When it comes to spotting fake honey, your first step should be the shake and flip test. You’ll be amazed at what a few seconds of movement can reveal.
Here’s how it works:
- Hold the bottle in your hand.
- Shake it up and down firmly three times.
- Turn the bottle upside down.
- Watch closely for air bubbles.
What you’re looking for:
- Real honey: After you flip the bottle, bubbles will form slowly and rise gradually to the top. These bubbles are thick and stable, and can take up to 1–2 hours to fully disappear. This slow movement is a sign of honey’s natural density and viscosity — qualities that come from real nectar and enzymes.
- Fake honey: The bubbles (if any) will rise quickly and vanish fast. Sometimes, no bubbles form at all. That’s because fake honey lacks the thick texture and natural structure of the real thing.
If your honey doesn’t pass the shake-and-flip test, leave it on the shelf.
