How Long Does Honey Last?
Honey: indefinitely in the pantry and indefinitely in the refrigerator. These are listed storage intervals; check each card for exact evidence and conditions. Freezer intervals describe quality.
- 2 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
- Editorial review · Editorial record: June 2026
This editorial interval has no verified exact source yet. Follow your product label.
This editorial interval has no verified exact source yet. Follow your product label.
- Each card identifies whether its interval has an exact source or is still under review. A missing card means no interval is available for that state.
- An absent after-opening entry must not be replaced with an unopened interval.
Honey keeps indefinitely; discard only if it smells fermented or was contaminated with water.
How to tell if it's gone bad
Normal appearance and smell do not prove food is safe. Disease-causing bacteria may be present without visible spoilage. Never taste food to test its safety; follow time, temperature and recall guidance. FDA — Storage Basics
- Look:Crystallisation is normal; mould is rare
- Smell:Fermented smell if water added
- Texture:Unusual fizzing
When in doubt, throw it out. If Honey smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.
Storage tips
Store honey at room temperature in a sealed jar — crystallisation is harmless.
Check your storage dates
Compare the elapsed time with the storage guidance. This cannot certify that food is safe.
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