How Many Calories Does a Teaspoon of Honey Have?

Honey is an energy-dense natural sweetener that comes with an impressive flavour and nutritional profile. Its culinary and medicinal uses are diverse, which is why it has been an important part of our diet for centuries.

According to the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry

“Pure Organic honey is far superior to sugar and other artificial sweeteners that only raise your blood sugar levels without giving you any healthy vitamins and minerals.”

Honey is also a calorie-rich food item that athletes and people involved in serious physical activities consume daily to get an energy boost. But how many calories can one get from a single teaspoon of honey? This is what this blog is all about so keep on reading to learn all about the amazing nutritional profile of the organic, raw honey.

• Caloric Content of Honey

• Calories Per Teaspoon

• Calories Per Tablespoon

• Honey vs Refined Sugar: Caloric Comparison

• Nutritional Profile of Honey

• Health Benefits of Honey

• Gives an Energy Boost

• Has Antioxidant Effects

• Enhances Immunity

• Promotes Faster Wound Healing

• Soothes Sore Throat

• Improves Gut Health

Caloric Content of Honey

A single serving of honey has a fair number of calories. However, unlike refined sugars, it also has some side benefits that result from high antioxidant, mineral and vitamin concentrations.

This 100% natural sweetener contains simple sugars like fructose and glucose that are quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, serving as a rapid source of energy. The presence of trace minerals and vitamins further enhances its energy-boosting capabilities, which makes it a healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners.

The following are the details of the caloric contents of organic honey:     

Calories Per Teaspoon

A standard 1-teaspoon serving of honey gives you about 21 calories, which is comparable to that of most organic and refined sugars. The caloric content of honey results from its high glucose and fructose carbohydrate content.

Calories Per Tablespoon

A single tablespoon or about 21 grams of honey gives you somewhere between 60 to 70 calories. On average, most sellers claim their honey contains about 64 calories per tablespoon.

Honey vs Refined Sugar: Caloric Comparison

One teaspoon of table sugar gives you about 16 calories and 4 grams of sugar. In comparison, you get about 21 calories and 5 grams of sugar from a single teaspoon of honey.

A tablespoon of sugar has about 49 calories and 13 grams of sugar. But the same amount of honey gives you 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. The only difference is that refined sugar doesn’t give you other healthy nutrients. On the other hand, honey boasts an impressive nutritional profile with its trace amounts of minerals and vitamins.

Nutritional Profile of Honey

Following is a brief overview of the nutritional profile of honey to show you why it is an amazing addition to your daily diet.

1 tablespoon of honey gives you

• 64 calories and 17g carbohydrates

• 0.1-gram protein

• 10.9 mg Potassium, 0.1mg Iron and 1.3mg calcium

• Honey contains carbs, which consist of 50% glucose and 50% fructose.

• It has a glycemic Index of about 60, which is in the safe range.

• Honey contains no fats.

• It contains calcium, copper, iron, zinc and trace amounts of other minerals.

• It has trace amounts of Vitamin B6.

• It contains antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols.

• It has Methylglyoxal (MGO), which is an important antibacterial.

• It contains prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides that are good for the health of your digestive system.

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey has a lot of benefits for your physical and mental health. Here are just a few of these to give you an idea

1. Gives an Energy Boost

Glucose and fructose in honey give you quick energy that boosts your endurance. This is exactly why most athletes recommend honey before and after workouts for enhanced performance and quick recovery.

2. Has Antioxidant Effects

Honey is rich in phenols, flavonoids and other antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, prevent inflammation and give your body protection against oxidative stress. This ensures you stay healthy, energetic and fit throughout the day.

3. Enhances Immunity

Honey can support and strengthen your immune system. It is rich in minerals and vitamins that your body needs to fight seasonal and chronic illnesses. Honey’s antibacterial features keep viruses and bacteria at bay. These properties of honey also prevent infections, which leads to a much healthier physical body.

Having a few teaspoons of honey every day can thus keep you equipped to fight external pathogens without any side effects.

4. Promotes Faster Wound Healing

Organic honey comes with propolis, which has pollen, resins, wax and essential oils. These elements prevent free radical activity and promote a steady synthesis of collagen. This makes it an effective wound-healing remedy.

People suffering from acne or diabetic foot ulcers can also apply honey topically to reduce the symptoms.

5. Soothes Sore Throat

A spoonful of honey, consumed raw or mixed in warm water, is an effective way to suppress coughing and reduce soreness in your throat. People who suffer from seasonal flu and allergies can use honey regularly to lessen the intensity of the symptoms almost instantly.