Is Honey in Coffee Better Than Sugar? What Science Says

Many people are trying to reduce refined sugar in their diets, and coffee is often one of the first places they look to make a healthier swap. This leads to a common question: is honey in coffee better than sugar?

Honey is often viewed as a more “natural” sweetener, while sugar is widely criticized for its links to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and metabolic issues. But does switching from sugar to honey in your coffee actually make a meaningful difference—or is it just a perception?

In this in-depth guide by MrSupps, we’ll compare honey and sugar in coffee from a nutritional, metabolic, and practical standpoint, helping you decide which option makes more sense for your health goals.

Honey in coffee can be slightly better than sugar since it’s less processed and sweeter, but it’s still sugar and should be used in moderation.

Table of Contents

Why People Replace Sugar With Honey in Coffee

The idea of adding honey to coffee has grown in popularity due to several factors:

Increased awareness of added sugar intake
Interest in natural and minimally processed foods
Perceived health benefits of honey
Taste preferences and smoother sweetness

However, “natural” does not always mean “healthier,” especially when it comes to sweeteners.

What Is Sugar?

Types of Sugar Commonly Used in Coffee

The sugar most people add to coffee is table sugar (sucrose), which is extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets.

Sucrose is made of:

50% glucose
50% fructose

It provides sweetness and calories but no vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants.

How Sugar Affects the Body

When consumed:

Sugar rapidly raises blood glucose
Triggers insulin release
Provides quick energy followed by a crash in some people

Excess sugar intake has been linked to:

Weight gain
Insulin resistance
Increased risk of metabolic disorders

What Is Honey?

Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by bees from flower nectar. Unlike refined sugar, honey undergoes minimal processing.

Composition of Honey

Honey primarily contains:

Fructose
Glucose
Small amounts of water

It also includes trace amounts of:

Antioxidants
Enzymes
Minerals (like potassium and calcium)

These additional compounds are often cited as reasons honey is considered “healthier.”

Is Honey in Coffee Better Than Sugar Nutritionally?

Calorie Comparison

Sugar: ~16 calories per teaspoon
Honey: ~21 calories per teaspoon

Honey is slightly higher in calories, but it is also sweeter, meaning many people use less honey than sugar.

Glycemic Impact

The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar.

Sugar has a GI around 65
Honey’s GI varies (35–85), depending on type

Some varieties of honey may cause slower blood sugar spikes, but this is not universal.

Micronutrients and Antioxidants

Honey contains:

Trace minerals
Polyphenols and antioxidants

However, the amounts are very small and should not be considered a major nutrient source.

How Honey and Sugar Affect Blood Sugar in Coffee

Sugar in Coffee

Adding sugar to coffee:

Causes a rapid blood sugar rise
May lead to energy crashes
Can worsen insulin sensitivity over time if consumed frequently

Honey in Coffee

Honey may:

Raise blood sugar slightly more slowly in some people
Be better tolerated due to lower required quantity

That said, honey still contains sugars and affects blood glucose.

Does Honey in Coffee Provide Health Benefits?

Antioxidant Properties

Honey contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress. However:

Coffee itself is already rich in antioxidants
The extra antioxidant contribution from honey is modest

Digestive Tolerance

Some people report:

Less stomach irritation with honey
A smoother taste profile

This is subjective and varies by individual.

Is Honey in Coffee Better for Weight Loss?

Calories Still Matter

Both honey and sugar contribute calories. Weight loss depends on:

Total daily calorie intake
Overall diet quality
Lifestyle factors

Switching to honey alone does not guarantee weight loss.

Portion Control Advantage

Because honey is sweeter:

You may use less
This can slightly reduce calorie intake

This benefit depends entirely on portion size.

Honey vs Sugar in Coffee: Taste Comparison

Sugar Taste Profile

Sharp, straightforward sweetness
Can overpower coffee flavors

Honey Taste Profile

More complex, floral notes
May complement coffee for some people
Taste varies by honey type

Taste preference often determines which sweetener people stick with long term.

Is Honey in Coffee Better for Diabetics?

Important Considerations

Honey is not sugar-free and still affects blood glucose.

For people with diabetes:

Honey is not automatically safer than sugar
Blood sugar monitoring is essential
Any sweetener should be used cautiously

Some individuals may tolerate small amounts of honey better, but this is highly individual.

Does Honey React Differently With Hot Coffee?

Heat and Honey

Hot liquids can:

Degrade some enzymes in honey
Reduce certain antioxidant compounds

However, honey still retains sweetness and caloric content.

From a health standpoint, this does not make honey harmful—but it may reduce some of its perceived benefits.

Is Raw Honey Better Than Sugar in Coffee?

Raw vs Processed Honey

Raw honey:

Is less processed
Retains more natural compounds

That said:

Differences in health impact are modest when used in small amounts
Raw honey is still a sugar source

How Much Honey or Sugar Is Too Much in Coffee?

Recommended Limits

Health organizations recommend limiting added sugars regardless of source.

Whether it’s honey or sugar:

Excess intake contributes to metabolic strain
Moderation is key

If you drink multiple cups of coffee daily, sweetener amounts can add up quickly.

Healthier Alternatives to Honey and Sugar in Coffee

Lower-Calorie Sweeteners

Stevia
Monk fruit

Reducing Sweetness Gradually

Using less sweetener over time
Letting taste buds adapt

Often, the healthiest option is simply less sweetness overall.

Common Myths About Honey in Coffee

Myth: Honey Is Sugar-Free

Fact: Honey is primarily sugar.

Myth: Honey Doesn’t Affect Blood Sugar

Fact: Honey still raises blood glucose, though sometimes more slowly.

Myth: Honey Turns Coffee Into a Health Drink

Fact: Honey adds sweetness, not a significant nutritional upgrade.

Expert Perspective: Is Honey in Coffee Better Than Sugar?

Nutrition experts generally agree:

Honey is slightly less processed
It may offer minor benefits
It is still an added sugar

The difference is modest, and overall diet quality matters more than the sweetener choice alone.

References

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Added Sugars
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/

Cleveland Clinic – Is Honey Healthier Than Sugar?
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-honey-healthier-than-sugar/

Mayo Clinic – Sugar and Sweeteners
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936

National Institutes of Health – Dietary Sugars
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6959843/

Healthline – Honey vs Sugar
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/honey-vs-sugar