Mes Notes · This or That? · August 2026
Honey, Maple Syrup or Coconut Sugar?
All 'natural sweeteners' — but they differ in glycaemic index and content. And in the end, they're all sugar.
Honey
Antioxidant and antibacterial
Best for
For tea, yogurt and baking; stands out for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Important note: never give it to babies under 1 year old.
Maple Syrup
Vegan-friendly, rich in minerals
Best for
Ideal for anyone wanting a vegan sweetener — in pancakes, porridge and baking. The richest in minerals of the three, and slightly lower in calories.
Coconut Sugar
Lowest glycaemic index, swaps for white sugar
Best for
A one-to-one swap for white sugar — in cakes and cookies. The lowest glycaemic index of the three; its inulin fibre means it raises blood sugar more slowly.
Verdict
For a low glycaemic index, coconut sugar. For antioxidants, honey. For minerals, maple syrup. But remember: they're all still sugar — what really matters is how little you use.
Honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar. They're often presented as 'natural sweeteners', healthier alternatives to white sugar. They differ in glycaemic index and composition, but in the end, let's be honest: they're all sugar. Here's how to compare them, with rough values per 100 g.
Honey: antioxidant and antibacterial
Honey has a glycaemic index of around 58 and provides about 304 kcal per 100 g. What sets it apart are its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Best for
Tea, yogurt and baking. Important note: honey should never be given to babies under one year old.
Maple syrup: vegan and rich in minerals
Maple syrup has a glycaemic index of around 54 and provides about 260 kcal per 100 g — a bit less than honey. It's the richest of the three in minerals, notably manganese and zinc, and it's a vegan option.
Best for
Pancakes, porridge and baking, when you want a vegan sweetener.
Coconut sugar: the lowest glycaemic index
Coconut sugar has the lowest glycaemic index of the three, around 35, but it's also the most calorie-dense, with about 375 kcal per 100 g. In granular form, it swaps for white sugar one to one. Its inulin fibre raises blood sugar more slowly.
Best for
Replacing white sugar in cakes and cookies.
So, which one to choose?
honey — antioxidants
maple syrup — minerals
coconut sugar — a low glycaemic index
But remember the essential point: they're all sugar. None is a health food. What really matters isn't which one you choose, but using little of it. The best sugar is still the one you enjoy in moderation.
Fancy a low-sugar dessert? This cake, sweetened with dates alone, is the best example.