Honey Demand Surges as U.S. Production Falls to Record Low

U.S. consumers are buying and eating more honey even as domestic output falls to its lowest level on record, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says.

Production Drops to Historic Low

In its May 20 honey report, the USDA estimated U.S. honey production at about 116 million pounds in 2025, a 14% decline from 2024 and the smallest annual total since records began in 1939.

Consumption and Sales Continue to Rise

Despite shrinking production, Americans consumed roughly two pounds of honey per person on average in 2025, near a record high. Retail purchases also increased: consumers bought about $1.6 billion worth of honey between March 2024 and March 2025, a 10% year-over-year rise, according to Circana retail data.

What's Driving Demand?

Analysts point to several factors boosting demand, including wellness trends that promote honey as a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and a perceived "superfood," along with menu changes by major fast-food chains adding honey to sauces, dips and beverages.

Bee Losses and the Outlook

Production is expected to face continued pressure as honeybee losses mount nationwide. An April 2025 USDA survey found that more than 1.6 million colonies were lost in the United States between June 2024 and March 2025. More than 60% of those losses occurred from June 2024 to January 2025 — the largest seasonal die-off on record — with many hives devastated by infections from pesticide-resistant mites.

Implications: The combination of rising demand and declining domestic production could tighten supply and put upward pressure on retail prices if the trend continues. Conservation and pest-management efforts will be central to stabilizing future honey output.

Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture (May 20 honey report, April 2025 survey) and Circana retail data.