What Science Is Discovering About Stingless Bee Honey
Stingless bee honey has held a valued place in traditional wellness practices for generations, relied upon across Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia to support everyday health. In recent years, a growing body of peer-reviewed research has begun to explore why.
This article looks at what the current science says about stingless bee honey, and where the evidence still has room to grow.
Quick take
- Up to 45% more antioxidant activity than regular honeybee honey in some comparisons
- Shows antibacterial and antifungal activity in lab studies, including comparisons involving standard antibiotics
- Higher in minerals like iron, copper, zinc, and manganese, based on comparison studies
- Backed by a growing body of peer-reviewed research and thousands of years of traditional use
More antioxidants than regular honey
Stingless bee honey is naturally packed with flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamin C, plant-derived compounds known for neutralizing the free radicals that contribute to cell damage over time.1 Several studies have found stingless bee honey contains meaningfully higher antioxidant and phenolic compound levels than regular honeybee honey, with differences of up to 45% reported in some comparisons.2 Research also points to mineral content, particularly copper, working alongside natural sugars and plant compounds to enhance this antioxidant activity.3
Calming inflammation, naturally
Laboratory and animal studies suggest stingless bee honey can help reduce markers of inflammation in the body. It has also shown promise in slowing inflammatory changes when applied topically, and appears in research on respiratory wellness.1,4
Antibacterial and antifungal activity
Stingless bee honey has shown activity against a range of bacteria and fungi in lab settings, including strong results in comparisons involving standard antibiotics.1 Researchers believe its naturally low pH and high acidity create an environment inhospitable to many microbes.2,3
Supporting skin and wound healing
Early research suggests stingless bee honey may support collagen production and reduce the activity of enzymes that break collagen down. Lab studies have also shown it supports the survival of skin cells involved in wound repair.1,2
Rich in essential minerals
Compared to regular honeybee honey, stingless bee honey has been found to contain notably higher levels of iron, copper, zinc, and manganese, with iron typically the most abundant. Studies have linked higher mineral content directly to its antioxidant strength.2,3
Higher mineral content has been linked to the honey's electrical conductivity, an established quality indicator, and correlates with its antioxidant strength.3
Still an active area of research
- A 2025 review of over 1,100 scientific references found stingless bee products to be one of the most actively researched natural bee products worldwide.4
- That review spanned 28 bee species across 8 countries.4
- Most current evidence comes from lab and animal studies, not large human trials yet.1,5
Thousands of years of traditional use
In a study of traditional healers in Kenya, every single healer surveyed reported knowledge and use of stingless bee honey, most commonly for everyday respiratory and digestive wellness. Similar traditional use has been documented across Mexico, Ghana, Ecuador, Ethiopia, and Uganda.6
The bottom line
Across laboratory, animal, and traditional-use evidence, stingless bee honey shows real antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mineral-rich properties, a natural profile that helps explain why it has been valued across cultures for generations. Science is only beginning to catch up with what traditional knowledge has long understood.
Experience it for yourself
bbn sources genuine stingless bee honey for both our everyday and premium blends. Free delivery on all orders above SGD $120.
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References
- Al-Hatamleh et al., 2020, Biomolecules — Antioxidant-Based Medicinal Properties of Stingless Bee Products
- Tan et al., 2024, Transactions on Science and Technology — Stingless Bee Honey as Functional Food
- Pote et al., 2025, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems — Biochemical, Antioxidants, and Mineral Constituents of Stingless Bee Honey
- Silva-Rivera et al., 2025, Diversity — The Value of Stingless Bee Bioproducts for Human Health and Conservation: A Systematic Review
- Zulkifli et al., 2022, Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine — Potential of Natural Honey in Controlling Obesity
- Kiprono et al., 2022, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy — Therapeutic Uses of Stingless Bee Honey, Baringo County, Kenya