Are you looking for different types of honey to substitute for sugar in your favorite recipes? Of course, many of us use honey instead of sugar in our tea. Additionally, we use it as a natural remedy to soothe coughs. However, many types of honey can be the perfect substitute for sugar in cooking and baking. Not only does honey bring a unique flavor to your dishes, but it also offers natural health benefits that refined sugar just can’t match.

You’re in for a delightful surprise if you’ve never tried baking with honey! This golden sweetener is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of your favorite baked goods in ways regular sugar just can’t. With its rich texture and natural sweetness, honey has earned its place as a pantry staple in many homes. Whether you’re adding it to cookies, breads, or cakes, honey not only sweetens but also adds moisture, giving your treats a soft, flavorful finish. If you haven’t experimented with it yet, now’s the perfect time to start!

Myths about Substituting Honey for Sugar

Before I talk about substituting honey for sugar, I will discuss a few myths about honey versus sugar.

One of the biggest myths about using honey is that it has fewer calories than white sugar. In fact, one tablespoon of honey has 64 calories compared to 54 calories in white sugar. Another myth is that honey is a healthier choice for people with diabetes. The fact is that people with diabetes should limit their intake of both honey and sugar (in all of its forms). Yes, honey has a slightly lower glycemic index than sugar (58 vs. 60), but it certainly is not a low-glycemic food.

Buying Local Types of Honey

Not all honey is created equal. Many store-bought brands are pasteurized, filtered, and often diluted with water, sugar, or “natural flavors.” To get the most benefits from honey, I recommend choosing local, raw honey whenever possible.

Why local? The bees in your area make honey from the plants growing in your community, which can offer surprising benefits. Since seasonal allergies are often triggered by local pollen, consuming honey made from the same plants may help reduce allergy symptoms. Plus, the flowers from local trees, shrubs, and bushes give your honey a one-of-a-kind flavor that you won’t find in mass-produced brands. For the freshest and most flavorful honey, be sure to check out your local farmers’ market!

If you’ve ever wandered through your local farmers’ market, chances are you’ve come across a variety of honey jars, each offering its own unique flavor and texture. From light and floral to rich and robust, the range of honey available is vast, and sampling them can be a real treat for your taste buds.

Local beekeepers often showcase different types of honey that vary depending on the plants and flowers the bees have pollinated. Whether it’s a mild wildflower honey or a deep, earthy buckwheat honey, each type offers a distinct taste experience. So, if you haven’t explored the honey options at your farmers’ market yet, you’re missing out on some incredible flavors and benefits!

Acacia Honey or Black Locust Honey

This mild-tasting, all-purpose honey is made from the nectar of the black locust flowers rather than acacia flowers. Botanically, the black locust is also known as a “false acacia tree.” Acacia or black locust honey is one of the clearest and lightest colored honey. It has a high fructose content so it is unlikely to crystalize. Overall, it is a good, general-purpose honey that is delicious in tea and poured generously over pancakes and biscuits.

Acacia honey is available for purchase online.

Buckwheat Honey

Buckwheat honey is sometimes referred to as the Guinness of the kinds of honey because it has an earthy, malty aroma. Some varieties have the aroma of dark, toasted toffee or molasses. The colors range from medium brown to deep brown with a reddish tinge. Buckwheat honey has more vitamins and trace minerals than most other kinds of honey. This makes it ideal for medicinal honey purposes such as treating sore throats. The dark color and bold flavor make it ideal for meat glazes and marinades. It is a good substitute for baking recipes that use molasses.

Buckwheat honey is available for purchase online.

Clover Honey

Clover honey is one of the most popular kinds of honey throughout the United States. This all-purpose honey is available in most local supermarkets. Now, you don’t want to miss this. There are many brands of clover honey that use artificial flavors. So, read the ingredients on the label. Clover honey is also sold as creamed clover, which is honey that is whipped into a smooth spread. It is great on sandwiches and drizzled over oatmeal and plain yogurt. Clover honey is an excellent choice for salad dressings, glazes, and marinates.

Clover honey is available for purchase online.

Eucalyptus Honey

This honey is my latest find. This honey is made from the nectar of the eucalyptus blossoms. It originated in Australia but is now widely available in California. The aroma and flavor of eucalyptus honey make it ideal for teas and soothing a cough.

Eucalyptus honey is available for purchase online.

Fireweed Honey

OK, there is no need to call 9-1-1. Fireweed honey is known as the champagne of the different kinds of honey. This honey is made from the nectar of the fireweed plant that grows in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Many people rave about the mild, delicate, buttery taste that has a hint of spice. It is an excellent choice for marinades and glazes for grilled foods.

Fireweed honey is available for purchase online.

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is a unique and highly prized variety of honey that originates from New Zealand and parts of Australia. It is produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, a native plant known for its medicinal properties. What sets Manuka honey apart from regular honey is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound believed to give it powerful antibacterial and healing properties.

Manuka honey is often used for more than just cooking—it’s popular in natural remedies, skincare, and even wound care due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Its rich, earthy flavor with a slight bitterness makes it a standout ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. While it tends to be more expensive than other kinds of honey, its health benefits and distinctive taste make it a popular choice for those looking to substitute sugar in recipes or boost their overall wellness.

Manuka honey is available for purchase online.

Orange Blossom Honey

This is my favorite local, Florida honey. As the name suggests, orange blossom honey is found throughout areas and regions of the world that grow citrus. It has an unmistakable citrus aroma and taste. Like clover honey, there are many brands of orange blossom honey that use artificial flavors. So, read the ingredients on the label. I always purchase from a local certified organic farm. Orange blossom is a good, general-purpose honey that is delicious in tea and poured generously over pancakes and biscuits.

Orange blossom honey is available for purchase online.

Sage Honey

This honey is made from the nectar of the black sage plant flowers that grow along the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Although it has a light color and a crisp delicate flavor, sage honey has a heavier body than many honey varieties. It’s mild but sweet, all-purpose honey. In addition to sweetening tea, it is good for baking and for drizzling over bread and pastries.

Sage honey is available for purchase online.

Tupelo Honey

Don’t you just love the name of this honey? This is very rare honey that is harvested yearly from the Tupelo tree that grows around swamps in the Southeastern United States. It has a light color and a complex, aromatic flavor that is floral, fruity, and spicy. Because it is only harvested once a year, it is one of the most expensive types of honey. Tupelo honey is an ingredient in several types of mead (wine). In addition to sweetening tea, it is a delicious topping for pancakes, biscuits, and ice cream.

Tupelo honey is available for purchase online.

Wildflower Honey

As the name suggests, this honey is made from the nectar of different flowers. The taste ranges from mild to extremely bold, depending on the flowers in the local community. In addition to sweetening tea, it is a good choice for baking and marinating meats and chicken.

Wildflower honey is available for purchase online.

How to Substitute Honey for Sugar in Cooking

Honey is an excellent substitute for sugar when cooking and grilling. Now, please take a deep breath. I will not usually attempt to substitute honey in most recipes that call for molasses or dark brown sugar. And, that’s because molasses and dark brown sugar have distinct flavors. However, buckwheat honey might work well in those recipes because of its dark color and bold flavor.

Honey can be used in many savory dishes as well as in:

• Salad dressings
• Marinades (meats and chicken)
• Glazes (meats and chicken)
• Barbecue sauces
• Sweet and sour sauces

Substitute Honey for Sugar in Baking

There are four general rules when substituting honey for sugar in baked goods.

1. Use Less Honey than Sugar

Honey is sweeter than sugar. Thus, you need to use less of it. For every 1 cup of sugar, substitute 1/2 to 2/3 cup of honey.

2. Use Less Liquids

Honey is about 18% to 20% water, so use less liquid in the recipe. For every 1 cup of honey, subtract 1/4 cup of other liquids from the recipe.

3. Add a Little Baking Soda

Add baking soda to reduce the acidity of honey and allow the baked good to rise properly. Therefore, use 1/4 teaspoon baking soda for every 1 cup of honey.

4. Lower Oven Temperature

Honey caramelizes and burns faster than sugar. So, reduce the temperature of the oven by 25°F.

Helpful Tip

Spray measuring spoons and cups with non-stick cooking spray before measuring honey. Why? It allows the honey to slide off easily.

Now, It’s Your Turn

With so many unique types of honey to explore, it’s time to elevate your cooking and baking by swapping out sugar for a natural, flavorful alternative. Head to your local farmers’ market or specialty store and try one of these amazing honey varieties for yourself. Whether you’re looking to boost your health, reduce sugar, or simply enjoy a new flavor, honey is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

Ready to give it a try? Do you have a favorite recipe that uses honey?

Share your favorite honey finds and recipe ideas in the comments below, and let us know how you’re using honey to sweeten your life!

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