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Read moreUsing Jaggery and Honey in Everyday Beverages
How natural sweeteners behave differently in tea, coffee, and cold drinks compared to sugar.
19 July 20264 min read
Jaggery in hot beverages needs a little patience
Jaggery dissolves more slowly than refined sugar and can curdle milk-based drinks like tea if added directly to boiling milk, so it works better when melted separately in a little water first.
Honey suits cold and lukewarm drinks best
Because high heat can break down some of honey’s natural compounds, it is better suited to lemon water, iced tea, or lukewarm beverages rather than piping hot ones.
Matching sweetener to the drink, not habit alone
A useful rule of thumb is jaggery for hot spiced drinks like masala chai, and honey for cold or room-temperature beverages where its flavour and texture come through more clearly.
Put this into practice
Explore the staples mentioned in this article.
Frequently asked questions
Why does milk curdle when jaggery is added directly?+
Jaggery is naturally slightly acidic, and adding it directly to hot milk can cause curdling. Dissolving it in a small amount of water first before adding it to the drink avoids this.
Is honey safe to add to hot tea?+
It is fine occasionally, but adding honey once the tea has cooled slightly preserves more of its natural qualities compared to stirring it into boiling liquid.
Can jaggery be used in cold beverages too?+
Yes, though it dissolves slower in cold liquids, so it works best when first dissolved in a small amount of warm water before being added to a cold drink.
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