Yes, for children over 12 months. Never give honey of any kind, stingless bee honey included, to a baby under 12 months, because of the risk of infant botulism. From their first birthday, Raw Trigona Honey (Active 25+) can go into their food the way any honey would.
Check two things first: allergies, since raw honey naturally contains pollen, and which of our propolis products suits a child, since they aren't all the same.
Why no honey before 12 months
Honey can contain bacterial spores that a baby's digestive system isn't ready to deal with, and that's what causes infant botulism. It's true of every honey, raw or processed, so the rule is the same whichever jar is in your cupboard.
Allergies to check for
Raw honey naturally contains pollen, and our propolis products do too. If your child has a known pollen or bee product allergy, skip them.
If you're not sure, start with a small amount and watch for any reaction before giving more.
Which Anaya products suit children
| Product | Suitable for children? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Trigona Honey (Active 25+) | From 12 months | Use in food like any honey |
| Trigona Propolis Oil | From 1 year | Half the adult amount |
| Trigona Propolis Spray | From 1 year | Contains pollen and honey |
| Trigona Propolis Extract | No | Made with alcohol |
A simple school term routine
Honey is a food rather than a medicine, so the most useful routine is one that fits into what your child already eats.
Stir a spoonful of Raw Trigona Honey into yoghurt or spread it on toast at breakfast. It tastes sour, which surprises children the first time, so yoghurt is an easier start than straight off the spoon.
For children over one, add Trigona Propolis Oil at half the adult amount, twice a week, and twice a day when they're unwell. The full dosage table is in our propolis guide. Older children who can use it themselves can carry Trigona Propolis Spray in their school bag.
When a sore throat comes home from school, honey is one of the better supported things to reach for.
What about the sugar?
Stingless bee honey is still honey, so treat it as a sweet food. What sets it apart is which sugars are in it. Trehalulose makes up 13% to 44% of the total sugars, depending on species and origin, and it has roughly a third of the glycaemic impact of table sugar.
Children and stingless bee honey: questions
At what age can children have stingless bee honey?
From 12 months. Before that, no honey of any kind.
Can I give my toddler propolis?
From one year old, yes: Trigona Propolis Oil at half the adult amount, or Trigona Propolis Spray. Trigona Propolis Extract isn't suitable for children because it's made with alcohol.
Is the sour taste a sign something's wrong with the honey?
No. Trigona honey tastes sour because of its higher water content and the nectar the bees feed on. If your child finds it too sharp, mix it into yoghurt. There's more on why Trigona honey tastes sour.
Start with a jar of Raw Trigona Honey (Active 25+) for the breakfast table, and add Trigona Propolis Oil if you want something for the school term. Or see the full Immunity Care range.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If your child has allergies or a health condition, speak to their doctor before adding honey or propolis to their routine.