Should You Add Honey to Your Coffee?

Honey has long been used to sweeten foods and drinks, including coffee and tea. In fact, many people opt for this thick, sweet syrup as an alternative to table sugar or zero-calorie sweeteners.

That said, while honey may offer certain health perks, it also has downsides worth considering.

This piece examines whether adding honey to your coffee is a good idea.

May supply small amounts of nutrients

Unlike granulated sugar and artificial sweeteners—which contribute virtually no nutrients—honey contains some vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds that might lend a slight nutritional boost to your coffee (1).

It also includes antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by reactive molecules known as free radicals (2).

Nonetheless, the modest quantities of honey usually stirred into hot coffee are unlikely to deliver meaningful health advantages.

Summary: Unlike sugar and artificial sweeteners, honey contains nutrients and other beneficial compounds. However, the tiny amount typically added to hot coffee will only offer minimal health gains.

Adds empty calories

Although honey contains some nutrients, it is predominantly sugar.

For good health, it’s recommended to limit added sugars, including honey, to no more than 10% of your daily calorie intake. That translates to at most 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men and 6 teaspoons (25 grams) for women per day (3, 4).

Mixing in 2 teaspoons (14 grams) of honey — about 43 calories and 12 grams of sugar — into your coffee would account for roughly 48% of the daily sugar limit for women and 33% for men, per the American Heart Association (4, 5).

High consumption of added sugars has been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (6, 7, 8).

If you’re trying to cut calories, you might skip sweetening your coffee or pick a natural, zero-calorie option like stevia or monk fruit.

Recent studies have suggested a potential association between erythritol-containing sweeteners and heart-related issues, so you may wish to avoid erythritol when possible (9).

Summary: Sweetening your coffee with honey increases its sugar and calorie content. Depending on your health objectives, you may prefer a zero-calorie sweetener instead.

May change the taste

Honey can also affect the flavor profile of your coffee.

The taste of honey varies based on the floral source of its pollen. For instance, clover honey—the most prevalent variety in the United States—has a very mild taste, whereas types like buckwheat or manuka are much more pronounced.

Even mild clover honey will alter the flavor of coffee compared with neutral-tasting table sugar or other sweeteners.

If you want to sweeten your coffee with honey but keep flavor changes minimal, begin with a small amount of a mild-flavored honey. Then, tweak the quantity until you reach the flavor you prefer.

Summary: Honey may change the flavor of your coffee. To minimize this, use only a small amount of a mild-tasting honey such as clover.

The takeaway

Unlike sugar and zero-calorie sweeteners, honey can contribute trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

However, adding it to your coffee also increases sugar and calorie content and alters the drink’s taste.

In the end, whether to sweeten your coffee with honey comes down to personal taste and your dietary priorities.