The term MEAD INGREDIENT is solved by the crossword solution HONEY, which is a five-letter word. HONEY is a sweet, viscous food substance produced by bees and some related insects. It is used in cooking and baking, as a spread on toast and bread, and as an ingredient in various beverages such as tea and mead. HONEY is also used in traditional medicine and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. As an ingredient in mead, HONEY is used to sweeten and flavor the beverage.