How Many Calories Are In Lavender Honey? A Nutritional Guide

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, a single tablespoon of honey contains roughly 64 calories. Lavender honey, similar to other honey varieties, has an equivalent caloric density, with a standard tablespoon typically providing around 60 calories, primarily from natural sugars.

Quick Summary

A tablespoon of lavender honey contains approximately 60 calories, consisting almost entirely of sugars. Its nutritional profile is similar to regular honey, but it offers unique flavor and health benefits from its lavender origin.

Key Points

Caloric Content: One tablespoon of lavender honey contains approximately 60 calories, comparable to regular honey.
Primary Composition: Calories primarily come from sugars (fructose and glucose), with minimal protein or fat.
Monofloral vs. Infused: The concentration of beneficial compounds can differ based on whether the honey is naturally monofloral or infused with lavender.
Health Benefits: Beyond its caloric value, the honey offers calming, antioxidant, and potential digestive benefits due to lavender properties.
Mindful Consumption: Due to its high sugar content, lavender honey should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storage: For optimal flavor and longevity, store lavender honey in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Understanding the Calories in Lavender Honey

Lavender honey, whether it is a monofloral variety from bees pollinating lavender fields or an infused version, is a dense source of simple carbohydrates. Its caloric content is comparable to other types of honey, with the main difference lying in its distinct floral flavor and beneficial compounds derived from the lavender nectar. While the exact calorie count can vary slightly by brand due to factors like moisture content, the 60-64 calorie figure per tablespoon is a reliable benchmark.

The Macronutrient Composition

Like all honey, lavender honey is composed predominantly of sugars, specifically fructose and glucose. It contains very minimal amounts of protein and virtually no fat. A typical tablespoon contains about 16-17 grams of sugar, with trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. However, it's the phytochemicals and antioxidants passed from the lavender plant that give this honey its unique therapeutic properties.

Lavender Honey vs. Regular Honey vs. Sugar

While lavender honey shares a similar caloric profile with generic honey, its unique properties set it apart. Comparing it to regular granulated sugar is also insightful for those looking to manage their sweetener intake.


Feature	Lavender Honey	Generic Honey	Table Sugar
Calories (per tbsp)	~60 kcal	~64 kcal	~45 kcal
Primary Composition	Fructose, Glucose	Fructose, Glucose	Sucrose
Carbohydrates (per tbsp)	~17g	~17.3g	~12.6g
Flavor Profile	Floral, subtle, calming	Varies by source, generally sweet	Purely sweet
Density	High	High	Lower
Health Benefits	Calming, antioxidant	Antimicrobial, antioxidant	None

The Impact of Source on Nutritional Value

The nutritional and therapeutic value of your lavender honey depends on whether it's truly monofloral or simply infused. Monofloral honey, where bees primarily collect nectar from lavender flowers, naturally incorporates the plant's compounds. Infused honey, made by adding lavender to existing honey, may offer some flavor but potentially fewer of the active components. Checking the product's origin and processing is key to understanding its full benefits.

Beyond Calories: The Health Benefits of Lavender Honey

While the calorie count is similar to regular honey, the real appeal of lavender honey lies in its additional health properties. These benefits are not a replacement for medical treatment but can be a pleasant addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Stress and Anxiety Relief: Lavender's calming properties are well-documented, and consuming lavender honey can help soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Improved Sleep Quality: A spoonful of lavender honey before bed may help improve sleep cycles and reduce nighttime awakenings.
Antioxidant Power: Rich in nutraceuticals, lavender honey helps fight oxidative stress and protects against cellular damage.
Digestive Support: Honey acts as a natural prebiotic, while lavender soothes the gut, potentially alleviating indigestion and bloating.
Immune System Boost: Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help strengthen the body's immune response.
Antiseptic Use: Topically, it can be used to aid in wound healing and soothe skin irritations.

Using Lavender Honey in a Balanced Diet

Given its high sugar and calorie content, lavender honey should be consumed in moderation, especially if weight management is a goal. It can be used as a natural sweetener in herbal teas or drizzled over yogurt, oatmeal, or toast. Storing it in a cool, dark place will preserve its flavor and nutritional properties. It is important to note that heating honey to high temperatures can destroy some of its beneficial enzymes, so adding it to lukewarm or cooled foods is ideal. For individuals with a pollen allergy, it's important to be cautious and possibly perform an allergy test before regular consumption.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in lavender honey? The answer is about 60 calories per tablespoon, a number very similar to other honey varieties. The choice between lavender and other honey types is not about a significant caloric difference but rather about the unique flavor and supplementary health benefits. From its calming effects to its antioxidant properties, lavender honey offers a compelling reason to choose it over regular table sugar or other sweeteners. As with all sweeteners, moderation is key to enjoying its benefits while maintaining a balanced diet. Individuals should be mindful of its sugar content and use it as a flavorful, natural alternative to refined sugars. For more information on herbal safety, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health provides extensive resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single tablespoon of lavender honey contains approximately 60 calories, with slight variations possible between brands.

While calorically similar, lavender honey is often considered healthier due to additional compounds from the lavender plant, such as antioxidants and calming properties.

No, lavender honey does not have significantly less sugar. Like other honey varieties, it is primarily composed of natural sugars like fructose and glucose.

Key health benefits include stress and anxiety relief, improved sleep quality, antioxidant effects, digestive support, and antimicrobial properties.

Lavender honey, like all honey, is a high-calorie, high-sugar product. While better than refined sugar, it should be consumed in moderation if you are watching your weight.

Lavender honey is generally safe, but individuals with a pollen allergy or allergy to bee products should exercise caution. Consult a doctor, especially before giving it to children, as honey is not recommended for infants under one year.

To maintain its flavor and properties, lavender honey should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Check the product label and description. Reputable producers of monofloral honey will typically state it is from a specific location known for lavender cultivation. Infused honey will often list 'honey' and 'lavender flowers' or 'lavender extract' in the ingredients.