Many people see honey as a healthier choice than sugar. Honey does have some differences, but both are sweeteners, and both are best enjoyed in moderation.
What’s the difference?
Table sugar is refined from sugar cane or sugar beet. Honey is made by bees from flower nectar. Honey contains small amounts of other compounds and has its own rich flavours, which vary depending on the flowers the bees visited.
Honey is still sugar
Honey is mostly sugars, mainly fructose and glucose. In your body, it behaves much like other sugars. A spoonful of honey contains a similar amount of sugar to a spoonful of table sugar.
Enjoying sweetness
Because honey has a strong flavour, some people find they can use a little less. It’s lovely drizzled on porridge or yoghurt, or stirred into tea.
An important safety note
Don’t give honey to babies under one year old.
Keeping it balanced
Whether you prefer honey or sugar, enjoying sweet foods in moderation, alongside plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole foods, is a balanced approach.
If you already follow a special eating plan, keep to it and let these ideas fit around it.
How little is enough
Next time you sweeten something, try using a little less than usual and notice the flavour.
For more, read 20 healthy food swaps that most people overlook.
If you’d like a gentle companion in the kitchen, there’s a short food guide on the Guides page.