Honey vs Artificial Sweeteners: Calories, Research and Taste

What counts as an artificial sweetener

Artificial or high-intensity sweeteners are compounds many times sweeter than sugar, so tiny amounts are used. The FDA's high-intensity sweeteners page lists approved ones including aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, neotame and advantame, plus plant-derived stevia and monk fruit extracts under GRAS notices.

Honey vs artificial sweeteners at a glance

Here is how they compare:

The 2023 WHO guideline

In May 2023, the World Health Organization advised against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Its review found no long-term benefit for body fat and possible links with type 2 diabetes and heart disease in observational studies. The recommendation is conditional and does not apply to people with existing diabetes.

WHO suggested reducing overall sweetness rather than swapping sugar for sweeteners.

Taste differences

Artificial sweeteners provide sweetness without much else, and some people notice a bitter or metallic aftertaste. Honey brings aroma and flavor that change with the flowers, which can make a smaller amount more satisfying.

Baking

Most artificial sweeteners do not provide bulk, browning or moisture, so baking requires special blends or recipes. Aspartame breaks down with heat and is not suited to baking. Honey browns, adds moisture and keeps baked goods soft. Our baking with honey guide explains how to use it.

Calories and blood sugar

Artificial sweeteners provide few or no calories and do not raise blood sugar directly, which is why they are common in diet drinks and for people managing diabetes. Honey provides calories and raises blood sugar, so it counts toward added sugar limits.

Our article on honey and weight management discusses honey in a balanced diet.

Special cases

People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame because it contains phenylalanine; products with aspartame carry a warning. Babies under 12 months should never have honey because of infant botulism risk.

A middle path

Many people find a middle path works best: gradually reduce how sweet food and drinks taste, use flavorful sweeteners in small amounts, and save sweets for occasional moments.

• Taste before sweetening
• Halve the sweetener in drinks over a few weeks
• Use a flavorful honey so a little goes far
• Choose water, unsweetened tea or sparkling water often

Diet drinks vs honey drinks

A can of diet soda has no sugar, while a homemade honey lemonade might have 10 to 15 grams. A good compromise is a lightly sweetened drink: a teaspoon of honey in a large glass of iced tea with lemon. Our honey lemon water guide has ideas.

Reading labels

Many products combine sweeteners. A drink labeled with stevia may also contain erythritol or sucralose. Check the ingredient list for each sweetener if you want to avoid particular ones. Our article on honey vs erythritol covers one common blend ingredient.

When honey makes sense

Choose honey for flavor-forward uses: a drizzle on yogurt, a spoon in tea, a glaze on roasted vegetables. Raw Wildflower Honey, harvested in New York State, is versatile, and Raw Orange Blossom Honey from Florida adds a fragrant lift so a little feels like enough.

The takeaway on honey vs artificial sweeteners

Honey vs artificial sweeteners is a trade-off between flavor with calories and sweetness without them. Regulators consider approved sweeteners safe under set conditions, while WHO advises against relying on them for weight control. Using less of any sweetener is the common ground.

Honey vs artificial sweeteners in coffee and tea

Many people use sucralose packets in coffee for zero calories. A teaspoon of honey adds about 21 calories and a gentle floral note that some people find more satisfying, so they use less. In tea, honey's aroma pairs especially well with green, black and herbal blends. Our honey in coffee guide explains how to add honey without it clumping.

Kids and sweeteners

Pediatric groups generally encourage limiting both added sugars and non-sugar sweeteners for young children, and helping them enjoy water, milk and unsweetened foods. For children over 12 months, a small drizzle of honey on oatmeal is a familiar treat in moderation. Babies under 12 months must never have honey.

Savor less, enjoy more

Pick a honey you love and use just a little. Explore our raw honeys in the shop. Save with a 3 jar or 6 jar pack of any honey, and orders over $50 ship free.