Honey vs Jaggery – Which Sweetener Is Better?

Clinical summary

Honey offers antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with a lower GI (~55) than jaggery (~65). Jaggery provides more iron and minerals. Neither is suitable for unlimited consumption by diabetics.

Frequently asked questions

Which has fewer calories — honey or jaggery?

Honey has ~304 kcal/100g while jaggery has ~383 kcal/100g. However, honey is denser, so teaspoon-for-teaspoon they're comparable.

Can I give honey to babies?

No — honey should never be given to children under 1 year due to the risk of infant botulism from Clostridium botulinum spores.

Which is better for cough — honey or jaggery?

Clinical studies support honey for cough relief, especially raw honey. It has proven antimicrobial and soothing properties superior to jaggery for throat conditions.