Quick answer: Yes, you can use honey in coffee instead of sugar. It adds sweetness plus a floral or malty flavor, depending on the type. A teaspoon of honey has slightly more calories than a teaspoon of sugar (about 21 vs 16), but it is sweeter, so you may use less. Light honeys like acacia or clover are the easiest match for coffee.
If you usually take sugar in your coffee, honey is an easy swap that adds its own flavor. Here is how it compares with sugar, which types of honey work best and a simple honey coffee recipe.
In this guide 4 sections
Is honey better than sugar in coffee?
Calories and sweetness
A teaspoon of honey has about 21 calories, and a teaspoon of white sugar about 16, according to the Mayo Clinic. Honey is sweeter, though, so you may be able to use a little less. In practice the calorie difference is small either way, and both honey and sugar raise blood sugar, so use either in moderation.
Does honey have health benefits?
Honey contains small amounts of antioxidants and trace minerals that white sugar doesn’t, but the amount in a teaspoon or two is too small to make your coffee a health drink. Choose honey for its flavor, not as a health supplement.
One important safety note: never give honey to babies younger than 12 months. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can cause infant botulism (University of Florida IFAS).
What kind of honey is best in coffee?
Because bees make honey from whatever flowers are available, there are many types, and each tastes different in coffee.
Raw honey
Raw honey is extracted from the hive and jarred without heat treatment, and it sometimes contains bits of honeycomb. Many people prefer it because it is the least processed form.
Because it is not heated, raw honey keeps more of its natural enzymes.
Pasteurized honey
Pasteurized honey is the clear, golden honey you find in most grocery stores. Heat treatment keeps it clear, kills yeast and extends its shelf life, though it also reduces some of its natural compounds.
It is a good choice if you only add honey to coffee now and then, because it keeps for a very long time on the shelf.
Light honey: acacia, alfalfa, clover and fireweed
Light honeys are milder and more floral, so they sweeten coffee without overpowering it. They are the best choice if you want a straight replacement for sugar.
Acacia and clover honey pair especially well with cardamom coffee; the floral notes of the honey match the cardamom. Personally, my favorite is acacia honey in coffee with cardamom and a touch of cinnamon.
Dark honey: buckwheat, chestnut, manuka and avocado
Dark honeys have stronger, more intense flavors. Buckwheat honey is less sweet than most and has a rich, malty taste that can pair well with coffee, especially darker roasts.
How to make honey coffee
Ingredients (2 servings)
- 2 cups brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Steps
- Brew 2 cups of coffee at your preferred strength.
- Stir the honey into the milk until it is fully mixed. Warming the milk first helps the honey dissolve.
- Pour the honey milk into the coffee and stir.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon on top and serve.
For a single cup, start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey stirred straight into hot coffee and adjust to taste.
Frequently asked questions
Does honey dissolve in coffee?
Yes. Honey dissolves easily in hot coffee. In iced coffee it tends to sink and clump, so stir it into a little hot coffee or warm milk first.
Does honey change the taste of coffee?
Yes, more than sugar does. Light honeys add a gentle floral sweetness, while dark honeys like buckwheat add a stronger, malty flavor. You may not love it at first, but many people find it grows on them.
How much honey should I put in coffee?
Start with 1 teaspoon per cup and adjust. Because honey is sweeter than sugar, you may need a little less than your usual amount of sugar.
Looking for other ways to flavor your coffee without sugar? Try a pinch of salt to cut bitterness, or browse our guide to the different types of coffee. If you are curious about coffee and health, see the health benefits of black coffee.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice.