Comparing the effects of honey and nuts versus sugar and nuts on blood sugar levels

WHNRC (Western Human Nutrition Research Center) Honey Study

Not applicable Interventional USDA, Western Human Nutrition Research Center · NCT06107231

This study is testing whether a snack made with honey and nuts can help keep blood sugar levels lower after eating compared to a snack made with sugar and nuts.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorUSDA, Western Human Nutrition Research Center Federal
Locations1 site (Davis, California)
Trial IDNCT06107231 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to evaluate the impact of two different snacks—one made with honey and nuts and the other with sugar and nuts—on postprandial glucose levels. The study hypothesizes that the combination of honey and nuts will significantly reduce blood sugar spikes after eating compared to the sugar and nuts combination. Additionally, it will assess the effects on satiety and metabolic stress, considering honey's lower glycemic index and potential cognitive benefits. Participants will consume these snacks, and their glucose responses will be measured before and after consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pre-menopausal women who are willing to consume snacks containing honey, sugar, and tree nuts.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or those with allergies to tree nuts may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into healthier snack options that help manage blood sugar levels and improve satiety.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on the effects of nuts and sugars on glucose levels, this specific combination of honey and nuts has not been extensively tested, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women must be pre-menopausal
* Willing to consume snacks that contain honey, table sugar, and tree nuts

Exclusion Criteria:

* Body Mass Index (BMI) \<18.5 or \>40
* Allergies to tree nuts
* Current medical diagnoses of chronic diseases including cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, renal diseases, cancer, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, thyroid disease requiring medication, inflammatory or irritable bowel diseases, or those with recent major surgeries
* No individuals who fall in to the vulnerable categories of adults including those unable to consent, pregnant women, children, or prisoners will be eligible for this study
* Routinely taking medications known to affect glucose response.
* Caffeine and alcohol use will not be excluded, but should be carefully reported by each subject.

Regarding female candidates:

* Post-menopausal
* Women who have been pregnant or nursing within the last 6 months or plan to become pregnant during the trial will be ineligible

Where this trial is running

Davis, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postprandial GlycemiaMetabolic StressCognitive ChangeSatisfaction, PersonalSatietyCognitionCortisolGlucose
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.