Honey is a naturally sweet food that many people enjoy at breakfast, in yoghurt or in a hot drink. However, certain dietary precautions are important during pregnancy. One question often comes up: can you eat honey while pregnant?
The good news is that, contrary to a common misconception, honey is not forbidden during pregnancy. The main recommendation regarding honey concerns infants under one year of age. For expectant mothers, honey can be enjoyed as part of a varied and balanced diet, provided it is consumed in moderation.
So, how much honey can you eat? Which varieties should you choose? And what precautions should you be aware of during pregnancy? Let's take a closer look.
Can you eat honey while pregnant?
Yes, pregnant women can eat honey. The recommendation to avoid honey applies mainly to babies under one year of age because of the risk of infant botulism. This precaution does not apply to pregnant women.
An adult's digestive system is sufficiently developed to prevent the spores of the bacteria responsible for infant botulism from posing the same risk as they do to infants. Honey can therefore be consumed during pregnancy as part of a balanced diet.
It can be enjoyed in different ways: spread on toast, added to plain yoghurt, used in homemade recipes or stirred into a warm drink. However, honey is still high in sugars and should therefore be consumed in moderation.
How much honey can you eat during pregnancy?
There is no specific amount of honey that is forbidden during pregnancy. As with other sugary foods, the key is to enjoy it in moderation and take your overall diet into account.
A small amount is often enough to add a touch of sweetness to yoghurt, toast or a drink. For example, a teaspoon of honey can flavour a recipe without the need to add several spoonfuls.
The main goal is to avoid making honey a major source of sugar in your daily diet. During pregnancy, a varied diet remains a priority, with plenty of fruit, vegetables, starchy foods, protein and dairy products.
What about gestational diabetes?
Honey is still a sugary food and can therefore affect blood glucose levels. If you have gestational diabetes, it is best to seek advice from your doctor, midwife or dietitian before consuming it regularly.
Dietary needs and recommendations can vary from one person to another. The total amount of carbohydrates consumed throughout the day should also be taken into account.
Which honey should you choose during pregnancy?
Pregnancy does not require you to choose a particular variety of honey. Acacia honey, blossom honey, lavender honey and chestnut honey can all be enjoyed according to your preferences, provided you keep an eye on portion sizes.
Your choice will therefore mainly depend on the flavour you prefer. Some honeys are mild and floral, while others have stronger, woody notes.
Acacia honey: a mild honey to enjoy during pregnancy
Acacia honey is particularly appreciated for its mild, floral and delicate flavour. Its subtle taste makes it easy to enjoy every day, especially in plain yoghurt, on toast or in a warm drink.
It can be a pleasant option for expectant mothers who want to enjoy honey without choosing a variety with particularly strong flavours.
Discover our Acacia honey and enjoy the delicate sweetness of this variety.
What about other types of honey?
There is no variety of honey that is specifically forbidden during pregnancy because of its floral origin. Thyme, lavender, chestnut and forest honey can also be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
The main differences between varieties relate to their flavour, colour, texture and botanical origin. To discover different flavours, you can also explore our selection of honeys.
What precautions should you take when eating honey during pregnancy?
The main precaution to remember concerns infants. Honey should never be given to a child under one year of age, regardless of the variety, because of the risk of infant botulism.
This recommendation does not mean that pregnant women should avoid honey. Any spores that may be present in honey do not pose the same risk to adults and are not a general reason to exclude this food during pregnancy.
Watch your blood sugar levels
Like all foods high in sugar, honey should be consumed in moderation. If you develop gestational diabetes or need to monitor your blood glucose levels during pregnancy, seek advice from a healthcare professional to determine whether and how honey can fit into your diet.
Store your honey properly
To preserve the quality of your honey, keep it in a tightly closed jar at room temperature and away from moisture. Crystallisation can occur naturally depending on the variety and does not mean that the honey is unfit for consumption.
Honey and pregnancy: should you ask your doctor for advice?
In an uncomplicated pregnancy, consuming honey in moderation generally does not require any specific medical precautions. However, certain situations may call for personalised dietary guidance.
If you have gestational diabetes, blood glucose concerns or specific dietary requirements, your doctor, midwife or dietitian can advise you on suitable quantities.
This article provides general information and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your personal circumstances.
Which honey should you choose during pregnancy? A summary
Honey can be consumed during pregnancy. The recommendation to avoid honey applies to infants under one year of age because of the risk of infant botulism, not to pregnant women.
As honey is still high in sugar, it is best to consume it in reasonable quantities as part of a varied and balanced diet.
Acacia honey can be a particularly enjoyable choice thanks to its mild and delicate flavour. However, all varieties can be consumed during pregnancy as part of a moderate diet.
If you have gestational diabetes or a specific medical condition, the best approach is to seek advice from your healthcare professional.
