Honey may naturally crystallize since it's a mixture of glucose, fructose sugars, and water (about 18%). ... So make sure to get raw honey if you want all the benefits. Whether honey is raw or pasteurized, however, the result is the same: pure honey (unadulterated, no added sweeteners or added glucose) won't spoil.

How long does unpasteurized honey last?

If stored properly, it can essentially stay good for decades, sometimes even longer. Primarily made up of sugars, it's known as one of the most natural stable foods out there. According to the National Honey Board, most honey products have an expiration date or “best by” date of around two years.

Can you get sick from unpasteurized honey?

Raw honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is especially harmful to babies or children under the age of one. It may cause botulism poisoning, which results in life-threatening paralysis ( 26 , 27 ). However, botulism is very rare among healthy adults and older children.