Is honey healthy for kids?

Honey: snack check

• Added sugar
  FDA: honey sugars are added; label shows % DV only (2019)
• Not highly processed
  Single ingredient; no NOVA group 4 ingredient
• Low protein and fiber
  0.1 g protein, 0 g fiber per tbsp (FDC 169640)
• Not on choking lists
  Not on AAP or CDC choking lists

Each check is a yes-or-no fact with its source: a green check means the flag does not apply, an amber mark means it does. The count is not a health score. Our sources and how we check them.

Numbers: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, FDC ID 169640 (honey); FDA reference amount 1 tbsp; sugars counted as added per FDA guidance (June 2019). Checked October 2026.

What's in it

Per tablespoon (21 g), the FDA reference amount: 64 calories, 17.2 g of sugars, 0.1 g of protein, 0 g of fiber, and 1 mg of sodium (FDC 169640). Under FDA guidance from June 2019, pure honey labels do not need the "Includes Xg Added Sugars" line but must show the percent Daily Value for added sugars; 17 g is about 34% of the 50 g Daily Value. Honey contains none of the FDA's nine major allergens.

Babies under 1

The CDC says: "Do not feed honey to a child who is younger than 1 year old," because honey can contain the bacteria that cause botulism. It also warns against honey pacifiers and products made with honey for infants. This applies to younger siblings; kids ages 4–8 are past this age.

For kids 4–8

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines recommend no added sugar for kids 5–10 and say one meal should contain no more than 10 g of added sugar. One tablespoon of honey has 17 g. A teaspoon is about a third of that. Honey is not on the AAP or CDC choking lists; hard honey candies fall under the AAP's hard candy item.

Honey vs sugar

The FDA treats honey, maple syrup, and table sugar the same way on the Nutrition Facts label: their sugars count toward added sugars. Honey Nut cereals and "honey" snacks list honey along with other sugars; check the "Includes Xg Added Sugars" line on those labels.

Why can't babies have honey?

Honey can contain the bacteria that cause botulism. The CDC says not to feed honey to children younger than 1 year old.

Honey vs sugar: what's different?

We share facts, not ratings. Both count as added sugar under FDA rules and in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines. One tablespoon of honey has 64 calories and 17 g of sugar (FDC 169640).

Is honey in cereal the same as added sugar?

Yes. When honey is an ingredient, its sugar is included in the label's added-sugar line.

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