Is It OK to Eat Real Honey and Maple Syrup If I’m Avoiding Sugar?

On the list of sugars to avoid, honey and maple syrup are comfortably at the bottom. Both are lower on the glycemic index than table sugar, meaning they won’t send blood-sugar levels soaring as quickly. They also contain other nutrients.

“Although healthier for you, at the end of the day it’s still sugar.”

Quality honey contains more than 200 components, many of which have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Pure maple syrup contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. So, a drizzle of honey in a cup of tea or maple syrup on yogurt can satisfy a sweet tooth, says Naidoo, but moderation is still key. “Although healthier for you, at the end of the day it’s still sugar.”