What is Radurised Honey – And Why It Matters for Your Health

August 5, 2025

At Waggle Honey, we believe in bringing you honey that’s as close to nature as possible. But if you’ve ever spotted the term “radurised honey” on a label and wondered what it means – or why it matters – this post is for you.

Let’s dive into what radurised honey is, how it’s different from raw honey, and why we choose to do things differently.

🍯 What is Radurised Honey?

Radurised honey is honey that has been treated with ionising radiation – a process known as radurisation. This method is used to kill bacteria, yeasts, and moulds, extend shelf life, and ensure the honey is “safe” for mass-market distribution.

While it might sound like a high-tech safety measure, radurisation can significantly affect honey’s natural composition.

⚠️ How Radurisation Affects Honey

Radiating honey may sound harmless, but here’s what actually happens:

Loss of Enzymes: Natural enzymes like diastase and invertase, which aid digestion and have health benefits, are often destroyed.
Reduced Antioxidants: Radiation can degrade polyphenols and antioxidants – the very compounds that give honey its superfood status.
Taste and Aroma Changes: The unique floral notes and natural sweetness can be dulled or altered.
Nutrient Depletion: Vitamins and phytonutrients are reduced or eliminated.

So while radurised honey may last longer on a supermarket shelf, it loses much of what makes honey so special.

🌿 Why Waggle Honey Says No to Radurisation

At Waggle, our honey is never radurised.

We work with passionate local beekeepers to harvest honey the traditional way – raw, unfiltered, and minimally processed. That means you’re getting:

All the natural enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants
Pure, untouched flavour straight from the hive
A product that supports sustainable beekeeping and local biodiversity

✅ How to Tell If Your Honey Is Radurised

In South Africa, radurised honey isn’t always clearly labeled. Here are a few ways to spot the difference:

Look for terms like “irradiated” or “treated with ionising radiation”
Genuine raw honey will often crystallise naturally over time – a good sign!
Raw honey often carries batch numbers and harvest dates, not just a “best before” date.

🍯 The Bottom Line

If you're buying honey for health benefits, immune support, or simply for its rich flavour – steer clear of radurised honey.

Choose raw, responsibly sourced, non-radurised honey like Waggle Honey. It’s the way nature intended, and your body will thank you for it.

📦 Try Waggle Honey Today

Support your health and local beekeepers – choose a jar of our Waggle Crafted Honey 750g or explore our infused ranges like Rooibos Tea Honey and Cinnamon-Infused Honey.

Because when it comes to honey, raw is real.