Honey has been around since as far back as humans could record. Cave paintings, discovered in Spain from 7000 B.C., depicted records of beekeeping and the use of honey for its versatility and “magical” substances. Being used as a sweetener, honey was frequently favored by the pharaohs, who symbolized royalty within Ancient Egypt.
As all-natural and healthy ingredients remain a key trend in U.S. markets, beverage companies are recognizing the functionality and flexibility of using honey as an ingredient. A survey commissioned by the National Honey Board (NHB), Longmont, Colo., found that 96 percent of consumers consider honey to be a natural sweetener.