Buying Irish Honey: What to Look for on the Label

When you want honey harvested in Ireland, the most useful information on the jar is its country of origin. A familiar brand name or an Irish business address tells you who sells or packs the product, but does not, by itself, establish where the honey was harvested.

Here is a straightforward way to check before you buy.

Start with the country of origin

Look for the declaration identifying where the honey was harvested. If you want entirely Irish honey, look for Ireland as its sole country of origin.

Read that information separately from the producer’s or packer’s address. “Packed in Ireland” describes a packing location; it does not necessarily mean that the bees produced the honey here. The honey rules specifically tie origin to the country of harvest.

Source: FSAI honey legislation guidance

What changed in June 2026?

New origin-labelling requirements took effect on 14 June 2026. For honey blended from more than one country, the new labels identify the countries, list them in descending order by weight and show each country’s percentage contribution.

This information must be prominently visible on the packaging. It gives buyers more detail than the older general descriptions covering EU and non-EU blends.

Source: FSAI announcement on new EU honey labelling rules

For example, a hypothetical blend labelled “Ireland 60%, Spain 40%” contains Irish honey, but is not entirely Irish. Neither blending nor importing automatically means a honey is poor quality. The declaration helps you choose the origin you want.

Why might you still see an older label?

You may still encounter jars carrying general descriptions such as a blend of EU and non-EU honeys.

The FSAI explains that qualifying existing stocks can continue to be sold under the transitional arrangements. An older style of label is therefore not, on its own, evidence of wrongdoing. If its wording does not give you the detail you need, ask the seller where the honey was harvested.

Source: FSAI consumer guide to honey origin labelling

Ask about the honey behind the label

Once you have checked the country of origin, a few practical questions can help you choose:

• Who produced the honey, and where are their bees kept?
• Is it heather honey, summer blossom honey or another variety?
• What flavour and texture should you expect?
• How has it been handled between harvesting and bottling?

These questions help connect the jar with its producer and explain what makes one honey different from another. For more about processing descriptions, read What Is Raw Irish Honey?

Find Mil Chonamara honey

Visit our stockist page to find Mil Chonamara honey, or send a direct order request.

Sean will confirm availability, price and collection or delivery arrangements personally. If you are choosing honey for a shop, café or other business, use our wholesale enquiry form.

Sources: FSAI consumer guide, 15 June 2026 announcement and honey legislation guidance linked above. Checked 30 September 2026.