Using honey in coffee actually is a delicious and healthy alternative to sugar. We get asked about combining honey with coffee from time to time, in different parts of the world.
So, are there any side effectives when using honey in coffee?
For most people, it’s perfectly safe and beneficial. Here’s how and why:
- Natural Sweetness
Unlike refined or table sugar, raw honey provides more than just sweetness. It’s packed with antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and vitamins, minerals that contribute to our overall well-being. Vitamins like B6, niacin promote energy metabolism, while minerals like calcium and magnesium support bone health. - Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Support
It’s rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties to help fight inflammation and protect us from oxidative stress. Raw honey contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers. So adding raw honey containing natural antibacterial and antiviral effects can provide a little immune support, especially during flu seasons or times when you’re feeling rundown. Certain types of honey, like Jarrah Honey and Manuka Honey, are used for their potent medicinal benefits. - Natural Prebiotic
Raw honey is a natural prebiotic, it promotes the growth of good bacteria in your gut and helps to fight the bad bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for everything from digestion to immune health, and adding honey to your coffee can help support a balanced gut. - Healthier Heart
Some studies suggest that raw honey - the unprocessed form - can help improve heart health by lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising HDL (good) cholesterol. Combining coffee's cardiovascular benefits with honey's ability to reduce inflammation could contribute to a healthier heart over time.
For some people, they may need to take note:
- Allergy to Honey: Rarely, some individuals may have allergic reactions to honey or bee products. It’s estimated about 1 in 100 people may be allergic to honey. If you have a history of allergies, proceed with caution until you know how your body reacts.
- Digestive Sensitivity: Coffee’s acidity can irritate some people’s digestive system. Adding honey won't change this but usually doesn’t make it worse either. Similarly, for some people who may be prone to acid reflux, coffee can trigger symptoms, and honey won’t reduce the acidity. If this is a concern, consider drinking coffee with honey with a lower acidity level, such as cold brew.
- Calories: Natural raw honey is actually sweeter than sugar/sugar syrup. So when you are using it as a table sugar alternatives, you can actually use less amount. For example, if you were using 2 teaspoon of table sugar previously, now you would only need 1–1.5 teaspoon.
How to Add Honey to Coffee:
- Start with 1 teaspoon: Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you won’t need as much. Start with 1 teaspoon (about 7g) for an average cup (8oz) of coffee. You can adjust based on your taste—some people prefer more or less depending on how sweet they like their coffee.
- Increase Slowly: If you want more sweetness, add honey in small increments (1/2 teaspoon at a time) until you reach your desired taste. Keep in mind that too much honey could overpower the flavor of your coffee.
- Optimal Temperature: For the best results, let your coffee cool slightly before adding honey. Very hot coffee (~ 90 degree C) will degrade the natural enzymes and nutrients in raw honey. Aim to add honey when your coffee is warm but not boiling - around 60 degree C . This temperature ensures that honey dissolves smoothly while retaining its health benefits.
- Stir Well: Once the coffee is at the right temperature, add your honey and stir thoroughly to dissolve it evenly. You could also add ice to make a glass of delicious ice coffee.
Experiment with Honey Flavors:
- Different types of honey (manuka, jarrah, clover, longan etc) can add unique flavors to your coffee. Experiment with these varieties to find a combination that works for your palate.
My Experience:
Adding raw honey to your coffee is a great way to enhance flavor and gain additional health benefits. Just remember to keep your coffee at a warm—not boiling—temperature to preserve the honey’s natural properties, and start with 1 teaspoon of honey, mix well, and adjusting to your taste. Do be reminded that above only works for raw honey but not processed or supermarket-grade of honeys - as the processes for supermarket grade honey often already destroy all the health benefits, nutrients, antioxidants, antimicrobial and probiotic properties even BEFORE you use it.
If you have any other honey-related questions or want to explore more ways to enjoy honey, feel free to reach out! 🐝🍯