Have you ever wondered why some honey costs way more than others? The answer often lies in a tiny island nation and a special flower: Manuka honey. This golden liquid is more than just a sweet treat; many people believe it holds powerful secrets for keeping us healthy. But when you look at the supermarket shelf, you see different numbers and labels—UMF, MGO—and it can feel like trying to crack a secret code just to buy good honey!
Choosing the best Manuka honey for your health goals can be confusing. Are you looking for something to soothe a sore throat, help your digestion, or boost your overall wellness? The different ratings confuse buyers, making it hard to know if you are getting the real deal or just expensive sugar. We understand that frustration.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what those numbers mean, explain why Manuka is so special, and guide you step-by-step to pick the perfect jar for your needs. Get ready to unlock the true potential of this amazing natural product!
Top Manuka Honey For Health Recommendations
- More than honey: Manuka Health’s MGO 400+ Manuka Honey is a versatile and potent superfood with powerful natural properties that support you on your journey to holistic wellness
- Quality you can taste: Our raw and unpasteurized honey offers a uniquely rich, creamy texture and an aromatic, yet earthy sweetness for you to savor
- The magic of Manuka honey: Beyond drizzling on foods as a delicious spread or wholefood sweetener, Manuka honey can be used for skincare treatments, as a digestive soother, and for a natural pre- or post-workout boost
- Tested and certified: Our Manuka honey is triple tested to measure MGO (methylglyoxal) levels and is UMF-certified so you can trust you’re only getting authentic, high-quality Manuka honey at your desired potency level
- 100% New Zealand origin: Each jar of Manuka honey is made, tested and sealed right here in New Zealand; each jar is fully traceable back to the beekeeper, with a QR code on the lid linking you to your honey’s origin, potency and quality credentials
- More than honey: Manuka Health’s MGO 573+ Manuka Honey is a versatile and potent superfood with powerful natural properties that support you on your journey to holistic wellness
- Quality you can taste: Our raw and unpasteurized honey offers a uniquely rich, creamy texture and an aromatic, yet earthy sweetness for you to savor
- The magic of Manuka honey: Beyond drizzling on foods as a delicious spread or wholefood sweetener, Manuka honey can be used for skincare treatments, as a digestive soother, and for a natural pre- or post-workout boost
- Tested and certified: Our Manuka honey is triple tested to measure MGO (methylglyoxal) levels and is UMF-certified so you can trust you’re only getting authentic, high-quality Manuka honey at your desired potency level
- 100% New Zealand origin: Each jar of Manuka honey is made, tested and sealed right here in New Zealand; each jar is fully traceable back to the beekeeper, with a QR code on the lid linking you to your honey’s origin, potency and quality credentials
- More than honey: Manuka Health’s MGO 263+ Manuka Honey is a versatile and potent superfood with powerful natural properties that support you on your journey to holistic wellness
- Quality you can taste: Our raw and unpasteurized honey offers a uniquely rich, creamy texture and an aromatic, yet earthy sweetness for you to savor
- The magic of Manuka honey: Beyond drizzling on foods as a delicious spread or wholefood sweetener, Manuka honey can be used for skincare treatments, as a digestive soother, and for a natural pre- or post-workout boost
- Tested and certified: Our Manuka honey is triple tested to measure MGO (methylglyoxal) levels and is UMF-certified so you can trust you’re only getting authentic, high-quality Manuka honey at your desired potency level
- 100% New Zealand origin: Each jar of Manuka honey is made, tested and sealed right here in New Zealand; each jar is fully traceable back to the beekeeper, with a QR code on the lid linking you to your honey’s origin, potency and quality credentials
- Hive to Home: Our multifloral manuka honey is carefully sourced and processed from harvest to your home
- 100% Pure New Zealand Honey: Every batch of Manuka Doctor honey is authenticated as a Product of New Zealand. Harvested, packed & tested in New Zealand to meet NZ Government Requirements. Our natural honey is also non-GMO, raw and MGO 30+
- Convenient No Mess-No Fuss: Avoid drips and sticky spills with our no-drip Squeeze Bottle. Manuka Honey is nature’s superfoods. Taste-wise, Manuka Honey is darker, thicker, richer, and creamier than regular Squeezy bear honey. Add some Manuka to your everyday routine
- Wellbeeing and Natural Sweetness: Manuka Doctor raw honey is supercharged, functional nutrition that gives a natural boost to your wellbeeing and energy. Perfect in tea or smoothies, drizzled over muesli, on waffles or on a slice of toast
- Your Manuka Expert: Manuka Doctor is the raw Manuka Honey expert with over 300 million bees, 10,000 beehives, 20 beekeepers and its own extraction and packing facility. Giving you confidence that you are buying 100% real New Zealand Manuka Honey
- Manuka Honey – Our premium Raw Manuka Honey is harvested from the wild landscapes of New Zealand and known for its powerful and active properties. New Zealand Honey Co. has an international reputation for providing the finest natural Manuka Honey since 2006.
- Supercharge Your Food – Boost your everyday food with our Manuka honey or just take a spoonful a day. Our UMF 15+ / MGO 514+ is a perfect partner to many foods; wellness shakes and drinks, muesli, marinades. It is also great for natural skincare.
- 100% New Zealand Made – All our Honey is foraged, harvested, packed and tested in New Zealand, all our batches are independently tested, meaning you can be completely sure what you receive is 100% genuine, as stated on the jar
- UMF Certified – We are a member of the UMF honey association; this means that our honey meets strict grading criteria and what is stated on the label is guaranteed at a minimum. The UMF honey association certification provides confidence that the Manuka honey you are purchasing is 100% authentic. Testing certificates are available for every jar.
- Sustainable Source – Manuka is an indigenous tree of New Zealand and can only be sourced from our unique and beautiful country. Our Manuka honey is an organic, natural living food meaning it still contains all the natural pollens and enzymes as it is the original sweet liquid produced by the bees. Our jars are PETE recyclable and BPA free.
- Manuka Honey - Essential Vitality - Your health is important. This high grade Manuka Honey UMF 20+ is packed with nutrients and essential vitality to help you live your best life. It’s more than just a premium food supplement or skincare aide, it’s a way to help you achieve enhanced wellbeing. Try it today and find out why people keep coming back for more.
- Hive to Home: Our monofloral manuka honey is carefully sourced and processed from harvest to your home
- 100% Pure New Zealand Honey: Every batch of Manuka Doctor honey is authenticated as a Product of New Zealand. Harvested, packed & tested in New Zealand to meet NZ Government Requirements. Our natural honey is also non-GMO, raw and MGO 525+
- Everyday Boost: Support your everyday wellbeeing. Add a thick and creamy spoonful of everyday natural goodness for vitality. Rich, earthy and intense in flavor with a herbaceous aroma, this amber colored Manuka is Monofloral goodness at its Superfood best
- Wellbeeing and Natural Sweetness: Manuka Doctor raw honey is supercharged, functional nutrition that gives a natural boost to your wellbeeing and energy. Perfect in tea or smoothies, drizzled over muesli, on waffles or on a slice of toast
- Your Manuka Expert: Manuka Doctor is the raw Manuka Honey expert with over 300 million bees, 10,000 beehives, 20 beekeepers and its own extraction and packing facility. Giving you confidence that you are buying 100% real New Zealand Manuka Honey
- PREMIUM NEW ZEALAND MANUKA HONEY — MGO 50+: Harvested from pristine Manuka forests in New Zealand, this raw, monofloral Manuka honey contains naturally occurring MGO 50+. Smooth and versatile, it supports gentle daily wellness, natural energy, and everyday balance — perfect as an introduction to authentic Manuka honey.
- DAILY SUPER HONEY FOR WELLNESS SUPPORT: More than a sweetener — this bioactive Manuka honey brings everyday support for immune health, digestion, and steady energy. A delicious way to elevate your daily routine.
- ETHICALLY SOURCED & B-CORP CERTIFIED: Manukora honey is harvested in small batches with deep respect for the land and our bees. B-Corp Certified, Non-GMO, glyphosate residue free, and crafted using regenerative beekeeping practices.
- VERIFIED AUTHENTIC MANUKA — FULL TRACEABILITY: Scan the QR code on your jar to trace your honey to its single-origin source and view purity test results — your guarantee of genuine New Zealand Manuka honey.
- SMOOTH, CREAMY & MADE FOR EVERYDAY USE: This mellow, velvety honey is perfect on toast, oatmeal, tea, yogurt, or straight from the spoon. Praised by customers worldwide with dedicated 1:1 care from our New Zealand team.
The Sweet Secret to Wellness: Your Manuka Honey Buying Guide
Manuka honey is a special honey from New Zealand. Bees make it from the nectar of the Manuka bush. People use it for many health reasons. This guide helps you pick the best jar for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you buy Manuka honey, look for specific labels. These labels tell you about its strength and quality.
Understanding UMF and MGO Ratings
- UMF (Unique Manuka Factor): This is a trusted grading system. Higher UMF numbers mean more beneficial compounds. Look for UMF 10+ as a good starting point for daily use. For strong support, aim for UMF 15+ or higher.
- MGO (Methylglyoxal): This compound gives Manuka its special power. Higher MGO numbers mean stronger honey. MGO 100+ is mild, while MGO 400+ is very potent.
Always check that the UMF or MGO rating is clearly printed on the label. This proves it is real Manuka honey.
2. Important Materials and Origin
The best Manuka honey comes directly from New Zealand.
Source Matters
- New Zealand Origin: True Manuka honey must come from New Zealand. Look for packaging that clearly states “Product of New Zealand.”
- Purity: Good Manuka honey is raw and unfiltered. This keeps all the natural goodness inside. Avoid honey that lists added sugars or syrups.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way the honey is handled really changes how good it is.
What Makes It Better?
- Harvesting Time: Honey harvested at the peak season often has higher active levels.
- Storage: Keep your honey in a cool, dark place. Sunlight and heat destroy the beneficial properties.
What Lowers Quality?
- Pasteurization: Heating the honey (pasteurization) makes it smoother, but it lowers the health benefits. Choose raw honey.
- Adulteration: Some cheaper honeys mix real Manuka with regular honey. Buying from reputable brands protects you from fake products.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
People use Manuka honey in many ways. Its thick texture and unique, slightly earthy taste set it apart from regular honey.
How to Use Manuka Honey
- For Soothing Throats: Take one teaspoon straight when you feel a tickle. Let it slowly dissolve in your mouth.
- On Toast or Yogurt: Use it as a natural sweetener in your morning oatmeal or on whole-grain toast.
- Skin Care: Some people apply a small amount directly to minor cuts or blemishes for its soothing effect.
Remember, do not give any honey, including Manuka, to babies under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Manuka Honey
Q: Is Manuka honey safe for everyone?
A: Most healthy adults can eat it safely. However, people with severe bee allergies should be careful. Never give it to children under one year old.
Q: How is Manuka honey different from regular honey?
A: Manuka honey has a special compound called MGO. This gives it extra strong natural abilities that regular honey does not have.
Q: Should I choose UMF or MGO? Which is better?
A: Both measure the strength. They are connected. Choose the rating system the brand uses, but make sure the number is high enough for what you need.
Q: Does Manuka honey ever expire?
A: Real, pure honey lasts a very long time if stored correctly. It might get slightly harder over time, but it usually does not spoil.
Q: Can I cook or bake with high-grade Manuka honey?
A: You should avoid high heat. Baking or boiling destroys the active compounds that make Manuka special. Use it raw whenever possible.
Q: What does authentic Manuka honey taste like?
A: It tastes slightly medicinal, earthy, and less sweet than regular clover honey. The flavor gets stronger as the rating increases.
Q: Where is the best place to store my Manuka honey jar?
A: Keep it sealed tightly at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like the stove.
Q: What is the minimum UMF rating I should buy?
A: For general wellness and daily use, UMF 5+ or UMF 10+ is usually enough. Higher ratings are for more specific health goals.
Q: Can Manuka honey help with stomach issues?
A: Many people report that Manuka helps soothe their digestive system because of its unique antibacterial properties.
Q: Why is Manuka honey so much more expensive than regular honey?
A: It is expensive because the Manuka flower only blooms for a short time each year, and it only grows in specific parts of New Zealand. This makes it rare.