If you’ve ever stared at a jar of golden honey or spotted a chunk of honeycomb in a fancy food store and thought, “What do I even do with this?” — you’re not alone. Whether you’re a curious newbie or someone who just wants to know the difference between honeycomb and creamed honey, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore what honeycomb is, how it’s different from other honey products, and some friendly tips on how to enjoy it.
What is Honeycomb, Really?
Honeycomb is the natural structure made by honeybees to store honey, pollen, and even their larvae. It’s made of beeswax and has that iconic hexagon pattern that’s almost too perfect to be real. But it is real — and it’s edible! When bees fill the comb with honey, it becomes one of nature’s purest and most delicious treats.
You’ll usually see honeycomb sold in chunks or squares, often floating in jars of raw honey. Unlike processed honey, honeycomb hasn’t been filtered or heated. That means all the enzymes, nutrients, and natural goodness are still in there.
How is Honeycomb Different from Creamed Honey?
This is where it gets fun — because both are absolutely delicious but in different ways.
Honeycomb is chewy, waxy, and raw. It gives you a truly natural experience. Some people chew it like gum and spit out the wax, while others swallow it all. It pairs well with cheese, fruit, or even just toast.
Creamed honey (sometimes called whipped honey or spun honey) is still 100% honey, but it’s been processed in a special way to make it thick, spreadable, and smooth — like butter! It’s not creamy because anything is added; it’s all about how it’s crystallized. So if you want honey that won’t drip all over your hands or toast, creamed honey is your go-to.
Where Can You Use Honeycomb and Creamed Honey?
You might think, “Okay, they sound nice, but how do I use them?” Don’t worry — here are some simple ideas you can try at home.
On toast or biscuits: Spread creamed honey like you would jam or butter. It stays put and melts just enough to be cozy.
Cheese board magic: Pair a chunk of honeycomb with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The combo of salty and sweet? So good.
Sweeten your tea or coffee: Drop a small piece of honeycomb or a spoonful of creamed honey in your drink. It adds flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Eat it plain: Seriously, both are so tasty you can just eat them straight from the spoon (no judgment here).
In baking or desserts: Use creamed honey as a topping for cakes, muffins, or pancakes. Place honeycomb on desserts for that “wow” factor and natural sweetness.
Is It Okay to Eat the Wax in Honeycomb?
Yes, it’s totally safe to eat the wax in honeycomb! It’s made of beeswax, which is natural and edible. The texture might be a little surprising at first — soft, chewy, a little like gum — but it’s harmless. Some people chew it and then spit it out, while others just swallow it with the honey.
If you’re not a fan of chewing wax, you might prefer creamed honey. It’s got all the flavor without the texture.
Why Try Creamed Honey?
If you’ve only had liquid honey, creamed honey will feel like a treat you didn’t know you needed. It’s smooth, easy to spread, and tastes just as rich and floral as the raw stuff. Plus, it’s less messy, especially if you have kids who love honey but can’t quite handle the sticky mess.
Creamed honey is perfect for:
Breakfasts on the go: Spread on toast or stirred into yogurt.
Gifting: It looks pretty in a jar and feels like a luxurious treat.
Everyday use: Great for people who love honey but want something easy to use and store.
Tips for Buying and Storing Honeycomb and Creamed Honey
-
Look for raw and local: Whenever possible, buy honeycomb and creamed honey from local farmers or trusted sellers. You’ll get better quality and support small beekeepers.
-
Store at room temperature: No need to refrigerate either. Just keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
-
Use a clean spoon: To avoid contamination, don’t double-dip into your jar of creamed honey or honeycomb.
-
Check the label: Make sure nothing has been added. Good honeycomb and creamed honey should be pure, with no extra ingredients.
Final Buzz
Whether you’re new to natural honey products or just looking for fresh ways to enjoy them, both honeycomb and creamed honey offer something special. Honeycomb gives you a chewy, raw experience straight from the hive, while creamed honey gives you a velvety, spreadable version of your favorite sweetener. Try both and see which one becomes your pantry favorite!
You don’t have to be a honey expert to enjoy these — just a curious eater looking to sweeten life a little.
