What Does Drinking Coffee with Honey Do?

According to a study published in the Primary Care Respiratory Journal, a coffee and honey concoction can be more effective at treating certain persistent coughs than prescribed steroid medications. This surprising finding, along with other health benefits, has led many to wonder: what does drinking coffee with honey do for your body and well-being?

Quick Summary

This article explores the health benefits of adding honey to coffee, examining its antioxidant properties, impact on energy levels, immune-boosting effects, and comparison to refined sugar.

Key Points

• Enhanced Antioxidants: Combining coffee and honey provides a double dose of antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health.

• Sustained Energy: The glucose and fructose in honey are absorbed slower than refined sugar, offering a more stable and prolonged energy boost without the crash.

• Natural Sweetener: Honey is a more nutritious alternative to processed sugar, providing small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

• Soothes Ailments: Warm coffee with honey has been shown to help soothe sore throats and suppress persistent coughs due to honey's antibacterial properties.

• Protects Gut Health: Raw honey contains prebiotic properties that can promote the growth of good gut bacteria, aiding digestion.

• Boosts Immune System: Honey's natural antibacterial and antimicrobial effects can help strengthen the immune system, especially during colder months.

• Complex Flavor: Different types of honey can add unique floral, nutty, or earthy notes to coffee, creating a richer and more balanced flavor profile.

• Avoids Sugar Crash: The lower glycemic index of honey helps prevent the rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with table sugar.

A Natural Sweetener with Added Benefits

Adding honey to your coffee offers a flavorful and nutritious alternative to processed sugar. Unlike refined sugar, which provides 'empty calories', raw honey contains small amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This combination allows you to enjoy a naturally sweet beverage while potentially reaping additional health rewards, such as immune support and sustained energy.

The Antioxidant Synergy

Both coffee and honey are independently known for their high antioxidant content. Coffee is rich in chlorogenic acids, while raw honey contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds. When consumed together, they create an antioxidant powerhouse that helps combat oxidative stress and protect the body's cells from damage. This can have long-term benefits for overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic conditions.

Sustained Energy Without the Crash

Coffee's caffeine provides a quick boost of energy, but the resulting spike in blood sugar from refined sugar often leads to a crash. Honey, however, consists of both glucose and fructose, which the body absorbs at a slower, steadier rate. This combination results in a more sustained release of energy, helping you stay focused and productive throughout the day without the jittery highs and lows associated with sugar.

Immune-Boosting and Soothing Properties

For centuries, honey has been utilized for its medicinal properties, including its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. When mixed with warm coffee, it can create a soothing beverage that helps calm a sore throat and suppress a cough. The warmth of the coffee provides comfort, while the honey coats the throat, potentially offering relief from irritation during a mild cold or illness.

How to Add Honey to Coffee Properly

To ensure you get the most benefits, it's important to add honey to your coffee correctly. For raw honey, which contains beneficial enzymes and nutrients, the key is to avoid extreme heat. Mixing it into boiling water can degrade these compounds. Instead, let your coffee cool slightly to a warm but not scalding temperature (around 60°C or 140°F) before stirring in the honey until it's fully dissolved.

Comparison: Coffee with Honey vs. Coffee with Sugar

Feature	Coffee with Honey	Coffee with Sugar
Nutritional Value	Contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.	Provides 'empty calories' with no significant nutritional value.
Energy Release	Provides a more sustained energy boost due to slower absorption of natural sugars.	Can cause a rapid spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar levels.
Flavor Profile	Adds a complex, nuanced flavor with notes that vary by honey type (e.g., floral, earthy).	Offers a simple, one-dimensional sweet taste.
Calories	Slightly higher in calories per teaspoon than sugar, but sweeter taste means you can often use less.	Lower in calories per teaspoon, but often more is used to achieve the desired sweetness.
Health Benefits	Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, with potential immune-boosting effects.	No inherent health benefits beyond providing a sweet taste.

Versatile Ways to Enjoy Coffee with Honey

The beauty of adding honey to coffee lies in its versatility. It can be incorporated into a variety of recipes to suit different tastes and occasions. A simple brew can be enhanced with a teaspoon of raw, local honey for a delicate flavor. For a richer experience, a Café Miel combines espresso, steamed milk, honey, and cinnamon. You can even create a refreshing iced coffee by dissolving honey in warm coffee before chilling it. Experiment with different types of honey, such as acacia for a mild, sweet flavor or a darker honey for more robust notes. The flavor combinations are nearly endless, allowing you to customize your perfect cup.

Conclusion

What does drinking coffee with honey do? It transforms a simple daily ritual into a more wholesome and flavorful experience. By substituting processed sugar with raw honey, you not only introduce a more complex and satisfying sweetness but also gain a dose of natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This combination can provide a more balanced and sustained energy boost, support your immune system, and even help soothe a sore throat. While moderation is key, especially for those monitoring blood sugar, adding honey to coffee is a simple upgrade that offers a host of potential benefits beyond just flavor.

Enjoying a cup of coffee with honey is a mindful choice that supports both your palate and your body. It's a testament to how small, conscious changes in our daily habits can have a positive impact on our overall well-being. For more ideas on how to incorporate healthy swaps into your routine, explore the benefits of using natural sweeteners like honey in other drinks and recipes.

Additional Resources

For more information on the health benefits of honey, consult a resource like this study on its nutraceutical properties.

References

Balqees. "Five benefits of adding raw honey to your coffee." Balqees, 3 Jan. 2023, https://balqees.com/blogs/stories/five-benefits-of-adding-raw-honey-to-your-coffee Redcliffe Labs. "The Benefits of Honey in Coffee." MyHealth - Redcliffe Labs, 7 Jan. 2025, https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/sweeten-your-cup-sweeten-your-health-the-benefits-of-honey-in-coffee/ Hives Keeper. "Are There Any Side Effects If We Use Coffee And Honey Together?" Hives Keeper, https://www.hiveskeeper.com/blogs/articles/are-there-any-side-effects-if-we-use-coffee-and-honey-together Golden Ratio. "Is Honey in Coffee Healthy? Benefits + Drawbacks." Drink Golden Ratio, 28 Dec. 2021, https://drinkgoldenratio.com/a/blog/honey-in-coffee Apollo 247. "Benefits Of Black Coffee With Honey." Apollo 247, 14 July 2025, https://www.apollo247.com/health-topics/general-medical-consultation/benefits-of-black-coffee-with-honey Local Hive. "Why You Should Be Adding Honey to Your Coffee." Local Hive Honey, https://localhivehoney.com/blogs/blog/why-you-should-be-adding-honey-to-your-coffee Times of India. "Here's how adding honey to coffee can help with weight loss." Times of India, 3 Nov. 2019, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/heres-how-adding-honey-to-coffee-can-help-with-weight-loss/photostory/71888480.cms Cafe Altura. "Honey in Coffee - It's a Thing!" Cafe Altura, https://cafealtura.com/honey-coffee/ Coffee Hero. "ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HONEY IN COFFEE." Coffee Hero, https://coffeehero.com.au/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-honey-in-coffee web.stanford.edu. "Coffee Loophole Ingredients: A Powerful Drink for Weight Loss You Can Make at Home." web.stanford.edu, https://web.stanford.edu/~bjgreen0/?id=coffee-loophole-ingredients-a-powerful-drink-for-weight-loss-you-can-make-at-home-68be8a783ae1d Manchester Honey Company. "Why Honey in Coffee is Better Than Sugar (and Why It's So...)." Facebook, 27 Nov. 2024, https://www.facebook.com/groups/50751548890/posts/10161492213048891/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is honey in coffee healthier than sugar?

Yes, honey is generally considered healthier than sugar because it offers trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, unlike refined sugar's empty calories. While honey is slightly higher in calories per teaspoon, it's also sweeter, so you may need less to achieve the same level of sweetness.

Does hot coffee destroy the benefits of honey?

Adding honey to very hot coffee (above 140°F or 60°C) can degrade some of its beneficial enzymes and nutrients, especially in raw honey. It is best to let your coffee cool to a warm temperature before stirring in the honey to retain its full health properties.

What kind of honey is best for coffee?

Raw and unfiltered honeys are best for retaining health benefits, as processed honeys often lose nutrients during pasteurization. Lighter honeys like acacia offer a milder flavor that won't overpower the coffee, while darker honeys like buckwheat can add more robust flavor notes.

Can I use honey in iced coffee?

Yes, you can use honey in iced coffee. To ensure it dissolves properly, you can first mix the honey with a small amount of warm water or coffee until it forms a smooth syrup before adding it to your cold brew or iced beverage.

Does coffee with honey help a sore throat?

Warm coffee with honey can help soothe a sore throat and calm a cough. The honey coats the throat, reducing irritation, while its natural antibacterial properties and the warmth of the coffee provide comfort.

Does coffee with honey help with weight loss?

While some sources suggest that honey and caffeine can boost metabolism, adding a small amount of honey to black coffee likely won't cause significant weight loss on its own. It can be a part of a healthy diet but should not be considered a primary weight loss solution.

Are there any side effects of adding honey to coffee?

For most people, adding honey to coffee is safe. However, it can still impact blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes or specific dietary restrictions should be mindful of their intake. Rarely, some individuals may have allergic reactions to bee products.