As 2025 comes to a close, one thing is clear: the food and ingredient industry is entering a new era of accountability. From growing scrutiny on ingredient sourcing to the rise of cleaner formulations, the market is shifting toward transparency, functionality, and trust.
At GloryBee, we have watched these changes unfold across trade shows, customer conversations, and the broader marketplace. Here is what the top 2025 honey product trends taught us, and what we expect to shape the industry even more in 2026.
Clean Label and Ingredient Transparency Are Here to Stay
The term “clean label” may have started as a buzzword, but by 2025, it became a basic expectation. Consumers no longer accept complicated ingredient decks filled with unrecognizable terms. Instead, they want real, whole ingredients with simple origins and minimal processing.
Brands that used to rely on artificial additives, stabilizers, and refined sweeteners are now reformulating with natural options like honey and other plant-based sweeteners. In 2026, this trend will only grow stronger as regulators and retailers alike demand clearer disclosure about what goes into food and beverage products.
Private Label Products Are Surging
Private label products are experiencing a renaissance. According to data from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), store-brand sales in 2024 reached a record $271 billion.
These products are no longer viewed as lower-cost alternatives but as premium, trustworthy options that meet the same standards as national brands. Retailers are prioritizing transparency, sustainability, and quality in their private label lines. For ingredient suppliers like GloryBee, this shift creates major opportunities to partner with brands that need reliable, certified, clean-label sweeteners to meet customer expectations.
Functional and “Better-for-You” Foods Continue to Dominate
Consumers are looking for more than just flavor. Products that offer nutritional or functional benefits are outperforming those that focus solely on indulgence. Honey fits perfectly into this movement, offering natural sweetness along with trace minerals, antioxidants, and prebiotic properties that appeal to wellness-focused buyers.
In 2026, expect continued growth in functional bakery items, snack bars, and beverages that use natural ingredients to deliver both taste and health benefits.
Traceability and Ethical Sourcing Are the New Standards of Trust
In 2025, supply chain transparency became a central concern across the food industry. Disruptions, global sourcing issues, and consumer awareness have made ingredient traceability a key differentiator for brands.
In 2026, ethical sourcing and full traceability will move from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable.” Companies that can show where their ingredients come from, how they are produced, and how they support the planet will earn consumer confidence. GloryBee’s True Source Certified honey program continues to set the bar by verifying origin and ensuring ethical, legal, and transparent sourcing practices.
Sustainability Remains a Driving Force
Sustainability was one of the strongest themes of 2025 and will continue to shape the conversation into 2026. Consumers want proof that their purchases support a healthier planet, from pollinator protection to carbon-neutral operations. GloryBee’s Save the Bee initiative and ongoing sustainability commitments align perfectly with this demand, allowing our partners to share a meaningful story with their customers.
Partner with GloryBee for 2026 and Beyond
The past year proved that honesty, integrity, and quality are not just trends; they are the foundation of long-term success. At GloryBee, we are proud to help our partners navigate this evolving market with ingredients that reflect both performance and purpose.
Our raw, organic, and non-GMO honeys, along with our ethical sourcing standards, help food and beverage companies deliver products that consumers trust. Whether you are developing clean-label formulations, expanding your private label line, or preparing for new transparency regulations, we are here to help.
Request a free quote today to explore how GloryBee’s certified honey and natural sweeteners can help you lead the way in 2026 with clean, functional, and responsibly sourced ingredients.