Honey is a natural sweetener that also offers many beauty, health and wellness benefits. As such, it’s a popular ingredient in private label products.
However, not all honey is created equal. In the UK, supermarket own-brand honey from China can be a sixth of the price of locally produced honey.
Natural Sweetener
Increasingly, consumers are seeking healthy alternatives to high-calorie sugars. According to Proprietary ADM OutsideVoice research, 61% of shoppers seek products with the shortest ingredients lists that contain natural sweeteners as opposed to synthetic options.
Some natural sweeteners, such as stevia and xylitol, have zero calories and do not raise blood sugar levels. Others, such as erythritol and guar gum, have significantly lower glycemic indexes than sucrose.
Alternatives to honey can also have environmental benefits. Many are sourced sustainably and can reduce the pressure on bee colonies, thus reducing stress and supporting biodiversity. Some natural sweeteners are also tolerant to honey allergies, which may be a consideration for those with sensitivities.
Another healthy option is to add fresh fruits to recipes, which can slow the body’s absorption of sugar and lessen its impact on blood glucose levels. Options include mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, and dates. They also offer a range of nutrients and are naturally gluten-free.
Skincare Ingredient
Whether you want to try out all the new skincare products on the market or just create an epic “shelfie” with your collection, cramming every buzzy ingredient into your routine can lead to irritated skin (or a hefty beauty-product bill). That’s why it’s best to use only what works for you — and if you’re not sure if an ingredient is safe, always do a patch test before using it regularly.
Glycerin is a natural humectant that attracts water to your skin to help hydrate and plump it up, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s normally found in moisturizing products like lotions and creams and works well on any skin type. Other humectants include hylauronic acid, aloe and shea butter.
Haircare Ingredient
Honey’s natural humectant properties and antimicrobial properties make it an excellent ingredient for use in haircare products. Its ability to nourish the hair follicle and increase shine can help give your clients beautiful, healthy locks.
Consider incorporating honey into a deep moisture shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask. In addition to the powerful honey, this product features shea and eucalyptus extracts that provide hydration and a deep cleanse.
It also includes beeswax and lanolin, which are sourced from animals that are neither endangered nor raised for their fur or skin. This makes it a great option for vegans, too. In addition, it contains Tamanu and baobab seed oils, which add a boost of hydration and a boost of shine to your client’s locks without adding weight or feeling greasy. Incorporate this private label hair product into a regimen that will keep your clients’ tresses looking and feeling their best. Creating private label cosmetics that align with your clientele’s unique needs and wants will set you apart from the competition.
Beverage Ingredient
Manufacturer of private label honey, bee products and beekeeping supplies. Selection includes raw honey, creamed honey and specialty honey as well as bee hives and kits, smokers, beekeeping suits and soap and candle making supplies. Contract manufacturing, packaging and formulating services are also available.
As a beverage ingredient, honey offers sweetening, flavouring and preservative benefits to many types of beverages. It can also provide a range of health benefits.
Founded in 2020 in Berkeley, California, MeliBio has developed plant-based honey without bees that performs, tastes and looks like the real thing. It will be sold in 75,000 stores across Europe under the Narayan Foods Better Foodie brand beginning in early 2023. The company’s first batch of the product won the prestigious SIAL Innovation Selection in 2021. The company plans to offer the same technology and operational capabilities for private label opportunities. This is an ideal honey substitute for tea drinkers and other consumers who want the taste and health benefits of a natural sweetener.