Is it okay to drink honey with tea?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to ancient traditions and modern science, the combination of tea with honey offers a wealth of health benefits, from soothing sore throats to boosting antioxidant intake. But is it okay to drink honey with tea, especially when the tea is hot? The answer is a resounding yes, provided you add the honey at the right time to preserve its nutritional integrity.

Quick Summary

Adding honey to tea is a healthy and safe practice that offers antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. It is a more nutritious alternative to refined sugar, but should be added to warm, not boiling, tea to preserve its beneficial enzymes. The flavor and type of honey can also enhance the tea-drinking experience.

Key Points

Temperature Matters: To preserve the healthful enzymes and antioxidants in honey, add it to tea that is warm, not boiling hot, ideally below 70°C (158°F).
Natural Sweetener: Honey is a more nutritious alternative to refined sugar, offering trace minerals and antioxidants that sugar lacks.
Soothes Colds: A warm honey and tea mixture is a well-known remedy for soothing sore throats and suppressing coughs.
Not Poisonous: The long-standing myth that heating honey makes it toxic is unfounded; while extreme heat can degrade its quality, it does not make it poisonous.
Flavor Pairing: Different varieties of honey (e.g., acacia, buckwheat) have unique flavor profiles that can be paired with specific teas to enhance the overall taste.

The Healthful Harmony of Honey and Tea

Combining honey with tea creates a beverage that is not only delicious but also offers several potential health benefits. This natural pairing has been cherished for centuries, particularly for its soothing effects and immune-boosting properties.

Honey's Role as a Medicinal Elixir

Long before it was simply a sweetener, honey was used in ancient cultures for its healing capabilities. It is known to possess natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent remedy for common ailments.

Soothes Sore Throats and Coughs: Honey’s thick, viscous consistency coats the throat, providing immediate relief from irritation and acting as a natural cough suppressant.
Boosts the Immune System: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, honey helps support the body's natural defenses against infections.
Supports Digestive Health: Honey contains prebiotic properties that nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding in digestion and helping to balance gut flora.
Provides Natural Energy: The natural sugars in honey, fructose and glucose, offer a quick and sustained energy boost without the sharp blood sugar spike caused by refined sugar.

The Importance of Temperature

While it is perfectly safe to add honey to tea, the temperature of the water is a crucial factor in preserving honey’s beneficial qualities. Exposing honey to excessive heat (above 40-70°C or 104-158°F) can destroy its delicate enzymes and antioxidants.

For best results, let your tea cool slightly to a warm, drinkable temperature before stirring in the honey. This ensures you receive the maximum therapeutic benefits along with the pleasant sweetness. Dispelling the myth that heated honey becomes toxic is important, as studies show that while high heat can degrade its quality, it does not produce harmful compounds in dangerous amounts under normal circumstances.

Honey vs. Sugar: A Sweetener Showdown

For those looking to reduce their intake of processed sugars, honey serves as a superior alternative. It offers a more complex flavor profile and additional nutrients that sugar lacks.


Feature	Honey	Refined White Sugar
Source	Natural nectar processed by bees	Processed sugarcane or sugar beets
Nutritional Value	Trace minerals (calcium, potassium), vitamins, antioxidants	None; considered empty calories
Glycemic Index (GI)	Slightly lower GI; causes slower blood sugar rise	Higher GI; causes faster, more dramatic blood sugar spike
Flavor Profile	Complex; can be floral, fruity, woody	Simple, straightforward sweetness
Health Benefits	Soothes throat, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties	None besides providing energy

Choosing the Right Honey for Your Tea

The flavor and aroma of honey can vary dramatically depending on the floral source. Choosing the right honey can greatly enhance your tea experience.

Lighter Honeys (Acacia, Orange Blossom): These have a delicate, floral flavor that pairs well with lighter teas such as green tea or white tea.
Medium Honeys (Wildflower, Lavender): These offer a more balanced profile and can complement oolong or black teas.
Darker Honeys (Buckwheat, Manuka): With a richer, more robust flavor, these can stand up to bolder black teas or herbal blends, especially ginger tea.

How to Prepare the Perfect Honey-Infused Tea

To ensure you get the most from your honey and tea combination, follow these simple steps:

Brew Your Tea: Prepare your chosen tea as you normally would, ensuring the water is at the correct temperature for the specific type of tea. For example, use slightly cooler water for green tea to avoid bitterness.
Allow to Cool: After steeping, let the tea sit for a few minutes. This allows the temperature to drop below 70°C (158°F), protecting the honey’s beneficial compounds.
Add Honey and Stir: Stir in a teaspoon of your preferred honey. A little goes a long way, and you can add more to taste.

Conclusion

Drinking honey with tea is not only a safe practice but can also be a highly beneficial one, offering a superior flavor and nutritional profile compared to refined sugar. By being mindful of the water temperature and choosing a high-quality honey, you can enjoy a beverage that soothes, energizes, and supports your overall well-being. This delightful and simple habit is a testament to the fact that some of the best remedies and comforts are found in nature's most straightforward gifts. For further research on honey's medicinal properties, you may consult resources like the National Library of Medicine for detailed studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, honey does not become toxic when heated. This is a common myth. While high temperatures can destroy some of its beneficial enzymes and antioxidants, it does not produce harmful compounds in amounts that would be poisonous.

For maximum health benefits, it is best to add honey to tea after it has cooled slightly. The optimal temperature is typically below 70°C (158°F) to preserve its delicate compounds.

Yes, in most cases, honey is considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Honey contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and has a slightly lower glycemic index compared to sugar, though it should still be consumed in moderation.

No, it is not safe to give honey to infants under 12 months old. Honey can contain botulism spores, which can be harmless to older children and adults but can cause infant botulism in babies due to their undeveloped digestive systems.

Yes, adding honey to warm tea can help soothe a sore throat and calm a cough. Its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief from irritation.

Honey pairs well with many types of tea. Lighter honeys complement green and white teas, while bolder honeys go well with black or ginger teas. Herbal infusions like chamomile and peppermint are also excellent choices.

Yes, you can add honey to iced tea. To ensure it dissolves properly, you might want to create a simple honey syrup first by gently warming equal parts honey and water, then mixing it into your cold brew.