The National Honey Board’s 2024 Queen’s Choice Awards recognizes the most innovative new food and beverage products made with honey. There were ten winners this year, spanning from large brands such as Wheaties and Dave’s Killer Bread to small start-ups like PEP bars and Beekeeper RTD coffee. 

Honey, with its natural sweetness and clean-label appeal, has become a preferred ingredient for product developers. The ingredient’s versatility as a sweetener continues to inspire creativity across various categories, from snacks to beverages to frozen foods. 

“This year’s winners exemplify the future of honey in food innovation, demonstrating how it can be a star ingredient in products that resonate with today’s consumers,” says Catherine Barry, vice president of marketing. “The 2024 winners reminds us that honey is more than just a sweetener—it’s a versatile, functional ingredient that continues to inspire and innovate across the food and beverage landscape.”

This year’s award-winning products were selected based on several criteria, including innovation, flavor profile, packaging and market positioning. Each of the winners demonstrates how honey can elevate a product, whether by adding complexity to a flavor combination, providing functional benefits or enhancing the overall consumer experience. 

Photo: The National Honey Board

2024 Queen’s Choice Award Winners

Honey Nut PEP Bar —  Step Change Innovations, LLC

Each Honey Nut PEP Bar features PeptiStrong, a breakthrough fava bean peptide marketed for active adults. Craveworthy flavors of honey, macadamia nuts and pecans provide a punch of energy through a sweet and savory balance.

Dave’s Killer Bread Crunchy Snack Bites Heavenly Honey Nut — Flowers Foods

Photo: Flowers Foods

One of the formidable baking and snack companies in the nation introduced Crunch Snack Bites, and Heavenly Honey Nut are a poppable delight. Packed with a killer taste (thanks to honey) and whole grain nutrition, the tiny-but-mighty bites are baked with organic nuts, seeds and grain clusters.

Sara Lee Honey Butter Half Loaf Bread — Bimbo Bakeries USA

Loaves baked with honey are nothing new, but this delightful bread from Sara Lee combines the rich, creamy taste of butter with the natural sweetness of honey — a combination we couldn’t resist recognizing. We also enjoy the Half Loaf decision for individuals and smaller families.

Alexia Hot Honey Carrots — Conagra Brands, Inc.

A side dish also worthy of center of plate honors. Tender, roasted carrots are mixed with a spicy honey glaze and hints of ancho chili and roasted garlic. Consumers are expanding their swicy palates to all food categories, and this all-natural product is distinctive and inspired.

Wheaties Protein Honey Pecan — General Mills, Inc.

We’ve never been so excited to eat our Wheaties. The Breakfast of Champions released Honey Pecan with a whopping 21 grams of protein, a trending nutrition demand of the year. Consumers who want to start their day strong and energized will enjoy all-natural honey, the rich, nutty flavor of pecans and the classic Wheaties crunch.

Japanese Barbecue Sauce Sweet Honey — Bachan’s, Inc.

Consumers who want to mimic internationally inspired restaurant-level dishes at home are in luck. Bachan’s added honey to the original Japanese Barbecue Sauce, creating a dynamite condiment that brings rich, sweet notes to an umami filled sauce. 

Hidden Valley Ranch Hot Honey Ranch — The Clorox Company 

Classic Hidden Valley Ranch said hello to the hot honey craze, combining honey, garlic, onion and vinegar for a zesty blend of flavors. It’s bold, creamy and is a perfect grab for newstalgic consumers looking for an added twist on a comfortable favorite.

Habanero Honey Mustard Pepper Sauce & Condiment — Melinda’s Foods

Our taste buds were ignited with this fiery blend of sweet honey, habanero peppers, turmeric and tangy mustard. This sauce is versatile for those looking to add a burst of flavor to chicken fingers, sausage, sandwiches, salads or as a marinade. 

Cold Brew Lattes and Coffees — Beekeeper Coffee Photo: Bimbo Bakeries USA

We first saw Beekeeper on the summer trade show circuit, and the eye-catching display drew us in. Beautiful yellow and gold reflect the honey inside this latte and coffee line. From sweet Vanilla to Cold Brew Black, Beekeeper showcases the versatility of honey through a wide range of RTD coffee blends that are shelf stable or can be enjoyed refrigerated.

Daily Defense and Peace Love Energy — Cloud Water Brands

Sparkling beverages infused with honey and immune-boosting ingredients are a delicious way to support wellness and hydration while satisfying the all-natural energy beverage trend. Daily Defense markets antioxidants while Peace Love Energy reflects a refreshing burst of vitality thanks to honey, natural caffeine, restorative electrolytes and vitamins B12 and B6.

As the demand for natural sweeteners continues to rise, honey’s role in the food industry becomes even more significant. It serves not only as a source of sweetness but also as an ingredient that aligns with clean-label trends, offering additional benefits such as moisture retention, shelf stability and flavor enhancement. The Queen’s Choice Awards are a testament to honey’s power to transform a product and make it stand out in today’s competitive marketplace.