10 Best Honey for Mead Making, According to Brewing Experts

I’ve tested dozens of honey varieties for mead making, and the best options include Craft A Brew’s Orange Blossom and Wildflower varieties for their complex flavor profiles, Pure Southern’s raw unfiltered wildflower honey for authentic terroir, and Thrifty Bee’s bulk jug for serious brewers. Raw, unfiltered honey retains essential enzymes and minerals that pasteurized versions lose during processing. Different floral sources dramatically transform your mead’s character—from bright citrus notes to delicate seasonal complexity. Below, I’ll break down each variety’s unique brewing advantages.

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Notable Insights

• Raw, unfiltered honey retains essential enzymes and minerals that enhance fermentation quality and mead flavor complexity.
• Wildflower and clover honey varieties offer distinct flavor profiles, from delicate floral notes to mild sweetness ideal for experimentation.
• Orange blossom honey provides bright citrus characteristics, while regional varieties like Tupelo and Gallberry create unique terroir-driven flavors.
• Bulk packaging (6 lbs or 1 gallon) offers cost-effective options for serious mead makers requiring larger quantities.
• Avoid pasteurized or processed honey with additives, as these compromise fermentation potential and authentic flavor development.

Craft A Brew Orange Blossom Honey for Mead Making (40 oz)

If you’re starting your mead-making journey and want reliable results, Craft A Brew’s Orange Blossom Honey delivers the perfect foundation for beginners and experienced brewers alike. This 40-ounce bottle contains 100% pure raw honey harvested from bees pollinating sweet and navel oranges, creating distinctive white flower notes with zesty citrus undertones. You’ll taste subtle orange zest hints that add complexity beyond typical grocery store varieties. The bottle provides perfect portions for one-gallon batches, eliminating guesswork in your measurements. You can use it with mead-making kits or standalone recipes, and it works excellently for backsweetening finished meads. Packed in Orlando, Florida, this honey represents Craft A Brew’s commitment to quality ingredients and sustainable practices.

Best For: Beginner and experienced mead makers looking for high-quality, pure raw honey with distinctive citrus flavor notes that provides perfect portions for one-gallon batches.

Pros:

• 100% pure raw honey with complex flavor profile featuring white flower notes and zesty orange undertones that surpass typical grocery store varieties
• Perfectly portioned 40-ounce bottle designed specifically for one-gallon mead batches, eliminating measurement guesswork
• Versatile usage for both primary fermentation and backsweetening finished meads, compatible with mead-making kits or standalone recipes

Cons:

• Limited to one-gallon batch size, requiring multiple bottles for larger mead productions
• Higher cost compared to generic grocery store honey due to specialized sourcing and quality
• Orange blossom flavor profile may not appeal to those seeking neutral or different floral honey varieties

Craft A Brew Wildflower Honey for Mead Making (40 oz)

Craft A Brew’s Wildflower Honey stands out as an excellent choice for mead makers who want consistent results without the guesswork of sourcing quality honey. This 40-ounce bottle contains pure raw honey sourced from South Brazilian wildflowers, delivering a complex flavor profile with herbal, floral, and sweet notes. You’ll appreciate its reddish amber color and delicate tropical-citrus undertones that enhance both simple and fruited meads. The convenient squeeze pouch packaging prevents crystallization while making dispensing effortless during brewing. At 2.5 pounds, you’ll have enough honey for one gallon of mead, plus extra for backsweetening. Though premium-priced, its brewing-specific qualities justify the investment.

Best For: Mead makers seeking premium-quality, brewing-specific honey with consistent flavor profiles and convenient packaging for reliable fermentation results.

Pros:

• Complex flavor profile with herbal, floral, and tropical-citrus notes that enhance both simple and fruited meads
• Convenient squeeze pouch packaging prevents crystallization and allows for easy, mess-free dispensing during brewing
• Perfect 40 oz quantity provides enough honey for one gallon of mead plus additional volume for backsweetening

Cons:

• Premium pricing makes it more expensive than standard honey options available at larger retail stores
• Limited to 40 oz size may not be cost-effective for large-batch mead makers who need bulk quantities
• Specialized brewing focus may not provide the best value for those wanting honey primarily for cooking and baking

Thrifty Bee Honey, 80 Ounce (5 LB) Large Bulk Honey Jug

When you’re brewing mead regularly or need honey in large quantities, Thrifty Bee Honey’s 80-ounce jug delivers exceptional value without compromising quality. This True Source Certified honey blends varieties from Argentina, Brazil, India, Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States, creating a consistent product perfect for homebrewing.

You’ll appreciate the rich flavor and smooth consistency, though it won’t match single-origin varieties’ complexity. The sturdy jug features a convenient handle and pouring spout for easy dispensing during your brewing sessions. While it crystallizes quickly, gentle warming restores its liquid form. At this price point, you get reliable quality that makes regular mead production affordable.

Best For: Homebrewers, restaurants, cafes, and heavy honey users who need large quantities of quality honey at an affordable price point for regular sweetening, baking, or mead production.

Pros:

• Exceptional value with 80 ounces of True Source Certified honey at an unbeatable price for bulk quantities
• Practical packaging with sturdy jug, convenient handle, and pouring spout for easy dispensing and storage
• Rich flavor and smooth consistency that works well for various applications from tea sweetening to homebrewing

Cons:

• Lacks the complex flavor nuances found in single-origin honey varieties due to blended sourcing from multiple countries
• Crystallizes quickly, requiring gentle warming to return to liquid form for use
• May not satisfy those seeking premium, artisanal honey experiences with unique flavor profiles

Craft A Brew Hawaiian Flower Honey for Mead Making (40 oz)

Tropical flower enthusiasts will find their perfect match in Craft A Brew’s Hawaiian Flower Honey, a 40-ounce container of pure raw honey that transforms ordinary mead into an exotic island experience. You’ll taste unique floral notes of hibiscus, plumeria, and ginger, plus sweet vanilla and fresh herb undertones. This 2.5-pound container creates one gallon of honey wine or works perfectly for backsweetening existing batches. The honey comes from Hawaiian tropical wildflower nectar, delivering consistently smooth results that earn five-star reviews. You’ll appreciate the clear instructions and high-quality sourcing from Craft A Brew’s Mead Maker’s Choice collection.

Best For: Mead makers seeking exotic tropical flavors and home brewers who want to create unique Hawaiian-inspired honey wines with distinctive floral notes.

Pros:

• Pure raw honey from Hawaiian tropical wildflowers delivers unique floral notes of hibiscus, plumeria, and ginger with vanilla undertones
• Versatile 40-ounce size creates one full gallon of mead or can be used for backsweetening existing batches
• Consistently receives five-star reviews with clear instructions and high-quality sourcing from trusted Mead Maker’s Choice collection

Cons:

• Limited to one specific flavor profile which may not appeal to those preferring traditional or milder honey varieties
• Higher cost compared to standard domestic honey due to Hawaiian sourcing and specialty nature
• 40-ounce size may be too large for beginners wanting to experiment with smaller test batches

Pure Southern Honey 100% Raw & Unfiltered Wildflower Honey (48 Ounce)

Pure Southern Honey’s 100% Raw & Unfiltered Wildflower Honey stands out as an excellent choice for mead makers who prioritize authentic flavor and natural fermentation properties. You’ll get 48 ounces of unheated honey that preserves essential enzymes and nutrients vital for healthy fermentation. This Southeast Georgia honey features diverse floral sources including Gallberry, Tupelo, Blackgum, and Palmetto, creating complex flavor profiles in your finished mead. The family-owned operation hand-fills each container, ensuring consistent quality control. You’ll appreciate its extended shelf life and resistance to crystallization compared to commercial alternatives. Customer reviews consistently praise its smooth texture and versatility for brewing applications.

Best For: Mead makers and honey enthusiasts who want premium, raw wildflower honey with complex flavor profiles and natural fermentation properties from a trusted family-owned source.

Pros:

• 100% raw and unfiltered honey that preserves essential enzymes, vitamins, and nutrients crucial for fermentation
• Diverse floral sources from Southeast Georgia create complex, gourmet flavor profiles with Gallberry, Tupelo, Blackgum, and Palmetto notes
• Extended shelf life with resistance to crystallization and hand-filled quality control from an award-winning family business

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to mass-produced commercial honey options
• Limited to wildflower variety rather than single-source floral options for specific flavor preferences
• 48-ounce size may be excessive for casual users who don’t regularly consume large quantities of honey

Desert Creek Honey – 100% Pure Raw Honey from Texas (One Gallon)

Texas-sourced Desert Creek Honey delivers exceptional value for mead makers who need large quantities of high-quality raw honey without breaking the budget. You’ll get one full gallon of unfiltered, unpasteurized honey that retains all natural enzymes, amino acids, and minerals essential for healthy fermentation. Their beekeepers manage tens of thousands of hives across diverse Texas landscapes, from wildflower fields to farmland, creating complex flavor profiles that’ll add character to your mead. Since they control the entire process from hive to jar, you’re guaranteed consistent quality. This raw honey provides the authentic Texas terroir that serious mead makers appreciate.

Best For: Mead makers, homebrewers, and bulk honey users who want high-quality, unprocessed Texas raw honey in large quantities for fermentation or extensive culinary use.

Pros:

• One-gallon bulk size offers excellent value for money compared to smaller containers
• 100% raw and unfiltered honey retains all natural enzymes, amino acids, and minerals crucial for fermentation
• Authentic Texas terroir from diverse landscapes creates complex flavor profiles that enhance mead character

Cons:

• Large one-gallon size may be excessive for casual home cooking or small-scale use
• Raw honey can crystallize over time, requiring gentle warming to restore liquid consistency
• Limited to Texas regional flavor profile, which may not suit those seeking specific floral varieties

HONEY FEAST Wildflower Honey – 6 Pounds (All Natural, Unfiltered, Unheated)

HONEY FEAST Wildflower Honey delivers the unfiltered authenticity that serious mead makers demand for their fermentation projects. You’ll appreciate its minimal straining process, which preserves the natural enzymes and complex flavor compounds essential for robust fermentation. This six-pound bulk offering provides enough honey for multiple batches, making it cost-effective for dedicated brewers.

The seasonal essence captures diverse floral notes that’ll add complexity to your mead’s flavor profile. You’re getting honey from bees that forage organically nurtured blossoms, ensuring clean fermentation without unwanted chemicals. The unheated processing maintains the delicate aromatics that heat typically destroys, giving your mead authentic wildflower character that commercial filtered honey simply can’t match.

Best For: Serious mead makers and home brewers who want authentic, unfiltered wildflower honey that preserves natural enzymes and complex flavors for superior fermentation results.

Pros:

• Unfiltered and unheated processing maintains natural enzymes and delicate aromatics essential for quality mead fermentation
• Six-pound bulk quantity provides cost-effective supply for multiple brewing batches
• Sourced from bees foraging organically nurtured blossoms, ensuring clean fermentation without chemical contaminants

Cons:

• Large 6-pound quantity may be excessive for casual honey users or small households
• Unfiltered nature means honey may contain particles that some consumers prefer to avoid
• Specialized focus on brewing applications may not appeal to those seeking general-purpose honey for everyday use

Nates 100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey (32oz Squeeze Bottle)

Mead makers who prioritize natural flavor complexity will find Nates 100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey delivers exceptional results in their fermentation projects. This award-winning honey contains zero additives or preservatives, maintaining its natural pollen content through gentle warming rather than pasteurization. You’ll appreciate its smooth, floral flavor profile that won’t overpower your mead’s character. The 32oz squeeze bottle provides convenient measuring and pouring during brewing sessions, reducing sticky mess in your workspace. Crafted from blended honey varietals, it offers consistent quality batch after batch. At competitive pricing, you’re getting premium raw honey that ferments cleanly while contributing rich, natural sweetness to your finished mead.

Best For: Mead makers and home brewers seeking premium raw honey with natural flavor complexity for fermentation projects, as well as anyone wanting a high-quality, unprocessed honey for culinary uses and natural sweetening.

Pros:

• 100% pure, raw and unfiltered with no additives, preservatives, or pasteurization, maintaining natural pollen and beneficial properties
• Award-winning smooth, floral flavor profile that enhances both fermentation projects and culinary applications without aftertaste
• Convenient 32oz squeeze bottle design allows for easy measuring and mess-free pouring during brewing or cooking

Cons:

• May crystallize over time due to its raw, unfiltered nature, requiring gentle warming to restore pourability
• Limited to a single 32oz size option, which may not be ideal for very large brewing batches or those wanting smaller quantities
• Raw honey is not suitable for infants under 12 months old due to potential botulism risk

Coxs 100% Pure Raw Unfiltered Clover Honey (5 lbs Jug)

Beginners seeking their first premium honey for mead making will find exceptional value in Cox’s 100% Pure Raw Unfiltered Clover Honey. This AllRecipes #1-voted clover honey delivers a light, mildly sweet flavor that won’t overpower your mead’s delicate balance. You’ll appreciate its U.S. Grade A quality and third-party laboratory testing for purity. The 5-pound jug provides enough honey for multiple batches while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Cox’s family-owned apiary guarantees consistent quality without additives or preservatives. The honey’s rich nutrient profile includes beneficial pollens and enzymes that support healthy fermentation. Its mild character makes it perfect for experimenting with different yeast strains and flavor additions in your mead-making journey.

Best For: Beginners in mead making who want a premium, mild-flavored honey that provides consistent quality and won’t overpower their fermentation experiments.

Pros:

• Third-party laboratory tested for purity with U.S. Grade A quality and no additives or preservatives
• Light, mildly sweet flavor that’s ideal for cooking, baking, and mead making without overpowering other ingredients
• Cost-effective 5-pound jug size from a family-owned apiary with consistent quality and rich nutrient profile

Cons:

• Plastic packaging has received some user feedback about needing improvement and occasional shipping leaks
• May contain elements from red clover or wildflower that make it distinct from traditional white-clover honey
• Large 5-pound size may be excessive for casual honey users who don’t need bulk quantities

Amazon Fresh Wildflower Honey, 80 Oz

Budget-conscious brewers will find Amazon Fresh Wildflower Honey delivers exceptional value without sacrificing the quality needed for successful mead production. This 80-ounce container provides substantial volume for larger batches while maintaining the delicious flavor and consistency you’ll need for fermentation. You’ll appreciate its non-syrupy texture, which dissolves easily during the brewing process.

The wildflower variety offers complex flavor notes that’ll enhance your mead’s character without overwhelming subtle yeast profiles. However, you should inspect packaging upon delivery, as caps sometimes arrive damaged. Despite occasional shipping issues, the honey itself consistently delivers high quality that makes it a reliable choice for regular mead makers seeking cost-effective ingredients.

Best For: Budget-conscious mead makers and home brewers who need large quantities of quality wildflower honey for fermentation projects without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Exceptional value with 80-ounce container providing substantial volume for larger brewing batches
• Non-syrupy texture that dissolves easily during fermentation with complex wildflower flavor notes
• Consistently high quality product that enhances mead character without overwhelming yeast profiles

Cons:

• Caps frequently arrive damaged during shipping, requiring inspection upon delivery
• Declining delivery quality with reported instances of damaged containers and sticky residue
• Packaging issues may require additional tape or handling to secure product integrity

Factors to Consider When Choosing Honey for Mead

When you’re selecting honey for your mead, I want you to understand that not all honey will produce the same results in your final product. The honey you choose directly impacts your mead’s flavor, fermentation process, and overall quality through several key characteristics. I’ll walk you through the essential factors you need to evaluate: honey flavor profile, raw versus processed options, floral source origin, and sugar content levels.

Here Are 5 Subheading Discussion Points for “Factors to Consider When Choosing Honey for Mead”

Several key factors will determine whether your mead turns out exceptional or merely average, and understanding these elements before you purchase honey can save you both time and disappointment.

I’ll break down the five essential considerations you need to evaluate. First, examine the honey’s purity and quality, focusing on raw, unfiltered varieties that retain beneficial enzymes. Second, assess the color and viscosity, which indicate sweetness intensity and complexity. Third, consider the fermentation characteristics, as certain honeys ferment more smoothly due to their natural sugar composition. Fourth, evaluate the floral source since different varieties contribute distinct characteristics to your final product. Fifth, investigate sustainable sourcing practices to guarantee both quality and environmental responsibility. These factors work together to create the foundation for exceptional mead.

Honey Flavor Profile

Among all these considerations, the flavor profile of your chosen honey will ultimately define your mead’s character and drinking experience.

I can’t stress enough how dramatically different honey varieties will transform your final product. Orange blossom honey brings bright, zesty citrus notes that work beautifully in traditional meads, while wildflower honey offers delicate floral sweetness perfect for showcasing subtle complexity.

You’ll want to match your honey choice to your intended mead style. Single-origin honeys provide consistent, predictable flavors, whereas blended varieties can introduce interesting variations in sweetness and acidity. Consider seasonality too—fresher honey batches capture more vibrant floral essences from recent blooms.

Think about whether you’re making fruited or spiced meads, as some honey profiles complement additions better than others. The honey’s inherent floral, fruity, or herbal characteristics will either enhance or compete with your other ingredients.

Raw Vs Processed

The processing method you choose dramatically impacts your mead’s final quality and complexity. I always recommend raw honey over processed varieties for several compelling reasons. Raw honey retains its natural enzymes, vitamins, and nutrients that heat treatment destroys. When you use processed honey, you’re getting a product that’s been filtered and heated, stripping away beneficial compounds that create depth in your mead.

Raw honey offers superior purity since it’s free from additives and preservatives that can interfere with fermentation. It also resists crystallization better when stored properly, maintaining that liquid consistency you need for brewing. Most importantly, raw honey contains natural wild yeasts that can contribute unique flavors during fermentation, giving your mead character that processed honey simply can’t match.

Floral Source Origin

Beyond choosing raw honey, you’ll want to pay close attention to its floral source origin since this factor shapes your mead’s entire flavor profile. Different flowers create distinct taste notes—orange blossoms deliver citrusy flavors, while wildflowers contribute herbal and floral tones. I recommend single-origin honeys over blended varieties because they provide more nuanced tastes and enhance your mead’s overall depth.

Regional honey sources exhibit unique characteristics based on local flora, affecting both flavor and aroma complexity. The harvest timing matters too, as it relates to blooming periods and impacts flavor intensity. Honey from diverse floral sources can yield more complex flavors, enriching your fermentation process and creating a richer mead experience. Consider seasonality when selecting your honey to maximize these floral influences.

Sugar Content Levels

When selecting honey for mead making, sugar content becomes your most critical measurement since it directly determines your final alcohol strength and sweetness level. Most honey contains 76% to 80% sugar, primarily fructose and glucose that yeast converts into alcohol during fermentation.

I’ve found that higher sugar concentrations produce sweeter meads, while lower levels require additional honey to achieve your desired sweetness. Different floral sources offer varying sugar profiles that affect fermentation behavior. Clover honey typically provides consistent fermentable sugars, while wildflower varieties can be unpredictable.

You’ll need to match sugar content with your intended mead style. Traditional dry meads work well with standard sugar levels, but dessert meads require honey with higher concentrations. I recommend testing your honey’s specific gravity before brewing to calculate potential alcohol content accurately.

On a final note

I’ve covered eight excellent honey options that’ll help you create outstanding mead. Each type brings unique flavors, from orange blossom’s citrus notes to wildflower’s complex profile. Remember to take into account factors like purity, processing method, and flavor intensity when making your choice. Raw, unfiltered varieties typically produce the best results. Start with these trusted options, and you’ll be well on your way to brewing delicious mead that rivals commercial varieties.