The color of honey depends on what plants the honey bees feed on. Dark honey varieties have garnered attention for their nutritional value due to their higher mineral content.

As plants have varying mineral contents depending on climate and soil conditions, a higher concentration of minerals in the nectar correlates to darker honey.

Higher quantities of minerals also mean higher levels of antioxidants, so the darker the honey, the more antioxidants it contains.

One of the principal reasons that dark honey is dark is that it contains less water than light honey, meaning there is a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals.

Dark honey varieties also have a more pungent taste and aroma and tend to be more expensive than light honey. For example, a jar of Manuka honey can cost upwards of $50.