When most people think of raw honey, they picture a spoonful stirred into hot tea. And while that’s a classic (and delicious) way to enjoy honey, there’s so much more this golden superfood can do. From your kitchen to your skincare routine, raw honey is one of nature’s most versatile gifts. In this post, we’re diving into 3 unexpected but game-changing ways to use raw honey that go far beyond your teacup.
Whether you’re a foodie, a skincare lover, or just looking to get more out of your pantry staples, these creative ideas will surprise you. And if you haven’t stocked up yet, don’t worry, shop our full collection of raw honey here.
Ready to rethink honey? Let’s go!
1. Cooking with Honey: The Ultimate Natural Sweetener
If you’ve only used honey in tea or toast, get ready to take your meals to the next level. Cooking with raw honey is one of the easiest ways to enhance flavor, add complexity, and boost the nutrition of your dishes.
Sweet and Savory Pairings
Honey works beautifully in both sweet and savory recipes. Think honey-glazed carrots, honey-drizzled flatbreads, or even honey-lacquered salmon. The natural sugars in raw honey caramelize during cooking, creating a rich, glossy finish that other sweeteners just can’t match.
Baking with Raw Honey
Honey can also be used as a natural substitute for refined sugar in baked goods. Use it in muffins, cakes, and breads, but keep in mind that because honey is a liquid, you may need to reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe. It also helps baked goods retain moisture longer, making it perfect for soft, chewy textures.
Quick Ideas to Try:
- Add a drizzle over roasted root vegetables
- Mix into vinaigrettes for a floral sweetness
- Whip into compound butter with sea salt and cinnamon
- Use in homemade granola or energy bars
Pro Tip: When cooking with raw honey, avoid high heat to preserve its nutrients and flavor profile. Add it towards the end of cooking when possible.
2. Honey Skincare: Your New Natural Glow-Up
Raw honey isn’t just a pantry staple, it’s a skincare hero. Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties, raw honey can help hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin in ways you might not expect.
Face Masks and Spot Treatments
You can apply raw honey directly to your skin as a nourishing face mask. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes and rinse off for a brighter, more moisturized complexion. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and powerful enough to calm breakouts and redness.
Lip and Body Exfoliators
Mix honey with a bit of brown sugar or ground oats to create a gentle scrub. Use it on dry lips, elbows, or anywhere you need a bit of smoothing. Honey helps lock in moisture while removing dull, dead skin cells.
DIY Skincare Recipes to Try:
- Hydrating Mask: 1 tbsp raw honey + 1 tbsp plain yogurt + a few drops of rosewater
- Glow Scrub: 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp brown sugar + 1/2 tsp olive oil
- Blemish Spot Dab: Apply a dab of raw honey directly on a blemish overnight
Skin Tip: Always use raw, unfiltered honey to ensure you’re getting the full benefit of its natural enzymes and nutrients.
3. Honey for Wellness: A Daily Ritual with Big Benefits
This one’s for the wellness enthusiasts! Raw honey is packed with antioxidants, enzymes, and phytonutrients that support immunity and gut health.
Morning Booster
Start your day with a spoonful of raw honey and lemon in warm (not hot) water. It’s a gentle way to wake up your digestive system and may help balance your microbiome.
Post-Workout Replenishment
Skip the artificial sports drinks—raw honey is nature’s energy gel. A spoonful post-workout provides quick carbohydrates for recovery, plus anti-inflammatory benefits.
Better Sleep
Taking honey before bed may help regulate blood sugar levels through the night and promote the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Other Ideas to Try:
- Mix into herbal tea (let it cool slightly first!)
- Blend into smoothies for natural sweetness
- Stir into golden milk or adaptogenic drinks
Wellness Tip: Choose darker honey like our Gondar or Bale varieties for higher antioxidant content.
Final Thoughts: Let Honey Work Harder for You
Raw honey is more than a sweet treat, it’s a multitasking marvel. From your oven to your vanity to your wellness routine, there are countless ways to make this ingredient part of your everyday lifestyle.
If you’re ready to try these ideas yourself, browse our curated selection of raw honey sourced directly from Ethiopia’s most vibrant regions.
Thanks for reading, and let us know how you’re using raw honey in creative ways! Tag us @lalhoneycompany on Instagram to be featured.