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.
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.