Is Aldi Raw Honey Real? An In-depth Look at Authenticity and Quality

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Adulterated or fake honey is a widespread issue, with some reports suggesting a significant portion of supermarket honey may contain syrups. So, is Aldi raw honey real? The answer is nuanced, as Aldi offers multiple honey products with varying levels of quality and sourcing transparency.

Quick Summary

An examination of Aldi's honey products, including raw and organic options, confirms that some lines are considered authentic, while cheaper blends may be less so.

Key Points

Check Labels Carefully: Aldi sells different types of honey, so verify that the label explicitly says "raw" and "unfiltered" for the most authentic product.
Look for the True Source Seal: Some of Aldi's honey is certified by the True Source program, a third-party audit that verifies origin and purity.
Consider the 'Real' Honey: 'Real' doesn't mean unprocessed. Some products labeled simply as 'honey' may be blended and pasteurized, lacking the benefits of raw varieties.
Understand Home Tests' Limits: At-home tests are unreliable for detecting sophisticated adulteration with syrups, though they can help with high moisture content.
Crystallization is a Good Sign: If your raw honey from Aldi crystallizes, this is a natural process and a strong indicator of its authenticity.
Choose Based on Use: Decide whether you need minimally processed raw honey for its potential benefits or if a cheaper, more processed variety is sufficient for baking where heat will destroy enzymes.

Deciphering Aldi's Honey Labels

Aldi's honey selection typically includes a few different options, and understanding their labels is the first step to determining quality. For example, the Specially Selected Raw Honey is often positioned as a premium product. Its product description states it is "lightly strained and unfiltered," a key characteristic of authentic raw honey. This is different from the cheaper, more heavily processed honey blends that can be found on many supermarket shelves.

The Role of 'True Source Certified'

For some of its honey products sold in the U.S., Aldi participates in the True Source Certified program. This is a crucial indicator of authenticity. The True Source program involves a third-party audit that can trace honey from the hive to the table, ensuring it hasn't been illegally sourced or adulterated. If you see this seal on a bottle, it provides strong evidence that the honey is what it claims to be.

Raw vs. Processed Honey: What's the Difference?

It's important to differentiate between raw honey and standard, heavily processed honey. Raw honey is typically unpasteurized and unfiltered or only lightly strained, which means it retains many of its natural pollens, enzymes, and antioxidants. These components are often removed during the high-heat pasteurization and fine-filtering processes used for conventional honey, which strips away much of its natural character and potential health benefits. The Specially Selected Raw Honey, being unfiltered, aligns with these criteria.

Sourcing and Potential Adulteration Risks

While Aldi's premium offerings like the Specially Selected Raw Honey appear authentic, it's the lower-priced options that can raise eyebrows. Some cheaper, generic supermarket honeys may be labeled ambiguously as a "blend of EU and Non-EU honey". This can mask the origin of the majority of the product and, in some cases, may indicate blending with syrups to cut costs. This risk is why reading labels carefully is paramount, even for well-known store brands.

At-Home Purity Tests and Their Limitations

Many online sources suggest at-home tests to check for honey purity, but experts often warn that these are not definitive.

The Water Test: Pure honey is said to be denser and will sink to the bottom of a glass of water without dissolving immediately. However, some syrups can mimic this density.
The Thumb Test: Dropping honey on your thumb supposedly shows purity if it stays put. Again, consistency can be manipulated.
The Flame Test: This checks for excessive moisture, as pure honey should burn on a matchstick. But it doesn't reveal if it's been mixed with other sugar syrups.

For a conclusive result, only advanced laboratory tests like Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) or Isotopic Ratio Mass Spectrometry can truly determine if honey has been adulterated with corn or rice syrup.

Comparing Aldi Raw Honey vs. Standard Supermarket Honey


Feature	Aldi Specially Selected Raw Honey	Typical Mass-Market Supermarket Honey
Authenticity Indicators	Often True Source Certified; labeled as raw and unfiltered.	Varies; often non-specific sourcing; higher risk of adulteration.
Processing	Lightly strained, unpasteurized to preserve natural elements.	High-heat pasteurized and finely filtered, removing beneficial pollen and enzymes.
Nutritional Profile	Contains natural antioxidants, enzymes, and pollen.	These components are often largely removed or destroyed by processing.
Flavor	Richer, more complex flavor with floral notes due to minimal processing.	Uniformly sweet flavor, often described as 'one-dimensional'.
Consistency	Typically thicker, cloudier, and may crystallize over time.	Often very clear and slow to crystallize due to processing.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Choices at Aldi

So, is Aldi raw honey real? Based on product labels and certification, the answer for their premium Specially Selected Raw Honey is a strong yes. It is presented as an authentic, minimally processed product. The presence of the True Source Certified seal provides external verification of its journey from hive to shelf. However, shoppers should remain cautious with the lowest-cost blended honey options and always inspect the label for sourcing details. For maximum confidence in authenticity and quality, look for explicit labels and recognized certifications. For further reading on the honey industry's certification standards, you can visit the True Source Honey website.

A Final Word on Crystallization

Crystallization is a natural process for real honey, particularly raw and unfiltered varieties due to their higher glucose content. Don't be alarmed if your Aldi raw honey crystallizes; this is actually a good sign of its authenticity. You can easily restore it to its liquid state by placing the jar in warm water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, based on its labeling as "lightly strained and unfiltered" and its likely True Source certification (where applicable), the Specially Selected Raw Honey is considered pure and authentic.

No, Aldi sources its honey from various places. Some products, like the Specially Selected Raw Honey, are imported, while others may be blended from different origins, as indicated by 'EU and Non-EU' sourcing.

The most reliable way is to look for reputable third-party certifications like the True Source seal. You should also check the ingredient list for any added syrups and research the brand's sourcing practices.

Honey is sometimes adulterated with cheaper sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup to increase volume and lower costs for manufacturers, especially with large, non-specific blends.

No, quite the opposite. Crystallization is a natural process for pure, raw honey. In fact, honey that never crystallizes may have been heavily processed or adulterated.

Raw honey is typically unpasteurized and unfiltered, retaining more natural enzymes and pollen. Standard honey is heated and finely filtered for a clearer appearance and slower crystallization.

While the Berryhill brand is honey, it is generally considered a lower-cost, more processed option than the premium raw varieties, with a less complex flavor profile. It's advisable to check the specific label for sourcing.

The True Source Certified label is a strong indicator of authenticity, as it signifies that the honey has undergone independent testing and auditing to trace its origin and verify purity.