Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last updated: 31/01/2026

About Our Honey

Is Southern Gold Honey raw?
Yes. Our honey is raw and minimally processed. We gently warm it to a maximum of 45°C, which is the same temperature honey can naturally reach inside hives on hot days. This preserves natural enzymes, nutrients, and flavour.

Why does my honey crystallise?
Crystallisation is completely natural and a sign of pure, real honey. It happens more quickly in cooler temperatures and with certain floral varieties.

How do I decrystallise honey?
Place the jar in warm (not boiling) water and allow it to gently loosen. Avoid microwaving, as excessive heat can damage honey’s natural properties.

What is creamed honey?
Creamed honey is honey that has been carefully guided to crystallise into a smooth, spreadable texture. Nothing is added — it’s simply honey, done properly.

Why is there foam or bubbles at the top of my jar?
This is normal and comes from trapped air during the bottling process. It does not affect the quality or safety of the honey.

Is your honey tested or certified?
Yes. Our honey is scientifically tested and certified in Germany to confirm that it is pure, raw, non-irradiated, and free from adulteration.

Orders & Delivery

Where do you deliver?
We deliver nationwide across South Africa.

How long does delivery take?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–3 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays. Delivery times may vary depending on location.

Can I collect my order?
Yes. Local collection is available by arrangement. Please contact us to organise a pickup.

Damages, Returns & Quality

What if my order arrives damaged?
If your order is damaged in transit, please contact us within 24 hours of receiving the parcel, along with clear photo proof. We will replace the affected items.

Do you accept returns?
Because honey is a food product, we only accept returns or replacements if there is a genuine product quality issue.
This includes:

  • Fermentation

  • Contamination

  • Damage in transit

Natural pollen particles may be present in raw honey and are not considered a defect.

If something doesn’t seem right, please reach out — quality matters deeply to us.

Please read more about our shipping & returns policy here.

Sustainability & Sourcing

Where does your honey come from?
All of our honey is 100% South African, sourced from ethical, local beekeepers. We do not import honey, and none of our products are irradiated.

Do you really plant one tree for every 25 kg sold?
Yes. Together with our conservation partner, The Bee Effect, we plant one tree for every 25 kg of honey sold to support habitat restoration and pollinators.

Do you work with small beekeepers?
Yes — proudly. We partner with passionate small- to medium-scale beekeepers and prioritise ethical, sustainable practices.

Subscriptions

Do you offer subscriptions?
Not yet — but we’re working on it. When subscriptions launch, they’ll be simple, flexible, and transparent.

Data & Privacy

What customer data do you collect?
We collect only what’s necessary to process orders and communicate with you, such as your name, email address, phone number, and delivery details.

Do you share my data?
Your data is shared only with essential service providers (such as couriers) to fulfil your order. We never sell customer data.

Can I request access or deletion of my data?
Yes. You may request access, correction, or deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting us.

Contact & Support

How can I contact you?
You can reach us via:

  • Email at contact@southerngoldhoney.co.za, or

  • The Contact page on our website

We aim to respond as quickly as possible during business hours.