No, honey doesn't technically expire in the sense that it spoils and becomes unsafe to consume. However, its quality can change over time.
What Happens to Honey Over Time?
While honey can last for incredibly long periods, even thousands of years under the right conditions, its properties can alter. According to the National Honey Board, honey may darken, lose its aroma and flavor, or crystallize over time due to temperature fluctuations. [National Honey Board]. This doesn't make it unsafe, just less palatable.
Several sources confirm that honey doesn't spoil because of its low water content and high acidity, which create an environment inhospitable to bacteria. [Food Network, Eating Well, Taste of Home] Archaeological finds support this, with honey thousands of years old still being edible. [Nature Nate's].
However, improper storage can impact honey quality. Exposure to moisture or air can lead to deterioration. [Reddit r/IsItBullshit]. The USDA suggests that honey's quality starts to decline after 12 months of storage, although this doesn't render it inedible. [USA Today].
Expiration Dates on Honey: Why are they there?
Many commercially produced honey jars have expiration dates. This is not because the honey will suddenly become unsafe; rather, it's often due to regulatory requirements mandating dates on all food products. [Reddit r/explainlikeimfive, Quora]. The date indicates when the manufacturer guarantees peak quality, not when the honey becomes hazardous.
In Summary:
Pure, properly stored honey will not spoil. While it doesn't have an expiration date in the traditional sense, its flavor and texture can change over time. An expiration date on a jar is more a quality indicator than a safety marker.
