Dried honey products available commercially for industrial use are derived from pure liquid honey (1) to which have been added processing aids and other ingredients, (2) which has been dried to a low moisture content, and (3) which in most cases has been converted to a free-flowing product.
Processing aids and other ingredients are added (1) to keep the dried honey free-flowing and (2) to modify and enhance the functionality of the product. In commercial applications and for labeling purposes, both “dried honey” and “dry honey” are used interchangeably. However, the term “dried honey” is used to mean honey that has been dehydrated in which edible drying aids and processing adjuncts may be included to facilitate processing and improve product stability.
Dried honey products are available commercially in several forms including powders, flakes, granules and crystals. The vast majority of commercial dried honey products are formulated and processed to be free-flowing.
The technology exists to remove water from honey and form lozenges or tablets that contain no other added ingredients. Dry honey use is currently very limited in the food industry.
Most commercial processes convert liquid honey through a drum/roller or spray-drying process. Other technologies such as microwave vacuum/freeze drying are also used.
Yes, virtually all dried honey products available commercially do contain other ingredients. Honey is rich in fructose (which is very hygroscopic) and it tends to make dried honey products “cake.” For this reason, processing aids are used in the formulation of most dried honey products to keep the product freeflowing or to modify its functionality.
The following ingredients are commonly used by manufacturers:
Dried honey products vary in their honey content. Honey content means the percentage of honey solids in the dried honey product. Dried honey formulations typically contain 50%, 65%, 70% or more honey.
Because honey is generally the most expensive ingredient used in dried honey products, formulations which contain high levels of honey generally cost more. There are other quality factors which manufacturers may consider such as type of honey used, overall product consistency, compositional or microbiological standards and variations allowed, etc.
Yes, some products contain only honey and cereal-based ingredients such as flour or bran, and no manufactured additives. These forms of dried honey can be used in all-natural products.
Dried honey products should have a typical honey flavor and not contain ingredients which are used intentionally to imitate the flavor of honey. As a rule, products with a high honey content will have a stronger honey flavor. Dried honey products, however, do not offer the wide variety of flavors found in liquid monofloral honeys and do not have a comparable aroma. Because most dried honey manufacturers use blends of honey, dried honey products tend to be very consistent in flavor.
Commercial dried honey products may vary in color from light to golden yellow or tan/brown. This depends upon the original color of the honey used, the manufacturing process and the nature and amount of ingredients added to the formulation. Color is not an indication of quality or of honey content.
Commercial dried honey products are formulated and processed to ensure color consistency and regularity.
A key advantage is the product’s low moisture content (2-3.5% -- a maximum of 2.5% is a frequent specification) which allows its use directly into dry mixes, seasonings or dry coatings. Dried honey can be easily blended with other dry ingredients. Another advantage which is common to most commercial products is consistency of texture, flavor and color.
In some manufacturing sectors, other advantages may include: convenience, free-flow, ease of handling and weighing, reduced storage space, ease of cleaning and sanitary aspects.
It depends upon the product formulation. Because many commercial dried honey products contain other ingredients than honey, consider the honey solids content of the dried honey product when formulating. For example, if a dried honey product contains 50% honey, you may want to use twice as much as you would use liquid honey to obtain similar results.
Application-specific information is available from the National Honey Board’s monograph collection. Suppliers also offer usage recommendations and substitution information.
Please contact suppliers for this information.
Most dried honey products are drum- or spray-dried and
then converted to a free-flowing, fine powder. Some manufacturers offer
other forms such as flakes and crystals. The following table is a general
guide.
Powders
Flakes
Granules
Please contact suppliers for more information.
Honey itself is soluble but other ingredients used in commercial dried honey products may not be. Formulations that contain only soluble ingredients may be specified.
The bulk density of dried honey products is approximately 30-40 lb./cubic foot for flakes and 40-60 lb./cubic foot for powders Liquid honey density is a characteristic which varies in a predictable manner with the moisture content or solids content of the honey.
A standard U.S. gallon (3.79 liters) of liquid honey will weigh 11.85 pounds (4.42 kilograms) on the average. No precise weight can be given without the exact moisture content.
No. Please check with suppliers for detailed specifications.
The shelf-life will depend upon the type and quantity of added ingredients, storage conditions and packaging type. Most products should be stored in closed containers in a cool and dry environment and keep over one year when stored according to manufacturer’s instructions. Please contact your supplier for specific information.
Generally because dried honey products contain other ingredients, their functionality is somewhat different from that of pure liquid honey (depending on the nature and amount of other ingredients or additives present). The functionality and advantages of both liquid and dried honeys are increasingly well documented.
National Honey Board studies that used dried honey and studied its functionality and advantages include:
Monographs and research summaries are available from the National Honey Board. Many dried honey manufacturers also offer formulation advice and technical support.
List “dried honey” where it belongs in the ingredient list, followed by a parenthesis listing the ingredients in order of quantity. Example: dried honey (honey, sugar, bran).
Yes, you can.
Please contact your supplier for that information.
This list is provided for your general information. It does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee by the National Honey Board, and it may not be comprehensive. For more information, please consult the “suppliers guide” published by trade journals.
©2007 National Honey Board
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