How many carbs are in honey?
One tablespoon of honey (21g) has about 17g of carbohydrate and 17g of net carbs. Honey is almost entirely sugar and has no meaningful fiber.
Carbs by portion
| Portion | Total carbs | Fiber | Net carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (21g) | 17.3g | 0.0g | 17.3g |
| 1 cup (339g) | 279.3g | 0.7g | 278.7g |
| 100 grams | 82.4g | 0.2g | 82.2g |
Net carbs
One tablespoon of honey has about 17g of net carbs, total carbs (17g) minus fiber (trace). See the net carbs guide.
Glycemic index of honey
The glycemic index of honey is about 58. Honey has a moderate glycemic index because it contains a blend of fructose (about 40%) and glucose (about 30%), plus other sugars and water. The higher fructose content compared to table sugar gives honey a slightly lower GI.
For diabetes
One tablespoon of honey has 17g of carbs, more than table sugar (12g per tablespoon) because honey is denser and less sweet by volume. Honey's GI of 58 is slightly lower than table sugar's 65, but the total carb load is higher. Honey has trace antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, but these provide no meaningful blood sugar benefit. Honey affects blood sugar like any concentrated sugar source. See the diabetes carb-counting guide.
Keto and low carb
One tablespoon of honey has 17g of carbs, which exceeds most keto daily budgets for a single condiment. Honey is not keto-compatible.
Good to know
Honey composition varies by floral source. Buckwheat honey has more antioxidants than clover honey. Raw honey may contain small amounts of pollen and enzymes, but the nutritional difference from processed honey is minimal for carb-counting purposes. The carb count stays at about 82g per 100g regardless of variety. Crystallized honey has the same carb content as liquid honey.
Full nutrition (per 100g)
- Calories: 304.0 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 82.4g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugars: 82.12g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.0g
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Get the appFrequently asked questions
How many carbs are in honey?
One tablespoon (21g) of honey has about 17g of carbohydrate.
Is honey healthier than sugar?
Honey has slightly more carbs per tablespoon than sugar (17g vs 12g) and a lower GI (58 vs 65), plus trace antioxidants. For carb counting, both are essentially concentrated sugar.
Is honey keto?
No. One tablespoon has 17g of carbs, which exceeds most keto daily budgets for a single ingredient.
What is the glycemic index of honey?
Honey has a GI of about 58, slightly lower than table sugar at 65, because of its higher fructose content.
How many carbs are in a packet of honey?
A standard 14g honey packet has about 11g of carbohydrate.