Honey vs Brown Sugar
Density, calorie, and weight differences — and whether they can substitute for each other.
Substitution Verdict
Density difference: 45.9%. Significant difference — not a 1:1 substitute, recipe may need rebalancing.
Calories per 100 g: Honey 304 kcal vs Brown Sugar 380 kcal. Difference: 76 kcal — Brown Sugar is higher.
Weight Conversions (per Spoon and Cup)
| Measure | Honey | Brown Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 21 g | 13.3 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 7 g | 4.4 g |
| 1 cup | 340 g | 213 g |
| Density | 1.42 g/ml | 0.89 g/ml |
Measuring Tips
Coat measuring spoon with cooking spray first — honey slides off cleanly without sticking.
Brown sugar should be FIRMLY PACKED into the measuring cup. Loose-packed brown sugar weighs 25-30% less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Honey be substituted for Brown Sugar?▾
Significant difference — not a 1:1 substitute, recipe may need rebalancing. Density of Honey is 1.42 g/ml; Brown Sugar is 0.89 g/ml — a 45.9% difference. But flavor, moisture, and chemistry can still differ — verify suitability for the specific recipe.
How many grams in 1 tablespoon of Honey vs Brown Sugar?▾
1 tbsp Honey ≈ 21 g. 1 tbsp Brown Sugar ≈ 13.3 g. By weight: 1 tbsp Honey = 1.58 tbsp Brown Sugar.
Which has more calories, Honey or Brown Sugar?▾
Per 100 g: Honey 304 kcal, Brown Sugar 380 kcal. Brown Sugar has 76 more kcal.
What is Honey typically used for?▾
Honey is commonly used in: tea sweetener, baking, marinades, salad dressings. Source: usda-fdc.
What is Brown Sugar typically used for?▾
Brown Sugar is commonly used in: chocolate chip cookies, BBQ rubs, banana bread, marinades. Source: king-arthur, usda-fdc.