymatic activity, and water evaporation.

In general, a vegan diet excludes all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, and this extends to insects as well.

And so, many people following a strict vegan lifestyle choose to avoid honey because it is produced by bees. They believe that collecting honey involves the exploitation of the hard work of bees and may harm their health and well-being.

However, there is a spectrum of beliefs within the vegan community. Some vegans choose to consume honey, particularly if it is sourced from small-scale, ethical beekeepers who prioritize the welfare of their bees.

These beekeepers often leave plenty of honey for the bees to consume over winter, rather than replacing it with sugar water or other substitutes.

For those who choose to avoid honey, there are many plant-based honey alternatives available, such as maple syrup, agave nectar, and date syrup.

But if you are looking for some vegan honey options, keep reading to learn what the best vegan honey brands are.

5 Best Vegan Honey Brands

If you want to try something other than the classic honey substitutes, here are some great brands that I highly recommend trying:

1. BlenditUp Bee-free Vegan Honey

BlendItUp Bee-Free Vegan Honey is a wonderful alternative to traditional honey, and it is completely vegan. This product is a perfect substitute for those who love the sweet, sticky goodness of honey but wish to avoid animal products.

The primary ingredients in BlendItUp Bee-Free Vegan Honey are raw cane sugar and apple nectar, which give it a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.

This vegan honey is not only delicious but also free from any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Plus, it is even safe for babies!

BlendItUp Bee-Free Vegan Honey is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can drizzle it over your morning oatmeal, spread it on a slice of fresh homemade bread, or even use it in your favorite vegan baking recipes.

2. Pyure Harmless Hunny

Pyure Harmless Hunny is made from organic stevia leaf extract, apple juice concentrate, and natural flavors. The result is a sweetener that is not only vegan but also low in calories and carbohydrates.

Another great thing about this brand is that this vegan honey comes in a squeeze bottle, which makes it simple to measure out the exact amount you need for your recipes. Plus, it has a long shelf life, so you can keep it in your pantry whenever you need a touch of sweetness.

3. ChocZero

ChocZero makes some of the best sugar-free honey out there. This brand is vegan, keto-friendly, sugar-free, and even gluten-free.

Easily use it as a sweetener for your tea, drizzle it on some keto bread, or use it in a 1:1 ratio to replace regular honey in any recipe you come across.

What I love most about this brand is that this vegan honey is full of prebiotic fiber and is also lower in calories.

4. Just Like Honey Rice Nectar

Just Like Honey Rice Nectar is another great option if you are looking for the best vegan honey.

It is a rich and delicious honey flavored rice nectar syrup which makes it ideal for vegans or anyone allergic to bee pollen.

The taste, smell, and consistency of this hypoallergenic product are amazingly close to the real thing!

5. The Single Origin Food Co. Vegan Un-Honey

This is one of my favorite vegan honey brands. It is made from ethically sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients, and the flavor is delicious.

The best part is that it is available in three different flavors: chocolatey Medjool date Copper Vegan Un-Honey, raw juicy cane nectar Amber Vegan Un-Honey, and the unique tasting coconut nectar-based Blonde Vegan Un-Honey.

I highly recommend trying it if you are looking for honey that has unique flavors. Even my non-vegan friends love it!

3 best vegan honey recipes

Apart from buying vegan honey from stores, you can even make it at home using basic ingredients. Here are some of my favorite recipes that I recommend you check out:

1. Vegan apple juice and chamomile honey

This vegan honey recipe balances the fruity flavor of apple juice with orange extract and chamomile tea.

It is thick, rich, and perfect for slathering on your morning toast or for making a vegan Challah. 

2. Vegan dandelion honey

This vegan dandelion honey is made by infusing dandelion flower heads with citrus.

You can use this thin floral honey for adding to hot drinks, sauces, dressings, and baked goods too!

3. Vegan corn honey

Try this corn honey that is made using a surprising ingredient: corncobs!

This jelly is based on a homesteading recipe and is perfect for drizzling on top of cakes, waffles, or even your Sunday morning cereal.

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