Honey Sticks: What They Are, How to Open Them and Ways to Use Them
Honey sticks are thin plastic straws filled with honey and sealed at both ends. They are a favorite at farm stands and fairs, a handy single serving for tea and travel, and a small treat for kids over a year old. This guide explains what honey sticks are, how to open them, the best ways to use them and what to check before you buy.
What honey sticks are
A honey stick is a food-grade plastic straw, usually about 5 to 7 inches long, filled with roughly a teaspoon of honey and heat-sealed at both ends. They are sometimes called honey straws. Plain honey sticks contain only honey. Flavored versions add natural or artificial flavors, such as cinnamon, lemon, raspberry or sour apple.
How to open a honey stick
- Snip one end with scissors, or bite it gently.
- Squeeze the honey out from the sealed end toward the open end, like toothpaste.
- Or suck the honey straight from the straw.
- If the honey has crystallized, warm the stick in your hand or a cup of warm water for a minute.
Ways to use honey sticks
Honey sticks are portable, mess-free and portioned, which makes them useful in more places than you might expect.
| Use | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Tea and coffee at work | No sticky jar or spoon |
| Lunch boxes | A small, portioned treat for kids over 1 |
| Hiking, running and cycling | Light, quick sugar in a pocket |
| Travel | Small enough for a bag; check airline rules |
| Party favors | Inexpensive and colorful |
| Yogurt and oatmeal | Easy single serving |
What to check before buying
Read the label. Pure honey sticks should list only honey as the ingredient. Flavored sticks will list the flavorings and sometimes colors. Look for the country of origin, as with any honey; see honey labels explained. Honey sticks crystallize like any honey, and that is normal.
For children, honey sticks are a fun treat but still sugar, about 20 calories each. Keep them as an occasional snack, and never give honey in any form to babies under 12 months; see why babies can't have honey.
Making your own honey portions
Sealing straws at home takes special equipment, but you can make portable honey another way: spoon honey into small, clean, leak-proof containers or silicone squeeze tubes for travel, or freeze honey in small silicone molds for a chewy frozen treat. For tea on the go, mix honey with lemon in a small jar. See honey simple syrup for an easy pourable honey.
Al Safa honey on the go
We do not sell honey sticks. For small portions to carry or share, our Pure Raw Honey Sampler includes four small single-origin jars, and our 16 oz Pure Raw Honey is the everyday jar for the kitchen. For party favors, see honey wedding favors.
Storing honey sticks
Keep honey sticks at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct sun and heat, which can soften the plastic. Like any honey, they last a long time, though they may crystallize and turn opaque. A crystallized stick is still fine to eat; roll it between your palms or drop it in warm water for a minute or two to make it liquid again. Do not microwave them.
For lunch boxes and travel, keep sticks in a small zip bag in case one leaks. If you hike or cycle, carry a few in a pocket for a quick sweet boost and pack out the empty straws.
Honey sticks for events
Honey sticks are a popular, low-cost giveaway at fairs, school events, farm stands and weddings, often sorted by color in a jar so guests can pick a flavor. For a more lasting favor, small jars are an alternative; see baby shower honey favors.
Frequently asked questions
- How much honey is in a honey stick?
- Usually about a teaspoon, around 20 calories.
- How do you open a honey stick?
- Snip or bite off one end, then squeeze or suck out the honey.
- Do honey sticks go bad?
- They keep a long time like any honey, though they may crystallize. Warm them in your hand to soften.
- Are honey sticks safe for kids?
- For children over 12 months, as an occasional treat. Never for babies under 1.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.
