Mannitol vs Honey: The Ultimate Verdict

Honey and mannitol are two very different sweet substances with unique characteristics. Honey is a viscous substance produced by bees, while mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and medication. Honey is made by bees gathering sugary secretions from plants or other insects, while mannitol is not naturally occurring. Honey is known for its nourishing properties for bee colonies, while mannitol is used as a low-calorie sweetener and a medication to reduce eye pressure and intracranial pressure. Considering their differences, one may wonder which of these sweeteners is ultimately better. Which sweetener do you think takes the crown?

Comparing Mannitol vs Honey

	Mannitol	Honey
Substitution ratio	1 cup mannitol: ½ cup honey	½ cup honey: 1 cup mannitol
Gluten-free?	Yes	Yes
Keto-friendly?	Yes	No
Paleo-friendly?	Debated	Raw and unpasteurized
Common Allergens	Sugar alcohols	Honey, some pollens
Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed)	1-1.5 years	Indefinite
Best for baking	Low-sugar treats and baked goods	Flaky, sweet pastries and baked goods

Differences Between Mannitol And Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener with a multitude of health benefits. It boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable addition to any diet. The different varieties of honey available are determined by the specific flowers that the bees pollinate.

Honey primarily consists of sugars, with fructose and glucose making up around 40% and 30%, respectively. Water accounts for approximately 17% of honey’s composition. It also contains a small amount of vitamins and minerals. When stored below its melting point, honey remains in liquid form, gradually thickening as the temperature decreases.

Beyond its use as a natural sweetener, honey is also valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It can be taken orally to relieve coughs or applied topically to aid in burn treatment and wound healing.

Mannitol is a type of carbohydrate known as a sugar alcohol or polyol. Unlike honey, it is not naturally produced by bees. Mannitol can be found in various sources, including most fruits and vegetables. It is characterized by its white crystalline solid appearance or free-flowing granules, and it has a sweet taste but is only half as sweet as sugar.

Mannitol is commonly used as a low-calorie alternative to sugar, as it contains about 60 percent fewer calories. It can serve as a diuretic, helping the body produce more urine and eliminating excess salt and water. Mannitol is often employed to treat swelling associated with heart, kidney, or liver disease and edema around the brain or in the eyes.

Taste and Culinary Uses

Sweeteners, such as honey and mannitol, contribute diverse flavor profiles to an array of foods and beverages, enhancing culinary experiences in unique ways. Honey’s wide variety of flavor profiles adds complexity and depth to dishes. It offers versatility in cooking, bringing both flavor and texture to sweet and savory creations.

Similarly, mannitol, a sugar alcohol naturally produced in plants, provides a different set of culinary benefits. It is about 50% as sweet as sucrose, offering a desirable cooling effect, and is often used to mask bitter tastes. Commercially produced mannitol helps reduce calories from sugars in packaged foods. It also serves as a sweetener in chewing gums and plays a crucial role in chocolate coatings for ice creams and sweets due to its high melting point and color retention at high temperatures.

Are Mannitol and Honey Substitutes for Each Other?

Honey is sweeter than mannitol, so use less. Substitute about ½ to ¾ cup of honey for each cup of mannitol the recipe calls for, and reduce the amount of liquid ingredients if needed. 

Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits

• Name: Honey
  • Serving size: 1 tbsp.
  • Calories: 60
  • Total carbs: 17 g
  • Sugars: 17 g
  • GI: 58
• Name: Mannitol
  • Serving size: 1 tsp.
  • Calories: 8
  • Total carbs: 4 g
  • Sugars: 4 g
  • GI: 2

Honey and mannitol offer various health benefits. Honey possesses phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it potentially therapeutic in disease treatment. It contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, contributing to its health-promoting effects. On the other hand, mannitol, a sugar alcohol, is known for its oral health benefits. It is considered “tooth-friendly” as it does not contribute to cavity formation and promotes saliva flow, which helps protect teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. Additionally, mannitol consumption, compared to regular sugar, can help lower blood glucose levels by reducing insulin secretion.

Diet Suitability

Honey, a food produced by insects, is not considered vegan. Bees collect nectar from flowers, partially digest it, and regurgitate it in their hives, where worker bees store it in beeswax honeycombs. This honey serves as a long-lasting food source for the hive, especially during winter. Although honey is a natural sweetener rich in sugars and carbohydrates, consuming it can disrupt ketosis and is therefore not allowed on the diet. Unadulterated raw honey aligns with the principles of a paleo lifestyle as it is considered a whole food. In contrast, pasteurized honey undergoes heat processing, making it less recommended in a paleo-oriented diet. So, check the labels if you are following a paleo diet; you may be able to have a little honey. On Whole30, adherents must cut out all sweeteners, including honey.

Mannitol is obtained from plant starch, which is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Xylitol, mannitol, and erythritol don’t count toward your net carbs while following a keto diet. However, maltitol and sorbitol do. Some say mannitol is paleo, and others say it’s not approved. The jury is still out on that one, though anything ambiguous like that I generally avoid when following a particular diet. As for Whole30, mannitol is not allowed.

How to Store Mannitol and Honey

When it comes to honey, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its quality. Opt for sealed containers, preferably glass jars with airtight lids, to prevent exposure to air when not in use. Avoid storing honey in non-food plastic or metal containers, as they can lead to oxidation.

Mannitol needs to be protected from freezing, so it’s recommended to store it at temperatures between 68 to 77°F.

Price and Availability

Honey is priced at $2.96 per pound and can exceed that amount. On the other hand, mannitol is much more expensive and costs around $20 per pound. It is also much harder to source than honey.

Environmental Impact

Considering the environmental impact of sweeteners, honey production through beekeeping stands out as one of the lowest-impact options. Unlike other farming practices, beekeeping doesn’t rely on the use of tractors, large machines, or fertilizers. This makes honey not only a sustainable choice but also a natural one.

Mannitol has more human considerations. While it is generally safe, there are potential side effects such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Additionally, it can interact with certain medications, like diuretics. It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement, including mannitol. 

Mannitol vs. Honey: The Ultimate Verdict

Honey 100% wins this round. Mannitol tastes strange to me in baked goods, it is expensive, hard to find, and can have side effects if taken in large amounts. Honey has a delicious flavor that works well in sweet treats and is made by nature itself. For low-sugar baking, there are better sweeteners like xylitol or monk fruit sweeteners.

FAQs

Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same