Pollen is the colony's protein source, and it is also sold as a food for people. This page covers its composition, its use and the limits of the evidence.

Composition

Pollen contains protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals, vitamins and phenolic compounds. The proportions vary markedly with the source plant.

This variation is the central fact about pollen: pollen from one plant is not nutritionally equivalent to pollen from another. Mixed pollen therefore has a more complete amino acid profile than a single source.

What is reasonably supported

• It is a source of protein and micronutrients
• It contains antioxidant compounds; this is measured in the laboratory
• Its nutritional value is real, though the quantities consumed are small

Where evidence is limited

Claims about performance, immunity, allergy and many other areas rest on limited or inconsistent evidence. Variation in composition makes it hard to transfer results between studies.

The honest position: pollen is a nutritious food, and the claims made for it generally run ahead of the research.

Safety

• Allergy: Pollen can cause allergic reactions, and severe reaction is possible. Anyone starting it should begin with a very small amount
• Pregnancy and chronic illness: Consult a doctor
• Mould: Inadequately dried pollen develops mould. Mouldy pollen must not be consumed and cannot be sorted

Quality and storage

The decisive factor is what happens after collection. Fresh pollen is very moist and spoils within hours.

• Dried: Keeps at room temperature. The drying temperature must be low; heat damages nutritional value and colour
• Frozen: Preserves nutritional value better; requires a cold chain

Storage should be dry, cool, dark and airtight. Pollen draws moisture from the air.

Bee bread

Pollen fermented in the comb is a different product. Lactic acid fermentation alters its composition and lowers the pH.

It is more perishable than dried pollen and requires a cold chain.

What the producer may say

In most countries it is prohibited to claim that a food treats disease. Recording the source plants, the harvest date and the drying method is both lawful and more useful to the buyer than any claim.