Honey labels: how to declare added sugars

Checked on 2026-10-31 · SupportMates LLC

Pure honey does need a Nutrition Facts panel, with a special rule for added sugars.

1. The special rule

Under FDA guidance, single-ingredient packages of pure honey, maple syrup and other pure sugars and syrups do not have to say “Includes Xg Added Sugars”, but they must include the percent Daily Value for added sugars.

2. The † symbol

FDA allows a “†” right after that %DV, leading to a truthful footnote stating the grams of sugar one serving adds to the diet and its contribution to the %DV. The Daily Value for added sugars is 50 g (2,000-calorie diet).

3. Worked example

A 1 tbsp (21 g) serving with about 17 g of sugars: 17 ÷ 50 = 34% DV for added sugars. The footnote can read, for example, “† One serving adds 17g of sugar to your diet and represents 34% of the Daily Value for Added Sugars.” Confirm your values with lab analysis.

4. Flavored honey

Honey with flavors, cinnamon or other ingredients is no longer single-ingredient, so normal added-sugars declaration applies.

Official sources (checked on 2026-10-31)

1. FDA — Guidance: Declaration of Added Sugars on Honey, Maple Syrup and Other Single-Ingredient Sugars
2. FDA — Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts Label
3. 21 CFR 101.9 — Nutrition labeling of food (eCFR)
4. FDA — Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels

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