Have you ever been told not to dip a metal spoon in a jar of honey? It is often one of the common household rules passed down through generations. The belief is that metal could react with honey, turning it toxic, or at the least, ruin its health benefits.
What happens if you leave a metal spoon in honey for a while? Could it be harmful? To clear out the confusion, we reached out to a health expert.
"Using a metal spoon briefly in honey is completely safe," said Isha Lall, nutritionist and ayurvedic wellness coach. She said that while honey is slightly acidic and it is true that acids can react with metals, a quick dip of a stainless steel spoon won’t cause any negative reactions.
What is the basis of this myth?
Years ago, spoons were made of reactive metals like copper or iron, and these could corrode over time when left in honey. However, most modern stainless steel spoons are resistant to corrosion. According to Lall, even if left in honey for weeks in humid conditions, these spoons may not see any major corrosion and are unlikely to affect the honey in any harmful way.
What can you use instead?
Lall recommends wooden spoons as a great alternative, "They also bring that old-school, natural vibe to your kitchen, like you’re harvesting honey from your backyard beehive," she said.
In Ayurveda, honey is revered as a potent “Yogavahi,” which enhances the medicinal properties of anything it’s combined with. However, Ayurveda warns against heating honey, as it changes its composition and produces toxins. As for metal spoons, stainless steel is safe—just avoid leaving utensils in honey for long.
