Can I Use Raw Honey in My Hot Tea or Coffee?
If you’re someone who enjoys sweetening your morning coffee or evening tea with honey, you might have heard mixed opinions about whether raw honey is the right choice—especially when added to hot beverages. So, is it okay to stir raw honey into your steaming mug? Or does the heat ruin its benefits?
Let’s break it down.
🌡️The Concern with Heat
One of the main reasons people question using raw honey in hot drinks is due to heat sensitivity. Some of the beneficial enzymes and nutrients in raw honey can begin to degrade at high temperatures—typically around 104–118°F (40–48°C). Since coffee and tea are usually brewed at hotter temperatures (often over 160°F / 70°C), the concern is that these nutrients will be destroyed.
So, does that mean it’s pointless to use raw honey in hot drinks?
Not necessarily.
🍯What Happens When You Add Raw Honey to Hot Beverages?
When you stir raw honey into a very hot drink:
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Yes, some of the delicate enzymes and bioactive compounds may be partially destroyed.
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No, it doesn't turn the honey "toxic" or harmful (a common myth).
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The honey will still act as a natural sweetener.
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You may still retain some beneficial compounds—especially if the drink is warm, not boiling.
So if you're using raw honey purely for its flavor and sweetness, feel free to add it to your hot drinks. If you're hoping to preserve its full health benefits, let your coffee or tea cool down a bit before adding it in.
✅Best Practices for Using Raw Honey in Hot Drinks
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Let It Cool: Allow your drink to cool down for a few minutes (to below 130°F or ~55°C) before adding raw honey. It doesn’t have to be cold—just not scalding hot.
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Stir Gently: Once it's cooled a bit, add the honey and stir. You’ll still get a rich, sweet taste and possibly retain more of the good stuff.
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Don’t Microwave It: If you're reheating a drink with raw honey, avoid using the microwave. Heat it slowly on the stove or in a warm water bath to be gentler on the honey.
So, can you use raw honey in your hot coffee or tea? Yes, you can—just keep in mind that high heat may reduce some of its nutritional value. If you're mainly looking for taste and a more natural sweetener, go right ahead. If you're drinking it for the health perks, try adding it once your drink has cooled a little.
In the end, raw honey is still a better option than refined sugar—and a delicious one at that.
