What is in Rowse honey?
Rowse honey is known for its claim of being 100% pure and natural. This means that the only ingredient listed on the jar is 'honey'. The sweet, syrupy substance is created by bees from the nectar of flowering plants and is then collected by beekeepers. As with any pure honey, its composition consists almost entirely of natural sugars—primarily fructose and glucose—along with water and trace amounts of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. For their Manuka honey products, Rowse explicitly states that they contain only 100% pure and authentic Monofloral Manuka honey, with nothing added or taken away.
The difference between natural and added sugars
The confusion over honey and sugar often stems from misunderstanding what constitutes 'added sugar'. In the context of nutrition, added sugars are sweeteners, like corn syrup or table sugar, that are added to food during processing. The sugars in honey, however, are naturally occurring components of the product itself, converted by bees from nectar. While honey is still a high-sugar food and should be consumed in moderation, pure honey does not contain any added sweeteners.
Rowse's processing methods
Rowse is transparent about its processing, noting that the honey arrives in its natural state and is only 'gently warmed through to filter out bee wax or hive parts'. This low-temperature heating is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the honey. High-temperature pasteurisation, a process used for many processed honeys to extend shelf life and remove cloudiness, can destroy natural enzymes and reduce the antioxidant content. Since Rowse avoids this, its honey retains more of its natural properties compared to ultra-filtered or heavily processed alternatives.
Purity and processing: a comparison
To fully understand the benefits of choosing a pure honey like Rowse, it helps to compare it directly with lower-quality, adulterated versions that may contain added sugar. This table highlights the key differences.
| Feature | Pure Honey (e.g., Rowse) | Adulterated Honey (with added sugar) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | 100% pure honey, from bees. | Honey blended with sugar syrups (e.g., corn syrup). |
| Processing | Minimally processed; gently warmed to filter out debris. | Often pasteurized at high heat, destroying beneficial enzymes and filtering out pollen. |
| Nutritional Value | Retains natural enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen. | Reduced nutritional value due to extensive processing and dilution with sugar syrup. |
| Crystallisation | Will naturally crystallise over time due to its high glucose content; this is a sign of purity. | Less likely to crystallise due to processing or added syrups designed to keep it liquid indefinitely. |
| Health Benefits | Contains natural antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. | Fewer health benefits, primarily serving as a simple sweetener. |
The nutritional perspective: moderation is key
Even though Rowse honey has no added sugar, it is still a concentrated source of natural sugars and calories. One tablespoon of honey contains about 64 calories. For this reason, honey should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, just like any other sweetener. Health experts advise replacing less healthy sweeteners, like refined sugar, with high-quality honey, rather than simply adding it on top of other sweet items.
Here are some simple ways to incorporate pure honey into a healthy eating plan:
- Sweeten your drinks: Use a small amount of honey instead of sugar in your tea or coffee.
- Top your breakfast: Drizzle honey over oatmeal, plain yogurt, or whole-grain pancakes for flavour.
- Create healthy marinades and dressings: Combine honey with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a delicious salad dressing or marinade.
- Bake with it: Use honey as a natural sweetener in baking recipes, remembering that it's sweeter than sugar so you'll need less.
By being mindful of portion sizes and using it as a replacement for less nutritious sweeteners, pure honey can be a beneficial part of a healthy diet.
Reading labels and spotting purity
To ensure you are purchasing a pure honey like Rowse, always check the ingredients list. The label should simply state 'honey'. In contrast, a product containing added sugar or syrup will likely list other ingredients like 'corn syrup', 'glucose syrup', or 'fructose syrup'. While some commercial honeys may be blended, brands like Rowse have built a reputation for offering 100% pure products. This provides consumers with confidence in their product's authenticity and ensures they are avoiding hidden sugars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rowse honey does not have added sugar. The manufacturer confirms its products are 100% pure and natural, with processing limited to gentle warming and filtering to ensure consistency and quality. The sugars present in Rowse honey are entirely naturally occurring, converted by bees from nectar. While pure honey offers trace amounts of beneficial nutrients like antioxidants, it remains a high-sugar food and should be used in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. By checking the ingredient label for '100% pure honey', consumers can be confident they are choosing an authentic product without hidden sweeteners. For more information on the distinctions between pure and adulterated honey, an article by Healthline offers further insights.
