I get this question all the time: is honey healthier than granulated sugar? The answer is yes and no. Oh, don’t you hate this answer! However, the truth is not always a simple one and it warrants further explanation. Both honey and sugar are carbohydrates, but each carry different characteristics. Ounce for ounce, the macronutrients (carbs, protein and fat) in honey and table sugar are generally the same. However, honey weighs more than sugar. Therefore, a teaspoon of honey actually has more calories and carbohydrates than a teaspoon of sugar. This would be the “no” part of the answer. 

The “yes” part of the answer is that honey contains disease-fighting antioxidants that sugar does not have. However, because honey is generally eaten in small quantities, the amount of antioxidants are too small for an appreciable difference. Honey, like sugar, can still cause dental cavities, raise blood glucose levels, and lead to weight gain. Therefore, it should be used sparingly. (Back to the “no” part). The good news is that honey is sweeter than table sugar, which means you can get away with using less. If substituting honey for sugar in baked goods, reduce the liquid in the recipe by ¼ cup and add ½ teaspoon of baking soda for every one cup of honey used. Also, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F. 

Raw honey is honey that has not been heated or filtered. There’s been mixed results in whether or not raw honey contains more antioxidants. Raw honey is safe to consume for those over the age of one. Store honey at room temperature not in the refrigerator, which speeds crystallization. After about 2 years, honey may become cloudy and crystallize, but that doesn’t mean it’s not safe to consume. If it does crystallize, place the jar of honey in a bucket of warm water and stir the honey until dissolved. Whether you use honey or table sugar, it is still an “added sugar” and should be minimized for optimal health.