Hot Honey, But Make It Vegan

Hot honey is having a serious moment, scroll through your socials and you'll see it drizzled over roasted veggies, pizza, tofu, and even ice cream. The combination of sweet and spicy is addictive. But behind the buzz, there's an important question worth asking: is hot honey actually better for you than regular sugar? And if you're plant-based, can you enjoy the trend without compromising your values?

Is honey really healthier than sugar?

Honey is the UK's most popular spread and is often perceived as a more natural alternative to table sugar. High-quality honey contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and has a slightly more complex sugar profile mainly made up of fructose and glucose, along with trace amounts of other sugars.

However, even though honey is less processed than refined sugar, it's still metabolised in the body in almost the same way.

"Whether it's honey, maple syrup or agave, these are still added sugars," says Georgia, Biomel's in-house nutritionist. "Using more natural options might feel healthier, but nutritionally, they should still be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you're focusing on gut health."

A vegan twist on hot honey

As a 100% plant-based brand, we've created a vegan-friendly version of hot honey so you can join the trend, minus the honey.

Vegan hot honey recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1–2 tsp red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of sea salt

Method:
Gently heat the maple syrup or agave in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the chilli flakes and salt, and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a clean jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

This sweet-and-spicy drizzle is perfect over roasted root veg, crispy chickpeas, grain bowls, or savoury oats. It delivers big flavour with zero compromise.

Sweet mindful and gut friendly

If you're experimenting with flavour-forward toppings like hot honey, you can still keep gut health in mind. Pair bold condiments with nourishing, whole plant-based foods that support your digestion.

Looking for inspiration? Explore our full collection of gut-friendly sweet treats here. Every recipe is vegan, dairy-free, and made with ingredients your microbiome will love.

Final thoughts

Hot honey is here to stay and with a few simple swaps, it can be made completely plant-based. While natural sugars like honey or maple syrup can add excitement to meals, they're still sugars, so it's all about balance. Enjoy them mindfully, and let your gut guide you.