Honey or sugar: which is better to use?

Which is better honey or sugar? Depends. Let's see what are the differences between the two sweeteners, even from a caloric point of view.

Honey and sugar are both sweeteners, but they have properties that we could define as opposite. Much depends on the product you choose, whether organic or not, but the chemical composition remains different: let's see what the differences are and whether it is better to choose bee nectar or sucrose.

Honey or Sugar: What's the Difference?

Is it better to choose honey or sugar? Before answering this question it is necessary to clarify the properties and differences. Both are sweeteners, but their chemical makeup is quite different. Honey is mainly composed of a mixture of fructose and glucose, separated from each other; while the other is made up of the disaccharide sucrose, structured by a molecule of glucose and one of fructose linked together. In addition to this specific difference, the two sweeteners are also different in terms of appearance : bee nectar is liquid or crystallized, while sugar is only crystallized.

As if that weren't enough, honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes and other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, while sucrose contains no micronutrients. As for the flavor and scent, bee nectar can have different ones, while sugar is tasteless and odorless. Finally, it should be emphasized that honey contains sugar, but these are simple sugars different from those of sucrose. In general, calculate that a teaspoon of bee nectar sweetens much more than a teaspoon of sugar.

Honey and Sugar Calories: What's the Difference?

Having ascertained that there is sugar in honey, even if in a different way than sucrose, let's get to the calories . One hundred grams of bee nectar contains 304 Kcal, against the 392 Kcal of traditional sugar. As already pointed out, however, a teaspoon of honey sweetens more than sucrose, so less is used. This is why nectar is more suitable for diabetes and pregnancy.

In conclusion, it is good to make a clarification. In recent years, as never before, sugar has become a kind of demon, and many are wondering what its alternatives are, but remember that even honey, especially if of dubious origin, can become harmful. Always opt for an organic product and you won't take any risks. Returning to the initial question, is honey or sucrose better? Without a shadow of a doubt, honey: it can be used everywhere, even in desserts and for baking.