Starbucks' New Honey Coffee: Yay or Nay?

Starbucks Reserve in the US has rolled out two new drinks: the Hot Honey Espresso Martini and the Hot Honey Affogato. Mixing honey with hot coffee has sparked some debate, but let's clear things up based on recent discussions and studies.

One concern is about the release of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) when honey is heated above 104°F. Some studies suggest that HMF, which forms when honey is heated, could be toxic. However, the temperatures used for hot drinks like coffee are unlikely to make honey toxic by this measure.

Another thing to think about is the potential loss of honey's nutrients when added to hot drinks. Honey is packed with antioxidants, but adding it to hot tea or coffee could destroy some of these nutrients due to the high temperatures. Letting your hot drink cool a bit before adding raw honey might help keep more of its nutritional goodness intact.

However, the idea of honey turning toxic in hot drinks is mostly debunked. The caramelization of sugars, which can happen when honey is heated, doesn't produce toxic compounds at the temperatures typical for hot beverages like coffee. Most hot drinks are served well below the threshold where caramelization could turn honey harmful.

So, while there might be a slight dip in nutrition if honey is added to very hot coffee, there's no scientific evidence that it becomes toxic. Adding honey to your coffee can still be a healthier choice than refined sugars, offering a natural sweetness and a little boost of antioxidants. Just keep an eye on the temperature to get the most out of honey's health benefits.