Organic Raw Honey vs Conventional: What's the Difference?

Organic and conventional honeys can both be raw, but certification and practices set them apart. Here's what those labels mean and how to decide which jar fits your table.

Defining Organic Raw Honey

Organic certification requires that hives are placed where bees forage on organic blooms within a specified radius. Beekeepers must avoid synthetic pesticides, provide organic supplemental feed when necessary, and use approved treatments for pests. Organic raw honey is still unheated and unfiltered, preserving enzymes and pollen.

How Conventional Honey Is Produced

Conventional beekeepers may place hives near non-organic crops or use synthetic treatments to manage pests. Some conventional honey is pasteurized or filtered for clarity, while other batches remain raw. Without transparency, it is hard to know the exact practices behind each jar.

Why Organic Raw Honey May Be Worth It

Organic standards offer assurances about pesticide exposure and hive management. If you prioritize regenerative agriculture and reduced chemical inputs, organic raw honey aligns with those values. However, truly organic forage zones can be hard to guarantee, which is why many small beekeepers focus on transparency instead.

NorCal Nectar follows sustainable practices—avoiding synthetic chemicals, partnering with regenerative farms, and lab-testing our honey—even if certain remote forage zones prevent full certification.

Call to Action

Choose honey that matches your priorities. Shop Organic Raw Honey from NorCal Nectar and explore our Beekeeping Sustainability stories to see how we care for the land.