Raw Honey vs. Processed Honey: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever stood in the supermarket aisle wondering why one jar of honey says “raw” and another doesn’t, you’re not alone. The difference between raw honey and processed honey is more than just a label—it’s about quality, nutrition, and health benefits.
At South West Honey, we specialise in 100% raw Western Australian honey, harvested and packed with care to retain its natural properties. Here’s everything you need to know about what sets raw honey apart from processed honey—and why it matters.
What Is Raw Honey?
Raw honey is honey in its purest form. It’s extracted directly from the beehive, strained to remove bits of wax and debris, and then bottled—with no heat, pasteurisation, or additives. This gentle handling preserves all of the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds that make honey a powerful superfood.
Key Features of Raw Honey:
Unheated and unpasteurised
Unfiltered or lightly strained
Contains natural pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants
Can crystallise over time (a natural sign of quality)
Supports local biodiversity and bee health when sustainably sourced
What Is Processed Honey?
Processed (or commercial) honey is typically heated to high temperatures and finely filtered before being bottled. This process, known as pasteurisation, removes many of the beneficial nutrients in honey in order to create a uniform, smooth appearance and prevent crystallisation.
Common Traits of Processed Honey:
Heat-treated (destroying enzymes and antioxidants)
Ultra-filtered to remove pollen and particles
May contain additives like glucose, corn syrup, or preservatives
Often lacks the natural aroma and complexity of raw honey
Why Choose Raw Western Australian Honey?
Western Australia is home to some of the most pristine natural environments in the world. Our native forests produce unique monofloral honeys like Jarrah, Marri, and Blackbutt, which are naturally rich in:
Antioxidants
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Enzymes and nutrients
Natural flavour and aroma
By choosing raw Western Australian honey from South West Honey, you're getting a product that’s packed with the same health benefits and bioactive compounds that the bees put in—nothing added, nothing taken away.
Health Benefits: Raw vs. Processed
How to Tell If Honey Is Raw
Look for key indicators like:
“Raw” or “unpasteurised” on the label
Possible Cloudier appearance (not clear and overly runny)
Crystallisation over time (except for Western Australian Jarrah honey)
Locally sourced from a reputable producer and registered food business like South West Honey
Final Thoughts
The difference between raw and processed honey comes down to purity and nutritional integrity. While processed honey may look more appealing on the shelf, it lacks the natural goodness that makes honey such a valued health food.
When you choose South West Honey’s raw Western Australian honey, you’re choosing a product that’s as close to nature as it gets—full of life, flavour, and wellness benefits.
Explore Our Raw Honey Range
Browse our online shop to discover premium Jarrah, Marri, and seasonal wildflower honeys, all 100% raw and unprocessed. Taste the difference that nature intended.