Just Bee is a brand that has carved a niche in the health and wellness market by offering fortified honey products with specific health benefits, such as immune support and gut health. Unlike standard raw honey, which contains only trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, Just Bee infuses its unpasteurised honey with various supplements. But does this fortification make Just Bee honey healthy, or are the benefits overshadowed by its high sugar content?
The Allure of Functional Honey
Just Bee’s product range is designed to address particular health needs. Their Immunity Honey, for example, is packed with Vitamins D, C, B6, and B12, along with echinacea, an herb traditionally used for colds. Another popular product, the Gut Health Honey, combines acacia honey with prebiotics, probiotics (Bacillus Coagulans), kiwifruit powder, and Vitamin C. The appeal lies in the convenience of getting a daily dose of supplements in a familiar, tasty format. For many consumers, this is a more pleasant alternative to swallowing pills or powders.
Comparing Honey: Just Bee vs. Regular
To understand if Just Bee honey is healthy, it's crucial to compare it with its counterparts. Regular honey found in most supermarkets is typically pasteurised and filtered. This process creates a clear, uniform product with a longer shelf life, but it can destroy beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Raw honey, on the other hand, is minimally processed, retaining more natural enzymes, pollen, and antioxidants, though the levels of these vary based on the floral source.
Just Bee’s core offering uses a raw, unpasteurised European wildflower honey, which already gives it an edge over pasteurised commercial honey in terms of natural goodness. However, the defining difference is the targeted fortification. While regular raw honey contains a general array of trace nutrients, Just Bee's products offer a deliberate, measured dose of specific vitamins and compounds. A teaspoon of Just Bee's vitamin-enriched honey is not just honey; it is a dietary supplement in a honey base.
The Impact of Added Ingredients
The added ingredients are central to Just Bee's health claims. For instance, the probiotic Bacillus Coagulans in their Gut Health Honey is a spore-forming strain designed to survive the harsh stomach environment and reach the gut alive. The prebiotic fibre from chicory root then feeds the good bacteria, helping them to thrive. This dual action is a scientifically recognised approach to improving gut health. In contrast, standard raw honey contains only natural prebiotics and enzymes that may aid digestion but don't offer the same targeted probiotic support. Similarly, the vitamins added for immune support are included in quantities intended to make a meaningful difference, rather than just trace amounts.
Is Honey Still Just Sugar?
Despite the added benefits, a fundamental consideration is honey's sugar content. One teaspoon of Just Bee honey contains approximately 6 grams of sugar and 25 calories. While honey has a slightly lower glycemic index than refined sugar, it still significantly impacts blood glucose levels. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring sugar intake, this is a vital point. The key to including honey in a healthy diet—whether fortified or not—is moderation. Using honey as a healthier replacement for refined sugar in moderation is different from adding it to an already sugar-heavy diet.
Table: Comparison of Honey Types
| Feature | Just Bee Honey (e.g., Immunity) | Regular Raw Honey | Regular Processed Honey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Raw, unpasteurised | Minimal processing, strained | Pasteurized, finely filtered |
| Added Ingredients | Fortified with vitamins, botanicals, probiotics | Contains natural bee pollen, propolis | None; potential for added sweeteners |
| Antioxidant Level | High (from raw honey base) | High | Reduced via heat processing |
| Nutrient Profile | High in specific added vitamins; trace minerals | Trace vitamins and minerals | Trace nutrients (some destroyed) |
| Shelf Life | Shorter than processed; may crystallize | Shorter than processed; crystallizes naturally | Longest shelf life; stays liquid longer |
| Cost | Typically higher | Varies; often higher than processed | Most affordable |
How to Safely Enjoy Honey
- Infant Safety: Never give any type of honey to children under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious illness.
- Moderation is Key: Treat honey as an added sugar, albeit a better quality one. A small amount can be part of a balanced diet, but excessive consumption should be avoided.
- Read the Labels: Check the ingredients list to understand what you're consuming. Just Bee is transparent about its added vitamins and botanicals. For other brands, ensure it's pure honey and not blended with cheaper syrups.
- Use as a Substitute: Replace refined sugars with honey in teas, yogurts, or recipes to gain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties while reducing intake of nutritionally-empty sugar.
Conclusion
So, is Just Bee honey healthy? The answer is nuanced. Yes, it can be a healthier choice than heavily processed, regular honey, especially when used to replace other forms of refined sugar. Its raw, unpasteurised base preserves natural nutrients, while its targeted fortification with vitamins and other compounds may offer additional, specific health benefits, such as immune or gut support. However, it is essential to remember that it remains a high-sugar, high-calorie food. It is not a miracle cure and should be consumed in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet. The healthfulness of Just Bee honey ultimately depends on how it is incorporated into your overall eating pattern, balancing its fortified advantages with its inherent sugar content. For more information on honey's health effects, you can refer to authoritative sources such as Healthline Read more about the benefits of honey here.
