Honey is the MVP of our kitchens. With a projected 6.6% increase in market volume in 2025*, this golden sweetener is more than just a pantry staple – it’s a powerhouse ingredient redefining the way we eat, cook and think about food. So, let’s dive into the top honey trends to watch for in the coming year.
1. Honey as a Flavor
Honey isn’t just for your tea or toast – it’s the secret weapon for adding a sweet and rich flavor to your favorite recipes. Brands are embracing honey’s versatility and enhancing the flavor profile for even the most unexpected foods. Recent winners of the 2024 Sofi Awards have highlighted this trend, with honey-infused sodas, granolas, ice creams and even goat cheese leading the way. It’s clear: Honey is no longer just for sweetness; it’s for enhancing flavor.
2. One-Pot Meals Make a Comeback
For busy parents, honey makes one-pot meals more convenient and delicious. Think about it: A simple drizzle of honey can elevate a savory sauce, tenderize meats and even complement starchy bases – all in one pot! As more families begin to favor healthier home-cooked meals, the choices they make not only benefit themselves but influence the food habits of the next generation.
3. The Benefits of Baking with Honey
The cottagecore aesthetic has sparked a renewed interest in traditional, wholesome ingredients, with honey taking center stage in the baking world. Pure honey adds an all-natural richness to desserts, breads, cookies and cakes, and we expect home cooks and baking enthusiasts to keep reaching for honey to elevate their baked goods with its natural sweetness and complexity.
4. Honey for Energy: Grab-and-Go Goodness
Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost or a natural alternative to processed snacks, honey minis are an ideal on-the-go option. Portable and perfectly portioned, these honey treats are an all-natural snack for on-the-go energy. As more people seek convenient and better-for-you ways to refuel, honey’s natural benefits are hitting the sweet spot for busy lifestyles.
5. Hot Honey Is Still Heating Things Up
The hot honey trend shows no signs of cooling. Hot honey’s sweet and spicy flavor profile makes it a versatile condiment perfect for elevating everything from breakfast burritos and salads to roasted veggies, pizza and more. It adds bold flavors without the fuss.
6. Trust & Transparency with Brands
Today’s consumers, especially Gen Z, demand authenticity from the brands they buy. Nearly 59% of Gen Z shoppers say they only “sometimes” trust companies to keep their word.** At Nate’s, trust is at our core, and we stand behind our highest-quality honey, leading the industry with strict standards and our purity guarantee to provide an unmatched level of care and precision that any honeybee would be proud of.
*Statista, Sweeteners Worldwide Report, 2024
**Numerator Generation Hub Report, 2024
