Is honey in tea okay while fasting?

No, even a small amount of honey breaks a fast.

Is honey better than sugar for fasting?

Not for fasting; both raise blood sugar and break a fast.

What can I use instead of honey while fasting?

A zero-calorie sweetener such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.

Does Honey Break a Fast?

Reviewed by the FastTrack team · Updated June 2026

Short answer: Yes

Honey breaks a fast. It is concentrated sugar, so even a teaspoon raises blood sugar and insulin and ends a fast.

Calories	~21 kcal per tsp
Breaks a weight-loss fast?	Yes
Breaks ketosis?	Yes
Breaks autophagy?	Yes
Insulin impact	Yes

Why honey breaks a fast

Honey is almost entirely sugar, around 17 grams of carbohydrate and 60 calories per tablespoon. It raises blood glucose and insulin quickly, which firmly breaks a fast and stops both ketosis and autophagy. Its natural and unprocessed reputation does not change its effect on blood sugar.

No fasting-safe amount

Unlike a squeeze of lemon, there is no trivial amount of honey that stays within a fast, because its whole content is sugar. If you want sweetness in a fasting drink, use a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit instead.

How much is safe

There is no fasting-safe amount of honey; use a zero-calorie sweetener during your fast instead.

Track your fasts with confidence

FastTrack times your fasts, your eating window and your progress, with a plan built around your goals.

Get your free plan

Frequently asked questions

Does honey break a fast?: Yes, it is concentrated sugar that raises insulin.
Is honey in tea okay while fasting?: No, even a small amount of honey breaks a fast.
Is honey better than sugar for fasting?: Not for fasting; both raise blood sugar and break a fast.
What can I use instead of honey while fasting?: A zero-calorie sweetener such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.