How many calories in a tablespoon of hot honey?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from various brands, a tablespoon of hot honey contains approximately 60 to 72 calories. The precise number of calories in a tablespoon of hot honey can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific recipe, but it is primarily derived from the honey's carbohydrates.

Quick Summary

A tablespoon of hot honey typically contains between 60 and 72 calories, with zero fat and protein content. This condiment's calorie count is comparable to regular honey, which is approximately 64 calories per tablespoon.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A tablespoon of hot honey contains approximately 60 to 72 calories, very similar to regular honey.
Nutritional Composition: The calories are almost exclusively from carbohydrates (sugars), with virtually zero fat and protein.
Added Benefits from Peppers: The chili peppers in hot honey provide capsaicin, which offers potential antioxidant and metabolism-boosting effects.
Versatile Culinary Use: Hot honey is a versatile condiment used on both savory dishes like pizza and fried chicken, and sweet treats like ice cream.
Easy to Make at Home: You can easily prepare hot honey at home by infusing honey with chili flakes, allowing for customized heat levels.

Nutritional Profile of Hot Honey

Hot honey is essentially honey infused with chili peppers, so its nutritional content is very similar to regular honey, with a few extra compounds from the peppers. The calories come almost entirely from the natural sugars found in honey, which are simple carbohydrates. Hot honey contains virtually no fat or protein, and its primary ingredients are honey, chili peppers, and often a touch of vinegar.

Calorie Comparison: Hot Honey vs. Regular Honey

When comparing hot honey to its un-spiced counterpart, the calorie count per tablespoon is nearly identical. The addition of a small amount of chili peppers or vinegar does not significantly alter the total energy content. The difference in calories is mainly due to the specific weight and density of a tablespoon of liquid honey, as the weight can vary slightly from one pour to the next.

Hot Honey vs. Regular Honey: Nutritional Breakdown


Nutrient	Hot Honey (approx. 1 tbsp/21g)	Regular Honey (approx. 1 tbsp/21g)
Calories	70-72	64
Total Carbohydrates	17-18g	17.3g
Sugars	14-17g	17.3g
Protein	0g	0.1g
Fat	0g	0g

Beyond the Calories: The Added Perks of Hot Honey

While the calorie count is similar, the addition of chili peppers gives hot honey extra health-promoting properties that regular honey lacks.

Antioxidant Boost: Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, is an antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage in the body. Honey also contains antioxidants, creating a beneficial combination.
Metabolism Support: Some studies suggest that capsaicin may help boost metabolism, aiding in weight management.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Both honey and capsaicin have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Soothing for Coughs and Congestion: The combination of honey's soothing properties and capsaicin's ability to clear nasal passages makes hot honey a potential remedy for respiratory tract infections.

Versatile Uses for Hot Honey

Hot honey's unique sweet-and-spicy flavor profile makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It can be used in both savory and sweet applications, adding a new dimension to classic dishes. Here are some popular uses:

Drizzled on Pizza: A common and beloved use, especially on pepperoni pizza, to balance the richness with sweet heat.
On Fried Chicken: Drizzling hot honey over fried chicken or chicken wings adds a craveable sweet and spicy glaze.
With Cheese: A perfect pairing for a charcuterie board, especially with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or baked brie.
In Marinades and Dressings: Adds a unique flavor to marinades for meats and vinaigrettes for salads.
On Roasted Vegetables: It can create a delicious caramelized glaze on vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
As a Cocktail Mixer: Use it to add a spicy-sweet kick to drinks like margaritas or hot toddies.
For Breakfast and Brunch: A great alternative to maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, or biscuits.

How to Make Homemade Hot Honey

Making hot honey at home is a simple and cost-effective process. This allows you to customize the heat level to your preference. A simple recipe includes just a few ingredients:

Ingredients:

1 cup honey
1-2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes (or more for extra heat)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

Instructions:

Combine the honey and chili flakes in a small saucepan over low to medium heat.
Gently heat the mixture until small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not let it come to a full boil.
Remove from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar, if using.
Allow the honey to sit and infuse for at least 15-20 minutes. For a spicier result, let it infuse for longer.
For a clear honey, strain the chili flakes through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, airtight jar. If you prefer a rustic look and continuing spice infusion, leave the flakes in.
Store in a cool, dark place. The hot honey will last for several months.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a tablespoon of hot honey contains a similar calorie count to regular honey, falling in the range of 60 to 72 calories depending on the brand. The simple infusion of chili peppers adds a spicy kick and introduces potential health benefits from capsaicin, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This versatility makes hot honey a delicious and easy way to add a sweet heat to a variety of dishes, from pizza to roasted vegetables. Whether you buy it pre-made or create a personalized batch at home, hot honey is a flavorful condiment that can elevate your cooking with minimal impact on your total calorie intake.

How to use hot honey on pizza, vegetables, and more

Hot honey’s versatility allows it to enhance many different foods.

The difference between hot honey and regular honey

While nutritionally similar, hot honey has the added kick of capsaicin from chili peppers.

Benefits of making hot honey at home

Making your own hot honey is more affordable and allows you to control the exact spice level.

Calorie range for a tablespoon of hot honey

The calorie range is typically between 60 and 72 calories, depending on the specific brand and recipe.

Health benefits from hot honey's ingredients

The combination of honey and chili peppers provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick and easy homemade hot honey recipe

This simple recipe uses only a few ingredients and can be made in about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, hot honey does not have more calories than regular honey. Since it is simply an infusion of honey and chili peppers, the calorie count per tablespoon is very similar, typically ranging from 60 to 72, which is comparable to regular honey's 64 calories.

Hot honey is made by infusing pure honey with chili peppers. Some recipes also include a small amount of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, to balance the sweetness and heat with a slight tang.

Yes, hot honey can offer some health benefits beyond regular honey. It provides the antioxidant and soothing properties of honey along with the potential metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects of capsaicin from chili peppers.

Hot honey is primarily sugar and therefore not suitable for a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet. A single tablespoon contains 17-18 grams of carbohydrates.

Store homemade hot honey in a clean, airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. Honey is naturally shelf-stable, but refrigeration can help preserve the infused flavor.

Crystallization is a natural process for honey. If your hot honey crystallizes, simply place the jar in a pot of warm water until the crystals dissolve and the honey becomes liquid again.

Homemade hot honey can have a different flavor profile than store-bought versions. Making it at home allows you to control the type of pepper and the exact heat level, while commercial products offer a consistent taste profile.