Some argue that since honey and maple syrup are natural sugars, they're better for our health compared to regular sugar. But this isn’t necessarily correct. In fact, honey and maple syrup are now classified in the UK as added (free) sugars.

Added (free) sugars are those added to foods during manufacturing. On the other hand, natural (intrinsic) sugars are classified as those found in whole foods like fruit and dairy products.

This means that although honey and maple syrup are derived from natural sources, they still act in the body in the same way as regular sugar. For this reason, we recommend avoiding honey and maple syrup where possible.

As with all our programme recommendations, this doesn't mean you can never enjoy honey or maple syrup again. Instead, it's about being aware of the impacts that free sugars can have on your health, and then making an informed decision that's sustainable for you in the long run.