Honey has always had a permanent place in my kitchen. Whether I’m sweetening a cup of tea, drizzling it over warm toast, or using it in home remedies, I prefer natural over refined sugar. Over the years, I’ve sampled a range of honey brands, but Alshifa Natural Honey is one that keeps resurfacing on my shelf. It’s a brand with Middle Eastern roots and a strong international presence, and it comes with the promise of purity, flavor, and authenticity. But does it truly live up to the claims? Here’s my detailed, honest review based on my personal experience with several of their varieties.
Taste & Appearance
The first thing I noticed about Alshifa honey was its rich golden hue. Depending on the variety, the color ranges from light amber to a darker, almost molasses-like shade. The Golden or Natural Honey, my usual go-to, has a classic clear appearance and pours smoothly with a moderately thick consistency. It’s visually inviting and behaves exactly how I expect pure honey to.
In terms of flavor, their Acacia Honey offers a light, sweet taste with floral undertones—perfect for delicate pairings like yogurt or herbal teas. The Black Forest variety, which I find more robust and slightly less sweet, carries deeper, earthy notes. It’s become my second favorite, especially on toasted bread. The Natural Honey sits comfortably in between—sweet, pleasant, and versatile. What impressed me was the balance in flavor; nothing felt overly sugary or artificial. There’s also a distinct aroma in each variant, from subtly floral to warm and woody, depending on the floral source.
Over time, I did notice crystallization, but that’s a natural process in unprocessed honey, and not a sign of spoilage. A gentle warm water bath brings it back to its liquid form easily.
Types Available
One thing I appreciate about Alshifa is the variety. You’ll find both monofloral options like Acacia and Black Forest, and multifloral blends like their Natural Honey. I’ve also tried their Manuka Honey, which comes in MGO 100+ and MGO 250+ grades—a rarer treat but well worth the occasional splurge.
They’ve also branched into therapeutic mixes like Honey with Ginger, Lemon, or Cinnamon. While I primarily stick to the plain versions, I did enjoy their Manuka and found the ginger variant useful when I was under the weather. Most of their offerings are positioned as all-purpose, which I’ve used in everything from sweetening drinks to baking.
For added peace of mind, Alshifa mentions SASO certification and quality testing, which helps establish trust. It’s also comforting to see clear labeling of origin, especially with floral-specific honeys like Black Forest (from Germany) or Acacia (typically Middle Eastern sourced).
Purity & Authenticity
Purity is a big deal for me when it comes to honey. Alshifa states that its honey is lab-tested and free from additives. From my experience, that claim holds up. There’s a noticeable difference in taste and consistency compared to some cheaper, mass-market brands I’ve tried.
Each jar carries a batch number and an origin label, which adds a layer of transparency. I particularly appreciate the Halal certification, as it matters in certain cultural contexts and reassures me of its processing standards. While it doesn’t always list certifications like Non-GMO or Kosher, I do know that natural honey is inherently gluten- and dairy-free.
Over multiple purchases, I’ve seen slight variations in color and taste in their Natural Honey. It didn’t bother me since it confirmed the product wasn’t overly standardized or artificially processed. That’s actually a plus in my book.
Performance & Experience
From a usability standpoint, Alshifa Honey performs beautifully. It dissolves smoothly in both hot and cold drinks without too much stirring. I love adding their Acacia Honey to chamomile tea—it doesn’t overpower the drink and adds just the right sweetness. The Black Forest one, on the other hand, works wonderfully as a glaze for roasted vegetables or even over pancakes when I want something bolder.
Beyond the kitchen, I’ve used it in simple home remedies, especially during seasonal colds. A spoonful with lemon in warm water soothes my throat better than many over-the-counter options. I’ve also used it as a sweetener for oatmeal and to drizzle over fruits and yogurt. It feels like a genuinely versatile pantry staple.
What also stood out is how gentle it feels on the stomach. I’ve had no digestive discomfort, and that aligns with reviews I read from others who also prefer it for this reason.
Culturally, Alshifa Honey seems to hold a special place, especially during religious observances like Ramadan. I noticed many families in my circle choosing this brand during fasting periods, which speaks to its trust and reputation in specific communities.
Brand Reputation
Alshifa has been around for over three decades, and that kind of longevity in the food industry usually says something. It started in Saudi Arabia and has grown into a globally recognized brand, now available in over 40 countries. That reach helps build trust, and in my own experience, their quality has been consistent.
Their tagline, “A Source of Trust,” feels fitting. I’ve seen Alshifa endorsed in communities and forums that value authenticity and tradition. Most online reviews reflect similar sentiments—the taste, purity, and general reliability of the product earn high praise.
While natural variation in honey is expected, I haven’t had any major inconsistencies with Alshifa. They’ve also won several quality awards, and their presence on major platforms like Amazon and Walmart further reassures me when I need to reorder.
Packaging & Size
Most of the Alshifa honey I’ve purchased came in glass jars, which I prefer for their ability to preserve taste and quality. I’ve also tried their squeeze bottles, which are super handy when I’m in a rush or want less mess.
The labels are simple yet effective—they provide the essential information like type of honey, weight, nutritional info, and country of origin. I like that their jars have safety seals and a fairly good shelf presence.
There are multiple size options available, which is a big plus. I usually go for the 500g or 1kg jars because they offer better value. The glass jars do require careful handling, especially if you’re ordering online, but I’ve never had issues with breakage.
Price & Value
Alshifa Honey sits somewhere in the mid-range of honey pricing. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s far more affordable than premium Manuka brands or small-batch artisanal honeys. Depending on the size, I’ve seen prices range from $5 to $25.
For what you’re getting—imported, lab-tested, Halal-certified, pure honey—I think it’s a fair deal. The larger jars give the best bang for your buck, and the specialty types like Black Forest or Manuka understandably cost more.
There are also occasional discounts and promotions, especially during holiday seasons. That’s usually when I stock up. Overall, I’ve always felt like I got my money’s worth.
Overall Rating
If I had to sum it up, Alshifa Natural Honey hits the sweet spot—literally and figuratively. It balances authenticity, flavor, and versatility better than many brands I’ve tried. Whether I’m using it in tea, baking, or as a wellness remedy, it’s reliable and enjoyable every time.
My overall rating? A strong 4.5 out of 5. The minor downsides don’t outweigh the benefits, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a quality honey with a trusted name behind it.
