Do you like honey? I do, I do! I love honey.
Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that has been used for centuries by the Maori people of New Zealand to treat a variety of health conditions. Recently, it has become popular in the Western world as a natural healing agent.
Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on the nectar of Manuka flowers, found only in New Zealand and parts of Australia.
It contains high levels of antioxidants and has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can be used internally or externally to treat wounds and a variety of ailments. In this blog post, we will discuss the many benefits of New Zealand Manuka honey and our top picks to improve your health!
How We Choose The Best Manuka Honey
It's hard to know which Manuka honey is the best for you. With all of the different brands and claims on the market, it's tough to know which one to trust.
Not all Manuka honey is created equal. A lot of what you see on store shelves is just regular honey that has been labeled as "Manuka."
We've spent significant time researching for you so that you can feel confident in your choice.
When buying Manuka honey, there are five things we always keep in mind. The first is grading and certification. Manuka honey is very different from regular raw honey, and it's important to make sure you're getting a high-quality product. New Zealand has a strict grading system that makes it easy to tell the difference between brands. Keep reading to find out more about this process.
The next thing we look for is flavor. Not all Manuka honey tastes the same – some brands are sweeter, some have a herbaceous or floral taste due to the terroir of the region that the Manuka flowers originate from, while others have a more medicinal flavor. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and whether you plan to eat the honey or use it topically.
Next, we consider the company and ensure that it follows ethical production standards. We want to make sure that any honey we recommend is sustainably sourced and produced with the utmost respect for nature. We only recommend brands that are well-established and highly regarded in the industry.
Naturally, we consider price. We want something potent and affordable, without sacrificing quality. Prices vary widely in the Manuka industry, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase. Luckily, we've done the work for you!
And finally, we read hundreds of reviews from verified customers. We trust that real people have the best insight into what products actually work and which ones don't, so we make sure to take their opinions into account before making our recommendations. With that in mind, let's take a look at the best Manuka honey brands on the market today.
How To Know You're Getting Real Manuka Honey
Manuka honey grading systems are important because they ensure that you are buying Manuka honey of the highest quality. There are three main grading systems used: UMF, MGO, and KFactor.
UMF Grading System
The UMF Manuka honey grading system was developed by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand to more accurately measure the quality of Manuka honey. This system grades honey based on the level of four key components: MGO, DHA, NPA, and Leptosperin.
MGO is largely responsible for the honey's antibacterial properties, while DHA is a compound that converts to MGO. NPA determines the effectiveness of MGO, and Leptosperin is a chemical found only in Manuka flower nectar. It is the true marker of authentic Manuka honey.
All four of these components work together to create a potent and effective product. Today, UMF is considered the best way to measure the overall quality of Manuka honey, making it the preferred choice for many consumers.
MGO Grading System
The MGO grading system is a standardized measure used to evaluate only one compound, methylglyoxal. Generally speaking, the higher the MGO score, the higher the quality of honey. The MGO grading system provides a way for consumers to compare different brands of Manuka honey and choose the honey that best suits their needs.
KFactor Grading System
The KFactor system is a grading system invented by the New Zealand company Wedderspoon. To achieve a KFactor, the honey must meet five criteria: it must be raw and unpasteurized, free of glyphosate pesticides and antibiotics, non-GMO verified, produced and packaged in New Zealand, and traceable from Hive to Home.
KFactor system does not test for the most important components of Manuka Honey, those being NPA, DHA, MGO, or Leptosperin. No company other than Wedderspoon has adopted this rating system as of yet.
Unpasteurized, Pasteurized, or Raw?
When it comes to honey, there are three main types: pasteurized, unpasteurized, and raw. Pasteurized Manuka honey has been heated to a high temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. However, this process also reduces the level of MGO in the honey.
Unpasteurized Manuka honey is only slightly heated during processing, which helps the honey to retain many of its nutritional and healing properties.
Raw Manuka honey is minimally processed to preserve the integrity of honey, including naturally occurring pollen, enzymes, propolis, and amino acids. As a result, raw Manuka honey is often considered to be the most beneficial type of honey for both your health and your taste buds.
Comvita Certified Raw Manuka Honey UMF 10+
Best for Immune Support & Daily Health
Comvita Certified Raw Manuka Honey UMF 10+
"I've been using manuka honey for more than a year. It helps with sinuses and allergies."
What Makes It Stand Out
Looking for an incredibly delicious way to support your immune system? Meet Comvita Manuka Honey UMF 10+, your new go-to honey!
This velvety smooth honey has just the right amount of sweetness, plus floral notes that make it unique. Add it to your tea or oatmeal in the morning, blend it into a healthy smoothie, or enjoy it straight off the spoon.
Comvita UMF 10+ is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a great addition to your routine. It's also great as a natural energy source before hitting the gym. So not only will it taste great, but it will also help improve your overall health.
Details Worth Noting
Comvita is a world leader in producing raw, unpasteurized, non-GMO, and certified gluten-free Manuka honey. With nearly 50 years of beekeeping craftsmanship and a world-class, in-house lab in Paengaroa, New Zealand, Comvita offers some of the highest quality Manuka honey in the world.
The raw and unpasteurized honey is never heated or filtered, ensuring that all of the beneficial enzymes and nutrients are retained. This means that you can trust Comvita to provide you with the purest, most delicious New Zealand Manuka honey available.
Comvita Kids Manuka Honey Night-Time Soothing Syrup UMF10+
Best for Children's Cough & Sore Throat
Comvita Kids Manuka Honey Night-Time Soothing Syrup UMF10+
"Works great for scratchy throats and coughs! My daughter loves this! Every time she complains about a tickle in her throat she takes this and it’s gone. Works great for coughs too!"
What Makes It Stand Out
Comvita Kids Night-Time Soothing Syrup UMF 10+ is a unique formula powered by UMF 10+ Manuka honey and includes Vitamin C, D, Zinc, and Chamomile to soothe throats and relieve coughs. It's also grape-flavored, so kids will love it!
Safe for kids aged 1 year and up, Comvita Manuka Honey Night-Time Soothing Syrup is an effective product for soothing sore, irritated throats and tickly coughs. This syrup is made with UMF-certification Manuka honey, which is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Details Worth Noting
All Comvita products are non-GMO, certified gluten-free, and free of artificial colors and flavors.
Plus, they're extensively researched for safety in a variety of ages of young children. And because Comvita uses proper dosing, you can feel confident that your child is getting the relief he or she needs without any harmful side effects.
PRI Mossop’s Manuka Honey UMF 15+
"The real deal. Excellent quality at a great price."
What Makes It Stand Out
Looking for a natural way to keep your skin hydrated and looking its best? Introducing PRI Mossop’s Manuka Honey UMF 15+ - the perfect solution for dry, tired, or aging skin!
Made from the nectar of the Manuka plant flower in New Zealand, this honey is naturally rich in sugars that make it a humectant and emollient. This means that it helps lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated, while also softening fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition, Mossop's UMF 15+ offers the perfect strength of healing properties for nourishing and revitalizing skin. It can help regulate pH levels, even out skin tone, and reduce redness.
So why not give your skin the nourishment it deserves? Try it today and see the difference!
Details Worth Noting
PRI Mossop is a New Zealand company with a mission. As the first to bring Manuka honey to the US, their products are sourced from high-quality, sustainable beekeepers, and a portion of every purchase is donated to bee conservation efforts.
This makes PRI Mossop not only a great source of honey but also a company that you can feel good about supporting. So if you're looking for a genuine Manuka honey product, be sure to check out PRI Mossop. Plus, you'll be helping to save the bees!
Kiva Raw Manuka Honey, Certified UMF 20+
Best for Digestive Problems & Gut Health
Kiva Raw Manuka Honey, Certified UMF 20+
"Beautiful gift of the bees. Best honey - helpful in healing stomach ulcer. Thank you!"
What Makes It Stand Out
This pure, raw honey contains some of the highest concentrations of natural enzymes, minerals, and vitamins you can find. This Manuka honey has been harvested from the remote and pristine hillsides, forests and coastal areas of New Zealand resulting in a superior honey product with amazing beneficial properties. With its equivalency to methylgloxal (MGO 830+) this Certified UMF 20+ Manuka honey is one of the most powerful medical-grade honeys available on the market.
Kiva Raw Manuka Honey can be consumed in many different ways including adding it to toast, oatmeal, yogurt or even your favorite beverages for a superfood energy boost. Or use it to create your very own face mask for healthy skin. It’s also excellent for gut health and digestive problems. So reap all of the benefits that this amazingly nutritious raw honey has to offer and try Kiva Raw Manuka Honey today!
Details Worth Noting
Are you tired of guessing if the honey you buy at the store is truly pure and authentic? Kiva Raw Manuka Honey has got you covered! With their Certified UMF 20+ and MGO 830+ ratings, you can rest assured that you are getting the real deal. But it doesn't stop there - each batch undergoes independent testing to ensure purity and authenticity.
And for the cherry on top, every jar has a unique QR code that allows you to trace the honey from the hive to your jar. Plus, it's glyphosate-free - what more could you ask for in a honey? Kiva Raw Manuka Honey is 100% pure, genuine New Zealand honey that you can trust.
New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey UMF 24+
Best for Acne, Eczema and Wound Care
New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey UMF 24+
"I almost want to cry-it works! I have been suffering from bad eczema on my face. I was thankful for having to wear a mask due to Covid. My skin would sometimes ooze and even bleed... I used this honey on my face and hands last night (20 minute mask) and my eczema was barely noticeable when I woke up. I masked this morning and again this evening, for a total of 3 treatments. I almost want to cry, it is working that well for me."
What Makes It Stand Out
Looking for a medical-grade Manuka honey with unrivaled healing properties? New Zealand Honey Co. UMF 24+ is only produced in very small quantities, so it is truly a rarity.
This medical-grade product contains powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral properties, making it one of the most potent honeys around.
While it is one of the highest grades of genuine Manuka honey on the market, it's also extremely scarce and difficult to source. So if you're looking for superior healing benefits, this is the Manuka honey for you!
Details Worth Noting
New Zealand Honey Co. UMF 24+ has unique properties due to its high phenolic and MGO (1122+) content that have been scientifically proven to heal acne, eczema, and various types of wounds, including diabetic ulcers.
It is so effective at reducing inflammation and healing wounds quickly that it is now used by doctors in clinical settings.
With its unique ability to kill bacteria and promote healing, Raw Manuka Honey UMF 24+ is a must-have for anyone looking for a natural remedy that is backed by science.
Manuka Honey FAQs
People are often curious about New Zealand Manuka honeys, but don't know where to start when it comes to learning more about it.
There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there about Manuka honey. Some people think that all honey is the same, but that's not true. There are very distinct differences. Many are also not sure which one is best for their particular needs.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about Manuka so that you can learn more about this unique honey from New Zealand before making a purchase.
What is the difference between honey and Manuka honey?
Manuka honey and honey are two very different products. Manuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka flower, which is native to New Zealand and some parts of Australia. This type of honey is prized for its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In addition, Manuka honey products have powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ordinary honey is made by bees that collect nectar from a variety of flowers and does not contain the same medicinal properties that are unique to the nectar of Manuka flowers.
Which Manuka honey is best for daily wellness?
UMF 10+ manuka is perfect for daily use. UMF, or Unique Manuka Factor, is the scale used in New Zealand to measure the quality of Manuka honey. The higher the UMF number, the higher the antibacterial quality of the honey.
According to the New Zealand UMF Honey Association, UMF 10+ Manuka honey is considered to be a high-quality, independently certified honey that has plenty of healing properties. So consider this rating the best when buying Manuka honey for immune-boosting health.
Does Manuka honey expire?
Yes, even genuine, New Zealand UMF-certified Manuka honeys do expire. The expiration date will be printed on the label, and it's important to follow this date to ensure that you're getting the full nutritional benefits of the honey.
After the expiration date has passed, even top quality Manuka honey products may still be safe to eat, but they are not as likely to have as many beneficial properties as when they were fresh.
Do I need to refrigerate Manuka honey?
No. You don't need to refrigerate Manuka honey, but it's best to store it in a cool, dark place. This will help preserve its quality and beneficial properties.
Does Manuka honey help you sleep?
Some people find that consuming Manuka honey before bed helps them sleep. Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, which the body converts into glucose and releases into the bloodstream. This increase in blood glucose signals the brain to release melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep.
Can pregnant women eat Manuka honey?
Yes. Studies have shown that the bacteria from botulism spores cannot cross the placenta, which means that they cannot infect the developing baby. As a result, infant botulism is not a risk for pregnant women who eat honey.
What strength (UMF score) of Manuka honey is considered medicinal? Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries, and Manuka honey is especially beneficial because of its high level of antibacterial activity. The New Zealand UMF rating reflects the amount of active antibacterial ingredients in the honey and helps you to compare different brands and grades of Manuka honey.
The UMF score is a measure of the unique antibacterial activity of Manuka honey. A UMF score of 10 or higher is considered to be medical grade according to the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand.
Is Manuka honey nutritious?
Where white sugar offers no nutrition, genuine New Zealand Manuka honey is a rich source of amino acids, B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. When consumed, it also has a lower glycemic effect than regular sugar.
Like all sugars, however, Manuka honey should be eaten as part of a balanced diet, and not in excess.
Why does Manuka honey cost more than regular honey?
Pure Manuka honey is more expensive than regular grocery store honey because Manuka flowers, found in a remote area of the world, are only in bloom for six to eight weeks each year, producing a very limited supply of nectar for the bees to forage on.
By contrast, ordinary raw honey is produced from a variety of flowers, so it's more readily available and less expensive. Manuka honey also undergoes a rigorous testing and certification process to ensure that it is sourced from the flowers of the native New Zealand Manuka tree.
Manuka honey is also free from GMOs, antibiotics, and pesticides and contains live enzymes.
How much Manuka honey should I consume daily?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of Manuka honey you should consume each day will vary depending on your individual health needs and preferences.
However, it is generally recommended that adults consume 1 to 2 teaspoons of Manuka honey per day.
Are there any Manuka products I should avoid?
While many Manuka honey products are available on the market, only those that have been certified by New Zealand's Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) can be guaranteed to contain certain levels of MGO (as well as DHA, NPA, and Leptosperin) that are largely responsible for the honey's healing antibacterial properties.
Many Manuka honey products will put MGO counts on their labels however the only way to verify (with reliability) that the honey has been produced from Manuka flowers is with a UMF certification.
So, when looking for a quality product, make sure to choose Manuka honey brands from New Zealand that bear the UMF certification on the label.
Is higher UMF Manuka honey better?
The answer depends on what you intend to use it for. If you plan to eat Manuka honey for general wellness a lower UMF rating will be sufficient and more affordable. On the other hand, if you plan to treat a wound or tackle inflammatory digestive issues, we recommend a product with a higher UMF.
While all genuine New Zealand Manuka honey is good for you, look for a UMF rating of 10 or higher for healing properties.
A Quick Recap Of The Benefits Of Manuka Honey
The top health benefits of Manuka honey are that it is a natural antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and antifungal agent. It can be used for general skin care, wounds, and burns, as well as for gut health and boosted immunity.
Other conditions that Manuka honey can help to treat include gingivitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, stomach ulcers, diabetic ulcers, scarring, sore throats, colds and flu, sinus infections, and bladder infections.
UMF-certified Manuka honey produced in New Zealand is widely considered to be the best honey in the world for its therapeutic properties.
Who should not use Manuka honey?
There are a few situations where you should not eat Manuka honey or use it topically.
1) You have a bee allergy.
2) Manuka honey is not appropriate for infants under 12 months because it has the potential to cause botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
3) If you are diabetic, then you should consult with your doctor before using Manuka honey, as it is still a sugar and can increase blood sugar levels.
What's The Best Manuka Honey Brand For You?
There are many different brands of Manuka honey available on the market today. So, how do you know which one is right for you? If you're looking for a good all-around product to boost immunity, soothe sore throats and coughs, give you glowing skin, heal acne and wounds and support gut health, we have provided the best in class for each. They all have great reviews on Amazon and come highly recommended by verified customers.
For the best results, it is important to choose a Manuka honey with a high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO). This is the active ingredient in Manuka honey that gives it its unique healing properties. We've done the research for you and have selected products with high MGO ratings that are sure to deliver the results you're looking for.
We recommend that you choose a honey that is produced in New Zealand that has the UMF certification and that you consider what you plan to use the honey for. This will determine what UMF strength you should purchase.
This guide will help you match the right Manuka honey to your desired wellness outcome. Finally, consider the price when making your purchase. Price will go up with higher potency, but remember that a little goes a long way.
We’ve provided links where you can check prices on some of the best and most affordable Manuka honey available online.
We hope you found this guide helpful. Tap the buttons above or click on the links below to find the right Manuka honey for you!
Best For Overall Health & Immune Support
Comvita Certified Raw Manuka Honey UMF 10+
Best For Children's Cough & Sore Throat
Comvita Kids Manuka Honey Night-Time Soothing Syrup UMF10+
Best For Nourished Glowing Skin
PRI Mossop’s Manuka Honey UMF 15+
Best For Digestive Problems & Gut Health
Kiva Raw Manuka Honey, Certified UMF 20+
Best For Acne, Eczema Burns, Diabetic Ulcers & Wound Care
New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey UMF 24+
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