In addition to honey, your beehive holds a treasure trove of amazing products you can create - whether for yourself or to sell. More and more people are looking for handmade, natural and sustainable goods. As a beekeeper, this is your chance to shine!
In this guide, we'll show you which honey-based products are in demand and how to expand your range - from mead and oxymel to honey lip balm and beeswax candles.
Medicinal Products – Honey as a Natural Remedy?
Honey has antibacterial properties, promotes wound healing, and boosts the immune system, making it ideal for soothing sore throats, aiding digestion, and even supporting heart health. Because of these benefits, the following honey-based products are particularly popular:
Honey ointment
Oxymel
Cough syrup
Honey lozenges
Oxymel - Honey Meets Vinegar for a Natural Elixir
Oxymel - a blend of honey and vinegar, often infused with herbs - is making a comeback in natural medicine. It's easy to make and a hit with health-conscious customers, whether for boosting immunity or aiding digestion. Beekeepers can create unique variations by adding herbs such as thyme, sage or ginger. Put in a nice bottle with simple instructions with simple instructions, Oxymel is sure to be a bestseller.
Food & Drinks – Honey as a Delicious Ingredient
Honey is a true kitchen essential - not only does it add natural sweetness, but it also provides great health benefits. Whether for traditional recipes or modern creations, honey is always a perfect fit. Your customers will love these honey-based treats:
Mead (Honey Wine)
Honey Liqueur
Honey Granola
Honey Mustard
Honey Cookies & Honey Cake
Honey Spread
Mead - A Tradition Full of Flavor
Mead, the classic honey wine, is a fantastic way to turn your honey into a special product. It's one of the oldest alcoholic beverages and remains a sought-after specialty, perfect for farmers’ markets, farm stores or online sales. Whether sweet, spiced, or infused with herbs and fruits, mead offers plenty of room for creativity. While the fermentation process takes some learning, it's well within the grasp of beekeepers. Once mastered, you'll have a handcrafted, unique product that customers will love.
Beauty & Skincare – Honey as a Natural Care Product
Honey is a true star in natural cosmetics - it moisturizes, has antibacterial properties, and naturally soothes the skin. With these qualities, you can create a variety of skin care products that are both effective and eco-friendly:
Facial & Body Masks
Lip Balm
Honey Soap
Hand Cream & Lotions
Honey Shampoo & Conditioner
Honey Lip Balm - A Tiny Jar with Big Benefits
Honey and beeswax are the perfect duo for natural lip balm - providing moisture and protection without any artificial additives. As more consumers look for chemical-free skin care, handmade lip balm in eco-friendly packaging is a top seller. It's also a great addition to honey gift sets!
Candles & Décor – Honey for a Cozy Atmosphere
Honey and beeswax can be used to create not only delicious but also beautifully scented and decorative products! Handmade candles add warmth and comfort, while decorative wax ornaments and scented air fresheners enhance any room. These natural creations make perfect gifts and are a great way to diversify your line of products:
Beeswax Candles (Tea Lights, Pillar Candles, Decorative Shapes)
Honey-Scented Candles
Small Wax Ornaments & Hanging Decorations
Scented Oils with Beeswax Essence
Beeswax Candles - Natural, Fragrant and Sustainable
Beeswax is a valuable byproduct of beekeeping and is perfect for making candles. They are environmentally friendly, emit a gentle, natural scent, and even help clean the air. Especially during the holiday season, beeswax candles are a must-have at markets.
Popular options include:
• Pillar Candles & Tea Lights
• Twisted or Molded Decorative Candles
• Glass Jar Candles & Gift Sets
Why process your honey into new products?
1. Higher Value per Pound of Honey
While raw honey is valuable, processed honey products can command even higher prices. A bottle of mead or a honey-based skin care kit often brings in more profit than a single jar of honey.
2. Unique Gift Ideas for Customers
People love special, handmade gifts! Products like Oxymel or beeswax candles make perfect gifts and pair beautifully with jars of honey.
3. Sustainable Use of All Hive Products
In addition to honey, other beehive products such as beeswax and propolis can be put to good use. As a beekeeper, you can maximize the full potential of your bees' work.
4. Standing Out in the Market
Most beekeepers sell honey, but those who offer specialty products such as mead or natural cosmetics stand out and attract a loyal customer base.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Honey – Unlock the Full Potential of Your Beekeeping Business
As a beekeeper, you have the opportunity to sell much more than just honey! Mead, Oxymel, lip balm, cough syrup, and beeswax candles show just how versatile honey and its by-products can be. Expanding your product line not only increases sales, but also provides customers with high-quality, handcrafted alternatives to mass-produced goods. Whether at markets, in farm stores or online, choosing the right products can take your beekeeping business to the next level!
Which honey-based products are you already selling? Is there something new you'd like to try?