Are Some Sugars ‘Less Bad’ Than Others?

You Should Know: Ever drizzled honey or maple syrup on your oatmeal and felt a little proud of your “healthier” choice? Unfortunately, that confidence might be slightly misplaced. Sure, natural sweeteners sound better for you in theory, but experts say the difference probably isn’t as significant as we’d like to think.

Going Deeper: Many studies comparing natural and processed sugars are funded by the industries that make them, so their conclusions aren’t always the most reliable. One independent study found no meaningful difference between honey, table sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup when it came to blood sugar and other health markers. While honey and maple syrup are less processed and contain trace antioxidants, they’re hardly health foods since your body still processes them the same way, even if they cause slightly smaller blood sugar spikes.

Takeaway: When a sugar craving hits, reach for naturally sweet, fiber-rich foods like fruit first. And if that’s not enough, a little real sugar is perfectly fine in moderation.

Bottom Line: Most added sugars — whether table sugar, corn syrup, or agave — affect the body in similar ways. No type is significantly healthier, so keeping an eye on your total sugar intake matters most.