How Many Carbs Are in Honey? A Complete Nutrition Guide
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Honey is almost pure carbohydrate. One tablespoon (21 g) has about 17 g of carbs and 64 calories, nearly all from natural sugars (fructose and glucose). A teaspoon (7 g) has about 6 g of carbs and 21 calories.
Below you will find carbs for every common serving, how raw honey compares with table sugar, and what this means if you count carbs or follow a low-carb plan. Figures are from the USDA FoodData Central database.
How Many Carbs Are in Honey?
| Serving | Carbs | Sugars | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (7 g) | 5.8 g | 5.7 g | 21 |
| 1 tablespoon (21 g) | 17.3 g | 17.2 g | 64 |
| ¼ cup (85 g) | 70 g | 70 g | 258 |
| 1 cup (339 g) | 279 g | 278 g | 1,031 |
| 100 g | 82.4 g | 82.1 g | 304 |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, honey (FDC 169640). Raw and regular honey have the same carb count.
One tablespoon (21 grams) of regular honey contains approximately:
- 17 grams of carbohydrates
- 64 calories, with nearly all calories coming from sugars (fructose & glucose)
Honey has no fat, negligible protein, and minimal vitamins and minerals — making it essentially a source of simple, natural carbs. These sugars are easily absorbed, making honey a quick source of energy.
For comparison:
- 1 tbsp sugar = ~13g carbs
- 1 tbsp honey = ~17g carbs
So honey is slightly higher in carbs than white sugar, but it also offers beneficial plant compounds.
Does Honey Have Carbs?
Yes. Honey is about 82% carbohydrate by weight; the rest is water with trace minerals and plant compounds. It has no fiber and no fat, so every gram of carbs in honey is sugar your body can use quickly.
Is Honey High in Carbs?
Per tablespoon, honey has slightly more carbs than table sugar (about 17 g vs 12.6 g) because it is denser. Per teaspoon the gap is small (about 6 g vs 4 g). Honey is also sweeter than sugar, so many people use less of it, which closes the gap.
Honey vs Other Sweeteners: Carbs per Tablespoon
| Sweetener (1 tbsp) | Carbs | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Honey (21 g) | 17.3 g | 64 |
| Agave syrup (21 g) | about 16 g | about 64 |
| Maple syrup (20 g) | 13.4 g | 52 |
| White sugar (12.6 g) | 12.6 g | 49 |
Honey has the most carbs per spoon because it is dense. It is also sweeter than sugar, so most people use a little less.
What Is the Glycemic Index of Honey?
The glycemic index (GI) shows how fast a food raises blood sugar, from 0 to 100. Honey’s GI is about 58–61 on average, but it varies a lot by flower source. Table sugar is about 65, and pure glucose is 100. About 40% of honey is fructose, which raises blood sugar slowly, so honey acts a little gentler than glucose. It still raises blood sugar, so if you have diabetes, count honey as carbohydrate like any other sugar.
Carbs in Raw Honey vs Regular Honey
The carb count is the same. Raw honey is simply not heated or fine-filtered, so it keeps its pollen, enzymes and antioxidants. Those do not change the sugar content. Choose raw honey for its flavor and natural compounds, not for fewer carbs. A varietal like our blueberry blossom honey has the same carbs as wildflower.
Honey on a Low-Carb or Keto Diet
Because honey has no fiber, its net carbs equal its total carbs: about 17 g per tablespoon. Most keto plans allow 20–50 g of net carbs a day, so a teaspoon (6 g) can fit, a tablespoon usually cannot. If you follow a low-carb plan, use honey as a small finishing touch rather than a main sweetener.
Honey Nutrition: Beyond Carbs
While honey is best known for its carbs, it also offers trace amounts of:
- Antioxidants (like polyphenols)
- Enzymes
- Minerals (like potassium and calcium)
These contribute to honey’s health appeal compared to refined sugar.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Honey Mindfully
Honey is a quick, natural source of carbs: about 17 g per tablespoon and 6 g per teaspoon. Use it in moderation, enjoy it for its flavor and natural compounds, and choose raw, unfiltered honey when you can. If you are counting calories as well as carbs, see our guide to calories in a teaspoon of honey, or shop our Raw Unfiltered Honey 16 oz.
Shop now at www.purerawbrands.com and enjoy 15% off your first jar!
Taste honey — as nature intended
FAQ: Carbs and Honey
Q: How many carbs are in a tablespoon of honey?
About 17 grams, almost entirely from sugars.
Q: Is honey better than sugar for carbs?
Honey is slightly higher in carbs but provides additional antioxidants and a lower glycemic impact compared to refined sugar.
Q: How many carbs are in a teaspoon of honey?
About 6 g (5.8 g), all from natural sugars. That is roughly 21 calories.
Q: Are the carbs in honey net carbs?
Yes. Honey has no fiber or sugar alcohols, so total carbs and net carbs are the same.
Q: Does honey have more carbs than sugar?
By the tablespoon, yes: about 17 g vs 12.6 g. Honey is heavier per spoon and slightly sweeter, so most people use less.
Q: Is honey OK on a low-carb diet?
In small amounts. A teaspoon is about 6 g of carbs. Count it like any other sugar.
