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Velvet Digest

Which is better for you honey or sugar?

Author

Eleanor Gray

Updated on May 12, 2026

These additional components may be responsible for some of the health benefits of honey. Sugar is higher on the glycemic index (GI) than honey, meaning it raises blood sugar levels more quickly. But honey has slightly more calories than sugar, although it is sweeter, so less may be required.

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Likewise, is honey a healthier alternative to sugar?

Honey has a lower GI value than sugar, meaning that it does not raise blood sugar levels as quickly. Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you may need less of it, but it does have slightly more calories per teaspoon so it's wise to keep a close eye on your portion sizes.

Also Know, which sugar is healthiest? Here is a list of Common Forms of Sugar from Best to Worst

  1. STEVIA.
  2. HONEY.
  3. PURE MAPLE SYRUP.
  4. COCONUT SUGAR.
  5. RAW CANE SUGAR.
  6. AGAVE.
  7. BROWN SUGAR.
  8. GRANULATED WHITE SUGAR.

Hereof, is honey just as bad as sugar?

Honey Is "Less Bad" Than Sugar for Diabetics However, some studies have found that it can also increase blood sugar levels — just not as much as refined sugar ( 10 ). While honey may be slightly better than refined sugar for people with diabetes, it should still be consumed with caution.

Is honey a healthy sweetener?

Many folks use honey because it tastes good, but also because this sweetener carries a healthier aura than table sugar. Ultimately though, your body breaks down honey just like table sugar, as glucose and fructose. Honey has a glycemic index, or measure of a food's effect on your blood sugar, between 32 and 85.

Related Question Answers

Is Honey OK for diabetics?

Generally, there's no advantage to substituting honey for sugar in a diabetes eating plan. Both honey and sugar will affect your blood sugar level. But honey actually has slightly more carbohydrates and more calories per teaspoon than does granulated sugar — so any calories and carbohydrates you save will be minimal.

Does honey cause inflammation?

Sugar causes the body to release inflammatory messengers called cytokines. Soda and other sweet drinks are main culprits. Anti-inflammatory diet experts often say you should cut out all added sugars, including agave and honey.

Is a spoonful of honey a day good for you?

2. It contains antioxidants. However, in order to really pack an antioxidant punch, you'd have to consume more than a teaspoon or two of honey; the American Heart Association recommends that most women consume no more than 25 grams or (6 teaspoons) of total added sugar per day (that's about 100 calories worth).

Is honey bad for your teeth?

Tooth decay is caused by enamel-destroying acid produced by the combination of bacteria and sugar. Honey is mostly sugar and therefore can still lead to cavities. Although honey does take longer to be broken down than regular table sugar, it tends to linger on teeth longer than ordinary sugar due to its stickiness.

Is honey a keto?

Honey: High-quality honey contains antioxidants and nutrients, making it a better choice than refined sugar. However, it's still high in calories and carbs and may not be suitable for a keto diet ( 26 ). However, it's also high in fructose, which can contribute to impaired blood sugar control ( 27 , 28 ).

What does honey do to the body?

Today, proponents of honey tout its miraculous healing properties, claiming that it can prevent cancer and heart disease, reduce ulcers, ease digestive problems, regulate blood sugar, soothe coughs and sore throats, and increase athletic performance.

Is honey good for weight loss?

As per a study published in Journal of the American College of Nutrition, honey curbs appetite. Consuming honey right before bed time can help you burn more calories during the early hours of sleep. Essential hormones in honey suppress appetite and aid weight loss.

How much is a teaspoon of sugar?

One teaspoon of granulated sugar equals 4 grams of sugar. To put it another way, 16 grams of sugar in a product is equal to about 4 teaspoons of granulated sugar.

Does honey help you lose belly fat?

It helps you lose weight the easier way; and the best part is that it helps you melt belly fat first. Belly fat, which is linked to an increased risk of heart diseases, diabetes and some forms of cancer, is not easy to get rid of. Essential hormones in honey suppress appetite and aid weight loss.

What happens if you eat honey everyday?

Despite the health benefits that may be associated with honey, it's high in sugar — which can be detrimental to your health. In fact, studies show that high-sugar diets may be linked to obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, liver issues, and heart disease ( 23 , 24 ).

How much honey should you have a day?

But be sure to consume no more than 6 teaspoons (2 tablespoons) of honey per day, and that's if it's the ONLY added sugar you're eating. If you're getting sugar from other sources, make sure your total sugar intake does not top 6 teaspoons.

What are the disadvantages of honey?

Some of the most common disadvantages and risks associated with honey include:
  • High calorie count. One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, which is higher than that of sugar at 49 calories per tablespoon.
  • Risk of infant botulism.
  • Impact on blood sugar and risk of illness.

Is honey good for your hair?

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning that it takes the moisture from the air and is able to seal it in your hair and skin. This helps to keep your hair conditioned, which will reduce breakage, allowing it to stay strong and healthy and grow longer. Sealing in moisture also prevents dryness and premature wrinkles.

Is it OK to replace sugar with honey?

Honey has a lower GI value than sugar, meaning that it does not raise blood sugar levels as quickly. Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you may need less of it, but it does have slightly more calories per teaspoon so it's wise to keep a close eye on your portion sizes.

How can you tell if honey is pure?

Take a teaspoon of the honey and put in a glass full of water. Fake or adulterated honey will dissolve in the water while pure honey which has a more dense texture will settle right at the bottom of the glass as lumps. The same is the case with blotting paper or a white cloth.

What's the worst sugar?

Fructose May Be the Worst for Health Your body converts fructose to glucose in the liver to use it for energy. Excess fructose places a burden on your liver, which may lead to a series of metabolic problems ( 13 ).

What is good sugar?

When simple sugars are naturally found in whole foods, they come with vitamins, minerals, protein, phytochemicals and fiber. The presence of fiber makes a significant difference because it slows down the absorption of sugar, which slows its impact on blood sugar. Natural sugar in whole food is so-called “good sugar.”

Is there a healthy sugar?

There are several popular sugary sweeteners that health-conscious people often eat instead of sugar. This includes coconut sugar, molasses, honey and maple syrup. Healthy people can eat sugar in small amounts without any harm.

What kind of sugar to avoid?

Stick to the natural stuff, such as blackstrap molasses, honey, maple syrup, and date sugar, rather than man-made sweet stuff such as corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup.