Functional Authenticity — the Next Step in Honey Quality

For years, honey testing has focused on three things: is it real (not adulterated), where does it come from (geographical origin), and what flowers does it come from (botanical origin)? These are important, but they miss the bigger question:

Does the honey actually work the way buyers expect?

This is what scientists now call functional authenticity — proving that honey has the biological activity (antibacterial strength, enzymes, antioxidants) it’s valued for.

Why it matters

1. Fraud is still common — even “origin-verified” honey can be low in natural activity or mixed with syrups. Tests for purity and geography don’t catch that.

2. The price is in the performance — buyers of Mānuka or other premium honeys pay for antibacterial power, not just a floral name.

3. Processing and storage change activity — heating or long storage can destroy enzymes and reduce potency, even if the honey looks fine on paper.

What functional authenticity looks like

• Bioactivity tests: simple lab checks for antibacterial power (peroxide and non-peroxide activity).

• Enzyme activity: e.g., diastase and glucose oxidase — sensitive to heat, good markers of freshness.

• Antioxidant measures: quick assays showing health-promoting compounds.

• Metabolomics / chemical fingerprinting: advanced tools to confirm a honey’s “functional profile.”

Recent studies back this up: researchers show that honeys of the same “type” can vary hugely in antimicrobial strength and antioxidant power, and reviews now call for activity testing to be part of quality standards (Stefanis et al. 2023; Majtan 2024; Grabek-Lejko et al. 2024).

What this means for producers and exporters

• Producers: avoid overheating, store well, and get your honey function-tested — it can boost value.

• Exporters: functional data is a strong sales point, especially for buyers looking beyond “origin only.”

• Industry: adding functional authenticity to QA protects reputations and stops weak honey from competing with premium.

Bottom line

The future of honey quality isn’t just about proving where it came from — it’s about proving what it can do. Functional authenticity gives producers, exporters, and consumers real confidence that the honey in the jar delivers on its promise.

Your comments are welcome.