Many families in the UAE grew up with a familiar supermarket honey in the cupboard, and Al Shifa is one of the best known names. So a common question is how a supermarket honey compares with a raw Sidr honey. We cannot speak for how another brand makes its honey, but we can show you a fair way to compare any two jars.
Start with the label
Put the two jars side by side and read both labels. Look for these five things:
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Origin | Does it name a country and a region, or is it a blend of honeys from several countries? |
| Floral source | Does it name one flower, like Sidr, or is it a general honey? |
| Processing | Does it say raw or unpasteurised? |
| Ingredients | Is it 100% honey? |
| Price per gram | Compare the price for the same weight. |
Pure honey and raw honey are not the same thing
"Pure" usually means nothing has been added to the honey. "Raw" means the honey has not been pasteurised or heavily processed. A honey can be pure without being raw. Many big-brand honeys are blended and gently processed so they stay clear and runny on the shelf. Raw honey is simply strained and jarred. Read organic vs raw vs natural honey for more.
Compare the taste and texture
Taste a little of each on a clean spoon at room temperature. Notice:
- Thickness: raw Sidr is usually thick and slow to pour.
- Aroma: single-flower honeys tend to have a clear, distinct smell.
- Flavour: Sidr Do'ani is rich, with caramel and butterscotch notes.
- Look: raw honey may be cloudy or start to crystallise. That is natural.
Why raw Sidr costs more
Raw Sidr honey from Yemen comes from a short flowering season in remote valleys, harvested in small amounts by hand. A blended honey can be made in large amounts all year. That is a big part of the price difference. Read why Yemeni honey is expensive.
Which should you choose?
It depends on how you use it. For everyday baking and cooking, many people are happy with a general honey. For eating by the spoonful, serving guests or giving as a gift, a raw single-origin honey like Raw Yemeni Sidr Do'ani Honey gives you a taste and a story you cannot get from a blend.
Frequently asked questions
Can I test honey purity at home?
Home tricks like the water, flame or thumb test are not reliable. Trust the label, the seller and the guarantee. Balqees offers a purity guarantee including lab testing.
Is crystallised honey still good?
Yes. Crystallisation is natural. Warm the closed jar in warm water to soften it.
What should a raw honey label say?
Look for "raw" or "unpasteurised", 100% honey, and a named origin.
Taste the difference with Raw Yemeni Sidr Do'ani Honey, delivered across the UAE.
