healthy sugar alternatives. honey calories honey for diabetes honey glycemic index honey sugar content honey vs sugar is honey high in sugar natural sweeteners India

Is Honey High in Sugar?

Aug 13, 2026

Is Honey High in Sugar?

Yes. Honey is a concentrated sugar solution.

  • About 80–82% of honey is sugar (fructose + glucose).

  • 1 tablespoon honey ≈ 17 g sugar, 64 calories.

  • This is similar to or slightly more sugar per spoon than table sugar.noom

Honey vs Sugar (Quick View)

Honey (1 tbsp) Sugar (1 tbsp)
Sugar ~17 g ~12–15 g
Calories ~64 kcal ~48–69 kcal
Main sugars Fructose + glucose Sucrose
Extra nutrients Small amounts None

noom

Honey has trace antioxidants and minerals, but these do not cancel out its sugar load.

What About Diabetes?

  • Honey raises blood sugar like other added sugars.

  • People with diabetes should count honey as part of their daily carb/sugar limit.

  • If used, keep portions small (½–1 tsp) and monitor glucose response.

How Much Is Safe?

Guidelines for added sugar (includes honey):

  • Women: ≤ 25 g/day

  • Men: ≤ 36 g/day

One tablespoon of honey (~17 g sugar) can take up most of a woman’s daily limit.

Bottom Line

Honey is natural but still high in sugar. Use it sparingly as a flavor enhancer, not as a “healthy” free-for-all sweetener.
More from > healthy sugar alternatives. honey calories honey for diabetes honey glycemic index honey sugar content honey vs sugar is honey high in sugar natural sweeteners India
Back to Latest Articles

Share this