If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, spoon in hand, wondering whether to sweeten your tea with honey or sugar, you’re not alone. It’s one of those classic health questions people keep asking: is honey better than sugar? Or is it just the same thing in liquid form?
The short answer: Honey is different from sugar, and in many ways, it’s the better choice, especially if you're trying to cut back on refined sweeteners without giving up on flavour completely.
Keep reading to find out why.
Sugar is sugar, but not all sugar is created equal
We’ll be honest with you: honey is a form of sugar. Your body still breaks it down into glucose and fructose, just like table sugar. So technically, yes, honey is still a sweetener.
But honey isn’t just empty sweetness. Unlike refined white sugar, honey contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and plant compounds. These naturally occurring extras give it more nutritional value and a slightly different effect on the body.
Take for example, eating plain white bread and eating wholegrain. Both are carbs, but one gives you a little more in return.
Is honey ok when cutting out sugar?
If you’re doing a no-sugar challenge or just trying to be more mindful about your sugar intake, this is a fair question. And the answer depends on your goals.
If by “cutting out sugar” you mean avoiding highly processed, refined sugars (like the kind in fizzy drinks, sweets, or packaged snacks), raw honey can be a smart swap as it is natural, unrefined, and brings more than just sweetness to the table.
Plus, honey has a slightly lower glycaemic index than table sugar. That means it won’t spike your blood sugar quite as fast, especially if you’re using it in small amounts and pairing it with fibre, protein, or healthy fats.
So yes, honey is ok when cutting out sugar, as long as you’re still being mindful of how much you’re using. A drizzle in tea or a spoon in oatmeal is worlds apart from downing a sugary soda.
Can I replace sugar with honey?
In most cases, yes, you can absolutely replace sugar with honey. But the swap isn’t always one-to-one. Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you often need less of it to get the same effect. It also adds a subtle flavour and richness that white sugar doesn’t.
Here are a few quick tips:
● In tea or coffee, use half a spoon of honey where you'd normally use a full spoon of sugar.
● In baking, for every cup of sugar, try using about ¾ cup of honey and reducing the liquid in the recipe slightly.
● In salad dressings, marinades, or sauces, honey adds both sweetness and depth. Especially varieties with extra flavour like our British Honey With Cinnamon. That one works beautifully in savoury glazes and spiced drinks.
The added bonus: health perks
One of the biggest differences between honey and sugar comes down to what else honey offers. Raw honey, especially, comes with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help with digestion, support your immune system, and soothe a sore throat. Things refined sugar never could.
And if you're using our British Honey With Cinnamon, you’re getting the added benefit of cinnamon too, known to help with blood sugar balance, digestion, and inflammation. It’s a small change with multiple benefits.
But don’t forget moderation
All that said, honey is still a form of sugar. It’s not a “free pass” just because it’s natural. A spoon here and there is great, but downing half a jar in one sitting won’t do your gut or your energy levels any favours.
Think of honey as a better choice, not a blank cheque. It’s a way to keep sweetness in your life without reaching for ultra-processed sugars that do nothing for your body.
So, is honey better than sugar?
Yes, when it comes to flavour, nutrition, and how your body responds, honey is the better choice. It’s less refined, brings added benefits, and allows you to enjoy sweetness more mindfully.
If you’re trying to cut out sugar but still want something to stir into your tea, bake into your muffins, or drizzle on yoghurt, honey is a lovely middle ground. And if you want an extra kick of flavour, our British Wildflower Honey is perfect for both sweet and savoury swaps.
References
Good Food (2024). Should I swap sugar for honey? Retrieved from https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/nutrition/sugar-substitutes-honey-explained
Medical News Today (2024). Honey vs. sugar: Differences, benefits, and disadvantages. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317728