Hot Honey: The Sweet and Spicy Comeback of 2025 – Hot honey, the fiery yet sweet condiment, is blazing its way back into the spotlight in 2025, earning its place as a versatile must-have in kitchens everywhere. From its humble beginnings to its current-day resurgence, hot honey is proving to be more than just a fleeting food trend. This beloved blend of sweetness and heat is captivating the taste buds of foodies and chefs alike, becoming a staple ingredient in a variety of dishes and drinks.
The origins of hot honey are rooted in the culinary traditions of combining sweetness with spice, a practice that has been enjoyed across various cultures for centuries. However, it gained modern prominence in the United States in the early 2000s, thanks to artisanal food creators who began infusing honey with chili peppers. The result? A perfect harmony of fiery heat and natural sweetness that quickly became a go-to topping for pizza, fried chicken, and even ice cream.
Fast forward to today, and hot honey is enjoying a renaissance. It’s not just a condiment; it’s a cultural phenomenon, embraced by food lovers seeking bold flavours and versatile pairings. Predictors of 2025’s ‘food trends’ have pinpointed the UK’s burgeoning love for all things ‘Swicy’—a sweet and spicy fusion—as a key factor driving the hot honey comeback.
Having tried a selection of the Scottish Bee Company’s delicious range, I can honestly say that hot honey’s appeal lies in its versatility. It’s a baking essential, adding a touch of heat to pastries and desserts. It’s a marinade marvel, bringing a sweet kick to meats. It’s a treasured companion for mustard dressings, enhancing salads with its complex flavour profile. And it’s a thriving cocktail star, elevating hot toddies and honey-infused margaritas to new levels of sophistication.
In the UK, hot honey has made its way from being a niche ingredient to a mainstream must-have, embracing hot honey for everything from fried chicken and pizza toppings to sophisticated cheeseboards.
Functional Ingredients
Hot honey also champions the trend of functional ingredients—natural, powerhouse foods that offer health benefits alongside indulgent flavours. Honey itself is a nutritional goldmine, rich in manganese, B vitamins (2, 3, 5, 9), and essential vitamins like C, E, and K. Scottish honey, in particular, stands out for its purity and nutritional profile, making it an ideal base for hot honey blends.
The Scottish Bee Company, a brand known for its dedication to sustainability and authenticity. Founded in 2017 by Suzie and Iain Millar, The Scottish Bee Company crafts pure honey and purposeful Scottish produce with minimal processing and a focus on environmental stewardship. Their award-winning range includes two standout hot honeys:
- Kimchi Hot Honey: Infused with the brine of rescued kimchi, this hot honey offers a sweet, mildly spicy heat.
- Scotch Bonnet Hot Honey: A spirited union of Scottish honey and Scotch Bonnet peppers, delivering a bold, fiery kick.
Beyond hot honey, The Scottish Bee Company also offers a variety of pure honeys, dressings, vinegars, and even a delectable chocolate spread infused with honey. Their commitment to crafting products that taste good and do good for the planet has made them a standout in the world of artisanal foods.
The Future of Hot Honey
As 2025 unfolds, hot honey’s role in the culinary world is set to expand even further. And with innovators like The Scottish Bee Company leading the way, it’s clear that this sweet and spicy trend is here to stay.
Poppy Watt