Is it okay to mix honey in tea?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

Adding honey to tea has been a tradition for centuries, celebrated for its soothing taste and medicinal properties. While honey offers antioxidants, enzymes, and natural sweetness, many wonder if combining it with hot tea diminishes these health benefits.

Quick Summary

Mixing honey in tea is perfectly safe, but high temperatures destroy its beneficial enzymes and antioxidants. Wait for your tea to cool to a warm, drinkable temperature to preserve the natural health properties of honey.

Key Points

Temperature matters: Adding honey to boiling water destroys its beneficial enzymes and antioxidants.
Wait for it to cool: Let your tea reach a warm, drinkable temperature (below 60°C or 140°F) before adding honey to preserve its natural properties.
Choose raw honey: Raw, unfiltered honey contains more nutrients, pollen, and antioxidants compared to its processed counterpart.
Soothing a sore throat: Honey is a natural cough suppressant and can help soothe throat irritation, a benefit supported by the World Health Organization.
Enhanced antioxidant properties: Combining honey with antioxidant-rich teas, like green tea, can further increase the health benefits.
Aids digestion: Honey acts as a prebiotic, nourishing good gut bacteria and enhancing the digestive benefits of certain herbal teas.
It's not toxic: The idea that heated honey becomes poisonous is a myth. It simply loses most of its health benefits.

Understanding the Effects of Temperature on Honey

The belief that mixing honey with hot liquids is harmful stems from both traditional Ayurvedic principles and modern scientific understanding. While the notion that it becomes 'toxic' when heated is largely a myth, excessive heat undeniably alters honey's chemical composition. This is not a matter of danger but rather a question of preserving its nutritional value.

The Science of Heat and Honey

When honey is exposed to high temperatures, typically above 40-60°C (104-140°F), several changes occur:

Enzyme degradation: The beneficial enzymes, such as glucose oxidase, which gives honey its antibacterial properties, are destroyed. This reduces its effectiveness as a natural remedy.
Antioxidant loss: Heat can break down or degrade the natural antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols. While the extent of this loss can vary, the overall antioxidant capacity of the honey is diminished.
HMF formation: Heating honey can increase the levels of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound that forms from the breakdown of sugars. While low levels are not a concern, high concentrations are used as an indicator of poor honey quality and excessive heat processing.

The Best Way to Add Honey to Your Tea

To enjoy the full range of honey's benefits, the key is to add it at the right moment. The optimal time is when the tea has cooled slightly from boiling, reaching a pleasant drinking temperature.

Step 1: Brew your tea as usual. Steep your tea leaves or bag in hot water according to the instructions for your specific type of tea. Certain delicate teas like green or white teas benefit from slightly cooler water during brewing anyway.
Step 2: Let it cool. Wait a few minutes for the tea to drop below 60°C (140°F). The tea should be warm, not scalding.
Step 3: Stir in the honey. Add your desired amount of raw, unfiltered honey and stir until it has dissolved completely.
Step 4: Enjoy. Sip your tea, now perfectly sweetened while retaining the best of honey's natural properties.

Raw Honey vs. Processed Honey in Tea

The type of honey you use also plays a significant role in the health benefits you receive.


Feature	Raw, Unfiltered Honey	Processed Honey
Processing	Minimally processed, not heated or filtered.	Pasteurized and often filtered, removing beneficial compounds.
Nutrients	Contains beneficial enzymes, pollen, antioxidants, and trace minerals.	Many beneficial enzymes and antioxidants are destroyed during processing.
Taste	More complex flavor profile with floral and earthy notes.	More consistent, less complex, and often sweeter flavor.
Best for Tea	Ideal when added to warm tea to preserve its natural benefits.	Best for a purely sweetening effect, as most nutritional value is already lost.

Beyond Sweetness: Health Benefits of Honey in Tea

When added correctly, honey can offer more than just flavor. It contributes to your overall well-being in several ways, particularly when combating minor ailments.

Soothing a Sore Throat and Cough

Honey has long been a go-to natural remedy for soothing irritated throats and suppressing coughs. Its thick, viscous consistency coats the throat, providing immediate relief, while its antibacterial properties help fight infection. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics endorse honey as an effective cough remedy.

Boosting the Immune System

The antioxidants and natural components in raw honey can provide a boost to your immune system. Paired with antioxidant-rich teas, such as green tea, this combination offers a potent defense against seasonal illnesses.

Aiding Digestion

Honey has natural prebiotic properties, which nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. When combined with herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, honey can enhance their calming effect on the digestive system and reduce symptoms of bloating or discomfort.

Conclusion

Yes, it is perfectly okay to mix honey in tea, and it can offer a delicious and healthful alternative to refined sugar. The key takeaway is to be mindful of the temperature. By allowing your tea to cool to a warm, comfortable drinking temperature before adding honey, you can preserve the valuable enzymes, antioxidants, and other natural compounds that make honey so beneficial. For the most nutritional value, opt for raw, unprocessed honey and enjoy the sweet, soothing benefits in every cup.

One Authoritative Outbound Link

For more information on the health benefits of honey and how to incorporate it into your diet, visit the Cleveland Clinic's health resource here: 5 Health Benefits of Honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, honey does not become toxic or poisonous when heated. The myth comes from traditional beliefs and misunderstandings. However, heating honey above certain temperatures (around 40-60°C or 104-140°F) does destroy many of its beneficial enzymes and antioxidants, reducing its nutritional value.

The best temperature to add honey to tea is when the liquid is warm, not boiling. Wait for the tea to cool slightly to a drinkable temperature, generally below 60°C (140°F), to preserve the honey's natural enzymes and health benefits.

Raw, unfiltered honey is generally better for tea, especially if you are seeking the health benefits. Unlike processed honey, raw honey contains beneficial enzymes, pollen, and antioxidants that are preserved because it has not been heated or heavily filtered.

Yes, a warm cup of tea with honey is a well-known remedy for a sore throat and cough. Honey's thick consistency coats the throat, providing a soothing effect, while its natural antibacterial properties can help fight infection.

Yes, research has shown that adding honey to certain teas can increase the total antioxidant capacity of the beverage. This effect is particularly noted with certain herbal teas and can provide enhanced health benefits.

Heating honey causes the degradation of its beneficial enzymes and antioxidants. This process can also increase the level of HMF, a sugar breakdown product. While the honey remains safe to consume, much of its therapeutic value is lost.

Yes, honey is considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar. While it is still a sweetener that should be consumed in moderation, honey offers trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that plain sugar lacks. Its complex flavor also means you may need less of it to achieve the desired sweetness.