What are the side effects of eating too much honey?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

While often celebrated as a healthier alternative to refined sugar, a single tablespoon of honey still contains roughly 64 calories and high sugar content. This article explores why eating too much honey can lead to unexpected health issues, from blood sugar spikes to digestive problems.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of honey can lead to several health problems, including weight gain, spikes in blood sugar, and various digestive issues. Potential risks also include dental decay, allergic reactions, and, critically, infant botulism for babies under one year old.

Key Points

Blood Sugar Spikes: Excessive honey, despite a lower GI, can cause significant blood sugar increases, especially risky for diabetics.
Weight Gain: Being calorie-dense, a high intake of honey contributes to excess calorie consumption and, over time, weight gain.
Digestive Distress: The high fructose content can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly for those with fructose intolerance or IBS.
Dental Damage: The high sugar and sticky texture increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities by feeding mouth bacteria.
Infant Botulism: Honey contains spores of C. botulinum that are dangerous to infants under one, whose digestive systems are not mature enough to neutralize them.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have allergic reactions to pollen or proteins in honey, with symptoms ranging from hives to anaphylaxis.

The Hidden Risks of Overindulging in Honey

Honey is a natural product revered for its antibacterial properties and rich antioxidant content, but its health halo often masks a critical truth: it is primarily composed of sugars, specifically fructose and glucose. When consumed in moderation, its benefits are notable, yet excessive intake can have a number of detrimental side effects on the body, affecting everything from your waistline to your dental health.

Blood Sugar Spikes and Insulin Resistance

Despite having a slightly lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, honey can still cause blood sugar levels to rise significantly, particularly when consumed in large quantities. For individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance, this can be especially dangerous, potentially leading to chronic hyperglycemia over time. Studies have shown that diets high in sugar, even natural sugars, can contribute to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood glucose effectively.

Impact on Diabetics

Higher HbA1c: Consistently high consumption can increase glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, which provide a long-term average of blood sugar.
Risk of Complications: Sustained high blood sugar can increase the risk of serious, long-term complications, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease.

Weight Gain

One of the most straightforward side effects of eating too much honey is weight gain. As a calorie-dense sweetener, a single tablespoon contains approximately 64 calories. For those not burning these extra calories, a daily habit of adding honey to multiple foods and beverages can quickly lead to a calorie surplus. This can result in an increase in body fat and, over time, obesity, mirroring the effects of excessive refined sugar intake.

Digestive Discomfort

Honey's high fructose content can spell trouble for your digestive system, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition or sensitivity. For people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or fructose malabsorption, overconsumption can trigger a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms. The body's inability to absorb excess fructose can draw water into the large intestine, leading to:

Bloating
Gas and abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Stomach aches

Dental Problems

Like any sugar, honey promotes tooth decay. Its sticky, viscous texture allows it to cling to the teeth, providing a readily available food source for bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities over time. Consistent and excessive intake, especially without proper dental hygiene, significantly heightens this risk.

Allergic Reactions

Though rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to honey, often triggered by traces of bee pollen or other bee proteins. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening reactions. Mild symptoms typically include:

Itchy throat
Hives and rashes on the skin
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Runny nose and sneezing

In severe cases, a person could experience anaphylaxis, characterized by difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a rapid drop in blood pressure. Immediate medical attention is crucial if these symptoms occur.

Risk of Infant Botulism

For infants under one year of age, honey poses a unique and serious risk: infant botulism. Honey can contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which are harmless to older children and adults whose mature digestive systems can neutralize them. However, an infant's underdeveloped system allows these spores to germinate and produce a dangerous toxin, which can cause muscle weakness, breathing problems, and even death. For this reason, honey of any kind should never be given to infants.

Comparison: Honey vs. Refined Sugar


Feature	Honey	Refined Sugar	Side Effect of Excess
Calories (per tbsp)	~64	~49	Weight Gain
Glycemic Index (GI)	~55	~65	Blood Sugar Spikes
Nutrients	Trace minerals, vitamins, antioxidants	None	None
Digestion	Enzymes aid breakdown	Requires body's enzymes	Digestive Issues (due to fructose)
Dental Health	High sugar, sticky	High sugar, less sticky	Tooth Decay

Conclusion: The Importance of Moderation

While honey possesses several health-promoting properties, it is not a panacea that can be consumed without restraint. As a high-sugar, high-calorie food, the consequences of eating too much honey can range from weight gain and digestive issues to serious complications for diabetics and infants. The key to enjoying honey's benefits without the drawbacks lies in careful moderation. Use it as a natural sweetener to replace less healthy options, but be mindful of your overall sugar and calorie intake. For more information on dietary sugars and health, consult reputable sources like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no strict universal rule, the American Heart Association recommends limiting all added sugars, including honey, to no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) per day for women and children, and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men.

Honey is often considered a slightly healthier option because it contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants not found in refined sugar. However, it is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation, as excessive amounts have similar negative effects.

Eating too much honey will not directly cause diabetes, but excessive consumption of any sugar, including honey, is linked to weight gain and insulin resistance, both of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes over time.

The most common and immediate signs of consuming too much honey are digestive issues. These include abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, or diarrhea, which occur due to the body's difficulty absorbing large amounts of fructose.

Yes, because honey is a high-sugar food and its sticky consistency allows it to adhere to teeth surfaces, it can significantly contribute to tooth decay and the formation of cavities.

Infants should not be given honey due to the risk of infant botulism. Honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which an infant's underdeveloped digestive system cannot neutralize, leading to a serious illness.

Yes, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to honey, particularly if you are sensitive to bee pollen. Symptoms can range from mild (hives, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis).