We all want a little sweetness in our lives, but deciding on the perfect sweetener can be difficult. Stevia and honey are two alternatives. Let’s look at these two items more closely to find which one is best for your health.
Stevia
Stevia is a sugar substitute derived from the stevia plant’s leaves. It’s 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, but it’s free of carbs, calories, and chemicals. Stevia is regarded as a safe and natural alternative to refined sugar.
Honey
Honey is a sweet, viscous food material produced by honey bees and related insects like stingless bees. By regurgitation, enzymatic activity, and water evaporation, bees generate honey from the sugary secretions of plants (floral nectar) or secretions of other insects (honeydew). Honeycombs are wax structures in which honey bees store their honey.
Brief analysis of Honey and Stevia
| Properties | Honey | Stevia |
| Type of sweetener | Natural | Natural |
| Made from | Honey is a sweet, viscous food item produced by honey bees and other related insects like stingless bees | Stevia plant |
| Calories | Honey contains 64 calories per tablespoon | Zero calorie |
| Sweetness level | Sweetness level value of honey is 95 – 100 | Stevia has 200 – 300 times the sweetness of sugar |
| Safety profile | Honey should not be given to infants since it can induce botulism, a serious type of food poisoning | Stevia has been approved by the FDA and widely regarded as safe, calorie-free alternative to sugar |
| Effect of heat | Heat stable | Heat stable |
| For medical purpose | Yes | Yes |
| Dental safety | Risk of tooth decay and gum disease | Yes |
| Nutrients | Zinc, magnesium, vitamin B-6, folate, niacin, riboflavin, and panthothenic acid are some of the vitamins and minerals found in honey. | Several natural minerals and vitamins found in stevia leaves are medically and commercially essential, including chromium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamin B3 (Niacin) |
| Uses | Used in beverages and food like in tea, coffee, milk, smoothie, etc . | Used in beverages, sweets, sauces, soups, tea, yogurt, cookies, coffee, and another beverage. Also, stevia can be used in any recipe. |
Final Words
Healthy properties are found in stevia and honey. Stevia has a glycemic index of zero and cannot be absorbed by the intestines. It also has no calories. Eating foods with a lower glycemic index can help prevent or treat diabetes, thus stevia is the best sweetener, and honey may be somewhat better than sugar if you’re concerned about blood glucose levels.
FAQS
Is stevia more healthy than honey?
Stevia and honey are both natural sweeteners with distinct characteristics. Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener with zero calories and minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking to reduce calorie intake or manage blood sugar. Honey, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener with calories and higher glycemic index, providing some nutrients and antioxidants. The choice between stevia and honey depends on individual health goals and dietary preferences.
Is jaggery better than stevia?
Jaggery and stevia are different sweeteners with varying nutritional profiles. Jaggery is a traditional sweetener made from sugarcane or date palm sap, and it contains calories and natural sugars. Stevia, on the other hand, is a non-caloric sweetener with no impact on blood sugar levels. The choice between jaggery and stevia depends on factors like calorie and sugar intake goals and individual health conditions.
Can I replace stevia with honey?
Yes, you can replace stevia with honey in recipes, but it’s essential to consider the differences in sweetness and taste. Stevia is much sweeter than honey, so you will need a smaller amount of stevia to achieve the same level of sweetness. Additionally, honey contains calories, while stevia is calorie-free, so adjusting the quantity may be necessary for calorie-conscious choices.
Can you mix honey and stevia?
Yes, you can mix honey and stevia to achieve the desired level of sweetness in recipes. Combining both sweeteners allows for a balance of natural sweetness from honey and the added sweetness from stevia without relying solely on high amounts of honey.
Is honey or stevia better for diabetics?
Stevia is generally considered a better sweetener option for diabetics compared to honey. Honey contains natural sugars that can impact blood sugar levels, while stevia is a non-caloric sweetener with no effect on blood sugar.
This is very helpful and quite educative. I’m interested in more information on other plants and products.
We are glad to know that you found the article useful. Stevia Pedia is the platform for stevia related information. If you want us to compare any other product(s) to stevia then let us know. We will do that.