Honey is one of our favorite sweeteners. We toss it in glazes and salad dressings, drizzle it over yogurt and cheese boards, and put hot honey on pizza to. But what if you're allergic to bees–can you eat honey? And what about any folks who are allergic to pollen. We consulted with two health experts: Dr. Ankasha Ganju, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Latitude Food Allergy Care and Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis to find out the sweet truth.
How Do I Know If I'm Allergic To Bees?
Unless you've gotten stung by a bee and had a bad reaction, you probably don't know if you're allergic to bees.
But there's good news. Dr. Ganju says allergic reactions to bee stings are typically mild and symptoms may include redness, swelling, or pain where you were stung. She says that severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis—which can be life-threatening—are "relatively rare."
Anaphylaxis, according to the Mayo Clinic, can develop within seconds or minutes of allergen exposure. When experiencing anaphylaxis, the immune system releases chemicals that cause the body to go into shock. This can affect breathing, blood pressure, and the skin.
While there are skin and blood tests that can show if you're sensitive to the venom in bee stings, Dr. Ganju says that they're not reliable for predicting severe reactions. These tests, she adds, are typically only used if you have a family history of allergic reactions.
I'm Allergic To Bees—Can I Eat Honey?
Now, the answer we've been waiting for. Both Dr. Dasgupta and Dr. Ganju say that honey consumption is typically okay for those with bee allergies. "The risk of a true allergic reaction is very low," Dr. Ganju says.
I'm Allergic To Pollen—Can I Eat Honey?
While Dr. Dasgupta says most people with pollen allergies are able to eat honey, he says that those with sensitive pollen allergies, especially to ragwood and birch, might get a mild reaction—and especially with raw or unfiltered honey.
What's The Difference Between Raw Honey And Regular Honey?
People often say raw honey is "healthier" because it undergoes less processing, which can retain more nutrients—and also bee pollen. As we previously reported, much of the benefits of raw honey actually come from pollen. Pasteurized honey, or "regular honey" on the other hand, undergoes processing and pasteurization, which not only extends the shelf-life, but also removes some of the nutrients, including pollen.
"I usually tell patients to try a small amount of pasteurized honey first and watch for any symptoms," says Dr. Dasgupta.
Can You Be Allergic To Honey, But Not Bees Or Pollen?
While rare, Dr. Dasgupta says it is possible.
"Some people react specifically to something in the honey itself, like a plant compound or a protein from the bees," Dr. Dasgupta says. But he notes that it's not the same thing is a bee or pollen allergy.
"If someone notices symptoms like hives, itching, or stomach upset right after eating honey, I’d recommend allergy testing to sort out what’s going on," he adds.
The Bottom Line
"Although people with pollen or bee venom allergies often wonder if they need to avoid honey, the risk of a true allergic reaction is very low," Dr. Ganju says. But, if someone experiences any symptoms after consuming honey, she says its best to seek guidance with an allergist.
