Why is honey not recommended? The surprising risks you need to know

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, honey should never be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism. While this is the most well-known reason, it's crucial to understand that there are several other factors and populations for whom honey is not recommended.

Quick Summary

This article explains why honey can be dangerous, particularly for infants, and covers other risks associated with its consumption. It details potential hazards such as botulism, high sugar content affecting blood sugar, and rare but serious allergic reactions.

Key Points

Infant Botulism Risk: Honey contains Clostridium botulinum spores, which are harmless to most adults but can cause a rare and serious paralytic illness in infants under one year old due to their immature digestive systems.
No Honey for Infants: This prohibition applies to all forms of honey, including raw, pasteurized, and cooked, because the botulism spores are heat-resistant.
High Sugar Content: Honey is primarily composed of sugars (fructose and glucose) and is high in calories, potentially contributing to weight gain and blood sugar spikes, especially for individuals with diabetes.
Risk of 'Mad Honey' Poisoning: Wild or unregulated honey, particularly from regions with Rhododendron plants, may contain grayanotoxins, which can cause severe illness, including cardiovascular and neurological symptoms.
Allergenic Potential: Though uncommon, allergic reactions to honey can occur due to sensitivities to bee pollen or other components. This is a higher risk with raw honey and for people with pollen allergies.
Contamination with Pollutants: Honey can be contaminated with environmental pollutants, such as pesticides, antibiotics, and heavy metals, posing health risks, particularly in unregulated varieties.
Digestive Issues: The high fructose content in honey can cause digestive discomfort, like gas and bloating, for individuals with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Moderation is Key for Adults: While honey has beneficial properties, it is not a health panacea. Adults should consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet due to its sugar content.

Infant Botulism: The Primary and Most Serious Risk

The most critical reason why is honey not recommended, especially for babies, is the risk of infant botulism. This is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by ingesting spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can be present in honey. While harmless to older children and adults with mature digestive systems, these spores can multiply and produce toxins in an infant’s underdeveloped gut. Symptoms of infant botulism include constipation, muscle weakness, a weak cry, and difficulty breathing, necessitating immediate medical attention. Heat, including cooking or baking, does not destroy these resilient spores, making all forms of honey unsafe for infants under 12 months.

The threat of 'mad honey' poisoning

Another significant risk, particularly for those consuming wild or unpasteurized varieties, is 'mad honey' poisoning. This occurs when honey is produced from the nectar of specific plants, primarily from the Rhododendron species, which contain grayanotoxins. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to a dangerous reaction. Symptoms often include dizziness, low blood pressure (hypotension), and irregular heart rhythms (bradycardia). This type of poisoning is more common in honey from certain regions, such as parts of Turkey and Nepal, but can occur with any unregulated source. Public health warnings and increased awareness are critical, as the toxin content can vary significantly, even within the same batch.

Honey's high sugar content and impact on health

Beyond bacterial spores and natural toxins, honey's high sugar and calorie content is another reason it's not universally recommended. One tablespoon of honey contains roughly 64 calories and is composed primarily of sugars, including fructose and glucose. For some individuals, this can have adverse health effects, particularly for those managing blood sugar or weight.

For diabetics: While sometimes perceived as a healthier alternative to table sugar, honey can still cause blood sugar levels to rise, especially when consumed in large amounts. Individuals with type 2 diabetes must monitor and moderate their intake, as excessive sugar can worsen their condition.
For weight management: The high calorie density of honey can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively. A high intake of added sugar, whether from honey or other sources, is consistently linked to an increased risk of obesity.
For dental health: The concentrated sugars in honey can contribute to tooth decay, just like refined sugar, making moderation important for good oral hygiene.

Allergic reactions to honey

Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to honey, which can range from mild to severe. This is typically due to a sensitivity to bee pollen or other bee-derived components present in raw or unprocessed honey.

Common allergy symptoms can include:

Wheezing and shortness of breath
Dizziness and nausea
Hives or swelling
In extreme cases, anaphylaxis

Processing, such as pasteurization and filtering, removes most of the pollen from commercial honey, but this is not guaranteed. Individuals with known pollen allergies, particularly to Compositae pollen (like ragweed), should be cautious, as cross-reactivity can occur.

Comparison: Honey vs. Table Sugar


Feature	Honey	Table Sugar (Sucrose)
Composition	Approximately 80% sugars (fructose and glucose), 17% water, plus trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.	100% sucrose, a disaccharide of fructose and glucose.
Caloric Density	Approximately 64 calories per tablespoon.	Approximately 45 calories per tablespoon.
Sweetness	Generally perceived as sweeter, so less may be used.	Less sweet than honey, often requiring more for the same level of sweetness.
Glycemic Index (GI)	Lower on average (around 50), but still raises blood sugar.	Higher GI (around 60-65), causing faster blood sugar spikes.
Infant Risk	Highly dangerous for infants under 1 due to botulism spores.	No botulism risk, but high sugar content should be limited.
Toxin Risk	Potential for 'mad honey' grayanotoxins in raw or unregulated varieties.	No risk of grayanotoxins.

Other health concerns and contamination risks

While honey is generally safe for most adults when consumed in moderation, other potential issues can arise. [https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-738/honey] One concern is contamination. Studies have found honey can contain residues from pesticides and antibiotics used in beekeeping, which pose potential long-term health risks. Heavy metals have also been found in some honey samples. For individuals with specific health conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the high fructose content can exacerbate digestive discomforts such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. People with compromised immune systems or those who are pregnant should also exercise caution with raw honey to avoid infections.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Honey

While honey has long been celebrated for its antibacterial properties, soothing effects, and antioxidant content, it is far from a risk-free food. The most significant danger lies in feeding it to infants under one year of age, a practice strongly advised against by medical professionals due to the risk of infant botulism. Beyond this, individuals with diabetes, those concerned about weight gain, people with pollen allergies, and those with certain digestive issues must also approach honey with caution. The potential for 'mad honey' poisoning from unregulated sources and contamination adds further layers of risk. For healthy adults, moderate consumption is generally safe, but its high sugar content means it is not a 'superfood' to be consumed without limit. As with any dietary choice, understanding the risks and personal health considerations is key to making an informed decision about honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey is dangerous for babies under 12 months because it can contain Clostridium botulinum spores. An infant's underdeveloped digestive system cannot process these spores, allowing them to multiply and produce a harmful toxin that causes infant botulism.

No, cooking or baking with honey does not make it safe for infants. The Clostridium botulinum spores responsible for infant botulism are heat-resistant and will not be destroyed by normal cooking temperatures.

People with diabetes can sometimes consume honey in strict moderation, but it should be treated like any other added sugar. Honey is a carbohydrate that will raise blood sugar levels, and its consumption should be monitored closely in consultation with a healthcare professional.

'Mad honey' is honey that contains grayanotoxins from the nectar of Rhododendron flowers. Ingestion can cause a toxic reaction with symptoms including low blood pressure, dizziness, and irregular heart rhythms.

Yes, although rare, allergic reactions to honey are possible. They are typically caused by a sensitivity to bee pollen present in the honey and can range from mild symptoms like hives to severe anaphylaxis.

Like all forms of sugar and calorie-dense foods, excessive consumption of honey can contribute to weight gain. It is recommended to use honey in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Raw honey can be riskier than processed honey because it is not filtered or pasteurized. This means it is more likely to contain higher concentrations of bee pollen (potential allergen) and environmental contaminants. Both raw and processed honey can carry botulism spores.