What are the side effects of consuming too much honey?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

One tablespoon of honey contains approximately 64 calories, making it a calorie-dense sweetener. While praised for its antioxidants and natural properties, excessive consumption can lead to negative health outcomes. Read on to understand what are the side effects of consuming too much honey.

Quick Summary

Excessive honey consumption can lead to several adverse health effects, such as blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and digestive problems. It also poses risks for dental health due to its high sugar content and stickiness. Moderation is key to enjoying honey's benefits without experiencing its drawbacks, especially for those with conditions like diabetes or IBS.

Key Points

Blood Sugar Spikes: Excessive honey consumption can lead to elevated blood glucose levels and potentially contribute to insulin resistance over time.
Weight Gain: Like any high-calorie sugar, too much honey can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.
Digestive Issues: The high fructose content in honey can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly in individuals with IBS or fructose malabsorption.
Dental Decay: The high sugar content and sticky nature of honey contribute to tooth decay by feeding bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids.
Infant Botulism: Honey poses a serious risk of infant botulism and must not be given to children under one year of age.
Blood Pressure Fluctuations: While moderate amounts may offer benefits, excessive honey can potentially cause a drop in blood pressure.

Blood Sugar Spikes and Insulin Resistance

Despite being a natural sweetener, honey is primarily composed of sugars, namely fructose and glucose. Consuming too much honey, especially in a single sitting, can cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes or prediabetes, this can be particularly dangerous. Over time, consistently high sugar intake, even from natural sources like honey, can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Weight Gain and Obesity

Just like any other source of sugar and carbohydrates, excessive honey intake can contribute to weight gain. A single tablespoon contains around 64 calories, and these calories can add up quickly if you use honey liberally throughout the day in your tea, yogurt, or other foods. High-sugar diets have been consistently linked to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity, which can in turn lead to other serious health issues like heart disease.

Digestive Issues

For some individuals, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or fructose malabsorption, too much honey can cause significant digestive distress. The high fructose content can lead to a variety of symptoms as the body struggles to absorb the sugar, including:

Bloating
Gas
Stomach cramping
Diarrhea

Honey is considered a high-FODMAP food, which can exacerbate symptoms for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Dental Problems

The high sugar content and sticky nature of honey make it a potential threat to your dental health. The sugars feed the bacteria in your mouth, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. The sticky texture also allows the sugar to cling to teeth for longer, increasing the risk of decay. Proper dental hygiene is crucial to mitigate this risk.

Blood Pressure Fluctuations

While moderate honey consumption has been linked to potential benefits for blood pressure, excessive intake can have the opposite effect. According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, too much honey can potentially reduce systolic blood pressure, leading to hypotension. For those with already low blood pressure, this could cause dizziness, fatigue, or more serious cardiovascular issues over time.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to honey, particularly raw honey, which contains bee pollen. Symptoms can range from mild issues like itching and swelling to more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. If you have a known allergy to bee products or pollen, it is best to avoid honey.

The Botulism Risk for Infants

One of the most critical side effects of honey consumption is the risk of infant botulism. Infants under one year old should never be given honey, as their digestive systems are not mature enough to process the Clostridium botulinum spores that can be found in both raw and pasteurized honey. This can lead to a rare but serious form of food poisoning that can cause muscle weakness and respiratory problems.

Honey vs. Table Sugar: A Comparison


Feature	Honey	Refined Table Sugar
Nutritional Profile	Contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.	Has no nutritional value beyond calories.
Calorie Content	Higher in calories per tablespoon (approx. 64).	Lower in calories per tablespoon (approx. 50).
Processing	Generally less processed than refined sugar; raw options are available.	Requires significant processing.
Glycemic Index (GI)	Lower GI than table sugar (around 50-55 vs. 65).	Higher GI, causing faster blood sugar spikes.
Sweetness	Fructose is sweeter than glucose, meaning less may be needed for the same sweetness.	Standard sweetness profile based on sucrose content.

Conclusion: The Importance of Moderation

While honey is often touted as a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation. As explored, the potential side effects of consuming too much honey include blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, digestive problems, and dental issues. The key to enjoying its benefits without the drawbacks lies in mindful consumption and adherence to recommended daily limits. Experts generally advise that adults limit their intake of added sugars, including honey, to a few tablespoons per day. Choosing high-quality, raw honey over heavily processed varieties can also help maximize its nutritional value. As with any dietary change, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best approach, especially if you have an existing health condition. For more detailed information on sugar consumption guidelines, the American Heart Association is an authoritative source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey is often considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar because it contains small amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is still a source of sugar and calories and should be consumed in moderation, as both impact blood sugar levels.

Most health experts recommend consuming honey in moderation. A general guideline is to limit your intake of added sugars, including honey, to no more than 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men per day, as recommended by the American Heart Association.

Yes, excessive honey consumption can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues. Honey's high fructose content can be difficult for some people, especially those with fructose malabsorption or IBS, to absorb, leading to bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

Yes, honey affects blood sugar levels because it is primarily composed of sugars like fructose and glucose. While its glycemic index is slightly lower than table sugar, excessive consumption can still cause blood sugar spikes, especially for individuals with diabetes.

Honey is dangerous for infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which an infant's underdeveloped digestive system cannot handle. This can lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.

Yes, honey can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excessive amounts. It is a calorie-dense food, and eating large quantities daily can lead to a calorie surplus over time, similar to other sugary foods.

Yes, eating too much honey can lead to teeth problems, including cavities and decay. Its high sugar content and sticky consistency provide food for bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that damage tooth enamel.