Understanding the Bad Side Effects of Eating Honey

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

While honey is often celebrated for its natural properties and antioxidant content, it's not without its risks. In fact, approximately 32 million people in the United States alone have a food allergy, and for a small number of these individuals, honey can trigger a reaction. It's crucial to understand the potential bad side effects of eating honey, from allergic reactions to more serious health concerns, to consume it safely and in moderation.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential health risks associated with honey consumption, including botulism in infants, sugar-related issues like weight gain and diabetes concerns, and severe allergic reactions. It also addresses the dangers of toxic or 'mad' honey and provides guidance on who should exercise caution when incorporating honey into their diet.

Key Points

Infant Botulism Risk: Never give honey to infants under one year of age due to the risk of Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause severe food poisoning in babies.
High Sugar Content: Honey is primarily sugar (fructose and glucose), and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain, similar to other sweeteners.
Diabetes Management: Diabetics should consume honey sparingly and monitor its effect on blood sugar levels, as it is still a carbohydrate that can cause spikes.
Toxic 'Mad Honey': Wild or unprocessed honey from certain geographical areas can contain grayanotoxins from Rhododendron flowers, leading to potentially fatal poisoning.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, honey can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to pollen or bee proteins, with symptoms ranging from mild to anaphylaxis.
Dental Decay: The high sugar and sticky nature of honey contribute to tooth decay if consumed frequently without proper oral hygiene.

The Risk of Infant Botulism

One of the most critical warnings regarding honey consumption concerns infants under 12 months old. Honey can contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which are harmless to adults but can germinate and multiply in an infant's immature digestive system. This can produce a dangerous toxin that causes infant botulism, a rare but serious paralytic illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises against giving honey to children younger than one year, including raw, pasteurized, and even small amounts in processed foods.

Symptoms of infant botulism can range from mild to severe and may include:

Constipation
Muscle weakness (floppy head, neck, and limbs)
Weak cry
Poor feeding and lethargy
Breathing problems

Sugar-Related Health Issues

Despite being a "natural" sweetener, honey is still a high-sugar, high-calorie food and should be consumed in moderation, just like table sugar. One tablespoon contains approximately 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, and excessive intake can lead to several health problems.

Weight Gain and Obesity

Consuming too much honey can lead to weight gain due to its high calorie and sugar content. While some studies suggest honey may boost metabolism, the excess calories can easily contribute to an energy surplus, leading to weight gain over time. For those managing their weight, honey should be treated as an added sugar and kept to a minimum.

Concerns for Diabetics

For individuals with diabetes, honey still affects blood sugar levels, although it has a lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar. The fructose and glucose content can cause blood sugar spikes, especially when consumed in large amounts. It's essential for diabetics to monitor their intake and consult a healthcare professional to determine a safe amount, as some studies show higher quantities of honey can increase glucose levels. Raw honey might be a better option than processed varieties with added sugars, but moderation remains key.

Dental Health

Honey's high sugar content and sticky nature can cling to teeth, promoting tooth decay and cavities over time if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. This is a concern shared with other sugary foods and drinks.

The Threat of Toxic Honey

In some parts of the world, certain types of wild honey, sometimes called "mad honey," contain grayanotoxins from the nectar of Rhododendron flowers. While rare with commercially produced and filtered honey, consuming this unprocessed, toxic honey can cause serious health issues. Symptoms, which typically appear within a few hours of ingestion, can include:

Dizziness and nausea
Weakness and excessive perspiration
Severe bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Allergic Reactions

Although uncommon, some people can be allergic to honey. An allergic reaction is usually triggered by the pollen or bee proteins present in the honey, and individuals with existing pollen allergies or a sensitivity to bee stings are at a higher risk. Processed and filtered honeys have fewer allergens, but raw honey contains higher amounts of pollen, bee components, and even spores, which can provoke a reaction in sensitive individuals.

Symptoms of a honey allergy can range from mild to severe, including:

Hives or skin rash
Itching or tingling throat
Swelling
Sneezing or runny nose
Nausea and vomiting

In rare, severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, which requires immediate medical attention.

Medications and Drug Interactions

Honey can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs). Honey can slow blood clotting, and when combined with these medications, it may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Additionally, it can affect how the body absorbs certain drugs, so anyone on medication should consult a doctor before consuming honey in therapeutic amounts.

Comparison Table: Honey vs. Refined Sugar Risks

While honey is often perceived as healthier, both sweeteners share some risks. Here is a comparison of their potential negative effects:


Health Concern	Honey (in excess)	Refined Sugar (in excess)
High Blood Sugar	Can raise blood glucose levels, particularly concerning for diabetics.	Significantly raises blood glucose levels, a major risk for type 2 diabetes.
Weight Gain	High in calories and sugar; can easily contribute to weight gain.	High in calories and sugar; a primary cause of obesity and weight gain.
Dental Issues	High sugar and sticky consistency can promote tooth decay.	High sugar content is a major contributor to cavities.
Toxicity	Risk of "mad honey" poisoning from grayanotoxins in raw, wild honey.	No inherent risk of natural plant toxins.
Infant Risk	Risk of infant botulism due to C. botulinum spores.	No risk of infant botulism.
Allergies	Rare allergic reactions caused by pollen or bee proteins.	Generally not a cause of allergies, though additives in some products could be.

Conclusion

While honey offers some potential benefits, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it is not a risk-free food. Understanding the bad side effects of eating honey is crucial for making informed dietary choices. For infants under one year, honey is unequivocally unsafe due to the risk of botulism. For adults, the primary concerns stem from overconsumption, which can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and dental problems, similar to other forms of sugar. Rare but serious risks include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and grayanotoxin poisoning from specific types of raw honey. As with most foods, moderation is key. When using honey, it's important to consider its calorie and sugar content, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or are managing your weight. For those seeking benefits like antioxidants, it's often wiser to obtain them from sources like fruits and vegetables, which provide more nutrients with less sugar. Honey and Diabetes Mellitus: The Importance of Natural Simple Sugars provides additional research and context on its metabolic effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey is dangerous for infants under 12 months because it can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum. An infant's underdeveloped digestive system cannot handle these spores, which can germinate and produce toxins, leading to infant botulism.

Yes, although rare, honey can cause allergic reactions in some people. This is typically due to pollen or bee protein contaminants in the honey, and the risk is higher with raw or unprocessed varieties.

Eating too much honey can contribute to weight gain because it is high in calories and sugar. While it has some beneficial compounds, excessive intake adds unnecessary calories that can lead to an energy surplus over time.

For people with diabetes, honey should be consumed in moderation and with caution. While it has a lower glycemic index than table sugar, it still contains sugars that can raise blood glucose levels. It's best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

'Mad honey' is wild or unprocessed honey that contains grayanotoxins from certain Rhododendron flowers. Consuming it can lead to serious health issues, including dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, and severe cardiac problems.

Yes, honey can interact with medications that slow blood clotting, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. Consuming honey with these medications can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Processed honey undergoes filtration and pasteurization, which removes most allergens and spores, making it safer from risks like botulism and pollen-related allergies. However, it still retains its high sugar content and associated risks.