Honey is a natural source of nutrients and has many healing properties. It is a key ingredient in many ayurvedic and herbal medicines. But when it comes to manuka honey, their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties take the cake.
You can apply manuka honey topically or take it orally. It provides you with a host of medicinal benefits from soothing a sore throat to improving digestive conditions. Since this has such special properties and comes from the manuka flower found in New Zealand, it’s a rare and much sought-after commodity.
Although there are many brands available, not all of them are equal in manuka honey content or quality. This post has been put together based on factors, ratings and user reviews. This is the platform from where you can get all the relevant information to help you choose the best manuka honey.
Read on to discover more about this miracle product!
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka Honey | 5 out of 5 | |
 | Kiva Raw Manuka Honey | 5 out of 5 | |
 | Manukora UMF 20+/MGO 830+ Raw Mānuka Honey | 4.5 out of 5 | |
 | Good Natured Raw Manuka Honey | 4 out of 5 | |
 | Comvita Certified Raw Manuka Honey | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Is Manuka Honey And The Benefits Of Taking It?
Manuka honey is derived from a rare flowering bush in New Zealand. Because of its superior antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it is given more weightage than conventional honey. Its active ingredient – methylglyoxal – is responsible for its unique medicinal properties.
The following are the main benefits of taking manuka honey.
Acne Treatment
Limited studies have shown that manuka honey can reduce the effects of acne. It is combined with a low pH product to treat acne. Its antibacterial property helps to clear the skin of bacteria and expedite the healing process.
This works in combination with its anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the swelling also.
Healing Wounds
Wounds from cuts as well as boils, sores, and burns are treated with manuka honey. Its antioxidant and antibacterial traits keep the wound safe from microbial infections by forming a protective moisture layer.
In burn patients, manuka honey has been proven to decrease pain, trigger tissue regrowth, and speed up the healing of the burn. It forms an acidic environment that is conducive to the burn healing.
Patients with diabetes can also benefit from manuka honey. Studies have revealed that diabetic ulcers heal faster when traditional methods of dressings are combined with manuka honey. Diabetic foot ulcers also heal faster and are disinfected naturally with this honey.
Improving Digestive Irregularities
Digestive conditions like IBS or irritable bowel syndrome can be improved with Manuka honey as shown by limited research. Regular intake of manuka honey can improve conditions like constipation, irregular bowel movement, pain in the abdomen, and diarrhea.
Improving Oral Health
Bacteria in our mouth can cause the formation of plaque. Hence, it’s important to keep the gums healthy to avoid plaque. In the process of maintaining oral hygiene, we should not remove the good bacteria that help to keep our mouth healthy.
Regular intake of manuka honey gets rid of harmful bacteria responsible for plaque formation, tooth decay, and gum diseases like gingivitis. The powerful antibacterial property of Manuka honey keeps these conditions at bay.
Sore Throat Improvement
Thanks to its antimicrobial traits, manuka honey can reduce the pain, scratchiness, and inflammation that sore throat causes. By forming a film of protective lining inside the throat, this special honey can moisturize this part and lead to the reduction of the itchy feeling and dry cough.
Our Top 15 Best Manuka Honey Reviews
1. Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka Honey
When life gives you a raw deal at times, it’s a blessing. That’s what you get from this jar of manuka honey – raw, non-pasteurized, Kfactor 16 deal!
The monofloral honey can be traced back to the master beekeeper who harvested it and is part of a non-GMO project. It’s packed in a 17.6-ounce BPA-free jar to ensure complete health and taste. Moreover, it does not contain any glyphosate or antibiotics.
Each jar of manuka honey is not only sourced in New Zealand but is also packed and labeled there for the ultimate authenticity. Every spoonful of this natural superfood has earthy tones and caramelized sugar flavor to pleasantly tingle your tastebuds. You don’t need to refrigerate it after opening.
This magical product can be used for different purposes – as a medicinal product for oral health, digestive conditions, to heal wounds and burns, or to calm a sore throat. You can also use it in your face pack for clear, blemish-free, and acne-free skin.
Before or after a workout, give yourself a boost by having manuka honey or just drizzle some on your breakfast for an added kick. It’s the superfood for athletes and nutritionists all over the world. The honey has live enzymes that do loads of good or your health and energy levels.
Use it on salad dressings, smoothies, and desserts for a bolder taste. Or simply take a spoonful of it by itself. There are so many ways of taking it! Just remember that it’s not suitable for children under 12 months of age.
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2. Kiva Raw Manuka Honey
When Unique Manuka Factor or UMF is the most appropiate way to assess the quality of manuka honey, then you can’t go wrong in choosing this product.
Rated UMF 15+, each batch of this manuka honey has been tested independently before being assigned its rating. It originated in the remote and virgin hills, coastal areas, and forests of New Zealand.
UMF 15+ manifests its quality and purity and keeps you away from similar products labeled bioactive, which are often low-grade manuka honey. Only those manufacturers who have the license to use UMF are the ones that strictly follow the harvesting rules, including the monitoring and audit of the honey quality.
The health, taste, and all the nutritional values are kept intact in this product that comes in a jar of 250 milliliters or 8.8-ounce. UMF 15+ is equivalent to 514+ methylglyoxal content. After opening, you don’t need to put it in the fridge. But make sure you store the bottle in a cool, dry place.
You may find some crystallization in the product but that does not indicate any degradation in the quality of the product. Crystallization is natural in honey, especially in the raw type. If you want to have the manuka honey without the crystals, just warm it over a bowl of hot water for ten minutes.
Use this pure manuka honey as a face mask or moisturizer, in your food to give you a burst of energy, or have it by itself to improve a sore throat or an oral condition. It’s also excellent for relieving digestive disorders and sinus pains or discomfort.
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3. Manukora UMF 20+/MGO 830+ Raw Mānuka Honey
Gift yourself or someone you love with a jar full of everyday wellness!
Graded UMF 20+ that’s equivalent to 830+ methylglyoxal, this product is packed with healthy nutrients beneficial for overall wellbeing. Its intact medicinal properties will ensure your oral and digestive systems are strong and healthy.
It comes in a 250-gram or 8.82-ounce of a jar that’s been packed in a box so that you can give it as a gift. What could be better as a present to take care of your health!
This non-GMO manuka honey brand is a licensed user of UMF and part of the UMF association. It’s the only independent organization to belong to this association. All their products are MGO and UMF certified to assure you of the highest quality and value.
To ensure that every product you get is authentic, there is a unique system to trace the product back to its hive. The tests are carried out on every batch of manuka honey so that the users get only the purest of them.
It’s one of the best Manuka honey products available on the market. The raw liquid has a very dark color with a bold flavor. It has been sourced from a selective harvest in remote locations and has none of the mass-produced touch, feel, or taste about it.
Use it for a host of reasons and in many ways. Drizzle on your breakfast cereal for an early-morning energy dose, before and after a workout, or by itself to keep your oral and digestive system healthy. Apply on wounds and burns for a quick recovery. Or simply add to your face mask for glowing skin.
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4. Good Natured Raw Manuka Honey
If you’re looking for the strongest Manuka honey, give Good Natured Raw Manuka Honey a closer look. This product has the highest grade medicinal strength that keeps the antibacterial ingredients active.
An MGO grading of 820+ indicates NPA or non-peroxide activity of 20+, making it a high-strength medicinal and natural superfood. This 100% raw, manuka honey from Australia is tested independently in batches in labs accredited by New Zealand, the birthplace of manuka flowers.
Before being packed, the samples are made sure that they have the correct strength level and values. The test results are printed on the label as proof of further authenticity.
In both New Zealand and Australia, you can find Leptospermum plants from which medicinal honey is extracted. This honey has special medicinal values not found in traditional honey.
With a strong backward linkage, this manuka honey producer manages their bees organically, without feeding them sugar or applying any chemicals or pharmaceutical products.
Since the honey is obtained through cold extraction, it retains its medicinal properties and is full of antibacterial and wound-healing features. The jar it comes in weighs 250 grams or 8.8 ounces and is free from BPA.
This product contains zero artificial flavors or colors, GMOs, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and preservatives. It helps to fight bacteria and speed up the process of wound healing. Use it to treat burns, stomach ulcers, pressure sores, sore throats, and bacterial infections.
No need to store this in a fridge after opening. Keep in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Not to be fed to infants under one year of age.
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5. Comvita Certified Raw Manuka Honey
Nature’s most rare and beneficial superfood is now here in a jar!
UMF15+ certified, this manuka honey contains the equivalent of MGO 514+ and comes in its pure, raw form straight from the rare manuka flowers found in the wilderness of New Zealand.
Not only is this non-GMO and non-pasteurized, but it’s also gluten-free so that people with gluten allergies can take full benefit from it.
It is recommended by high-end athletes, nutritionists, and naturopathic doctors for its wonders in giving energy and treating sores, ulcers, digestive disorders, and improving oral health and acne conditions. It contains amino acids, natural enzymes and pollen, and prebiotics naturally.
It works great as a pre- and post-workout energy booster, to treat skin conditions like burns and wounds, or simply to add taste to your plain smoothies and oatmeals. You can even use it as a face mask as part of your daily beauty regimen.
Each batch of this manuka honey is tested independently and given certification by the UMF Association only after the results are satisfactory. As UMF is the only grading system that checks for the presence of three key compounds that make manuka honey authentic, this product is genuine.
Moreover, this product is monofloral as opposed to multi floral. Monofloral means it is extracted from the same source instead of a mix of multiple sources, hence guaranteeing its singular quality.
Mix this with lemon juice, ginger juice, some turmeric powder, and warm water to be taken daily in empty stomach for a day full of vitality and energy.
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6. Manuka Health - MGO 400+ Manuka Honey
More than just honey, this manuka honey promises to be the source of energy and overall wellbeing.
The quality and strength of the product are certified by its tag proudly proclaiming MGO 400+. MGO accurately counts the presence of methylglyoxal, the wonder compound that gives manuka honey its antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties naturally.
The smooth texture is a treat on the tastebuds if you take it by the spoon. Or else, you can drizzle it over your cereals in the morning to have an energetic day ahead. Add it to some yogurt to make a natural face mask that will improve your acne condition and leave you with clean and clear skin.
For burns and wounds, apply topically for skin regeneration and speedy healing. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, take manuka honey daily to alleviate the condition. This also improves your oral health and ulcer conditions.
The labs where this product is tested is ISO 17025 certified. Each batch of the honey goes through rigorous testing before being packed, labeled, and marketed. This is to ensure that only the top-quality, authentic manuka honey reaches your doorstep.
Along with the bees, the master beekeepers are well taken care of so that the honey derived falls nothing short of excellent. Extracted from the manuka flower bushes from the remote corners of New Zealand, this natural superfood is full of miracles for your health and wellbeing.
The superior tracking system ensures the end product can be traced back to the hives it originated in so that the quality remains unquestionable.
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7. New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey
Made by nature and brought to you in a 250-gram jar, this manuka honey is the answer to many an ailment bothering your health.
The natural superfood has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can heal wounds and sores, ulcers, burns, and also improve oral health and the digestive tract. Have a sore throat? Try drinking a warm glass of water with manuka honey and you’re guaranteed to feel better!
Graded UMF 15+, this can top up the nutrients in your breakfast oats, shakes, smoothies, and even your salad. Only those manufacturers who comply with the strict rules of harvesting and auditing are conferred the UMF certification.
With the MGO value of 514+, you can be certain of its high quality and purity. The higher the MGO value, the greater are the benefits. The product is monofloral for consistently good quality, unlike extraction from different manuka shrubs that can cause variation in quality.
Foraged and harvested in New Zealand, the batches are tested independently before being allowed to be packed, labeled, and marketed. Therefore, you can rest assured that what you get in the jar is 100% genuine.
This product retains all the active enzymes and natural pollens as it is in its original raw form with no additives and is non-GMO. It’s rich in antioxidants and its high energy-giving properties combine to optimize your life and live it to the fullest.
Every spoonful of this natural wonder will give you a burst of herbaceous flavor with a hint of caramel. The thick and chewy texture is pleasant and rolls smoothly on your tongue. A sensory pleasure indeed!
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8. SB Organics Multiflora Manuka Honey
If you are conscious about products sustainably produced with an eye for the health of the environment, then this manuka honey brand is for you.
It’s a multi-floral type of manuka honey that has been made from only the selected hand-picked manuka flowers in the coastal areas, hills, and forests of New Zealand. Sustainable harvesting sets the quality of this product apart.
This is full of antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the presence of methylglyoxal, the active ingredient in natural manuka honey. It treats conditions like acne, burns, and wounds, and more serious conditions like ulcers and digestive disorders.
You can add this to your face mask to give it an extra edge and help you get clean and naturally glowing skin. Add honey to your tea, yogurt, smoothies, pancake, pastry, and other foods to get a subtly caramel flavor.
It’s packed in its natural, raw form, and heat is not applied to treat it so that it retains its natural nutrients. The antibiotic property of this product makes it a tough contender against bacterial infections.
Grown without pesticides, the finished product is also free from additives, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients.
With an MGO grading of 50+, the 250-gram jar of manuka honey is free from gluten, GMO, dairy, and soy. The natural and earthy tone of the honey is complemented by the rich flavors of barley sugar and herbs. The aftertaste is slightly bitter, as it should be.
It has been tested on pressure sores on household pets with great results!
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9. Manuka Doctor Pure New Zealand Honey
When antibiotic pills and skin ointments don’t seem to have any effect, try this manuka honey!
Originating from New Zealand where all the manuka flowers grow, this product has a grade of 80+ MGO, making it a viable and natural option for treating sore throats, wounds and burns, digestive disorders, ulcers, skin conditions like acne, and for improving oral health.
It holds a Bio Active rating also, which measures the total activity rating in the honey. In other words, it counts how active the naturally occurring peroxide levels are. This shows how strong the antimicrobial properties are in the particular manuka honey sample.
All the batches of this product are tested independently for their total activity and MGO presence before being packaged, labeled, and marketed.
The antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities of the product have been attested further by Manuka Doctor honey reviews from its satisfied users.
It is multi-floral honey, derived from various manuka flowering bushes found in the pollution-free green and clean mountains of New Zealand. Take it by the spoonful or with tea or breakfast, shakes, and smoothies to get all the natural benefits daily.
You can also replace artificial sweeteners with this superfood to make things tastier and healthier. Sourced directly from the beekeepers, it’s like having the honey straight from the hives. It’s that pure!
This is available in jars of three different sizes and four Bio Active ratings – 10+, 15+, 20+, and 24+. For greater taste and added natural benefits, you can choose from four infused manuka selections – ginger, glucosamine, lemon, and aloe vera.
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10. Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey KFactor
It’s all very easy to take honey at home by simply pouring from the jar or using a spoon. But what do you do when you’re traveling? Pack the jar along?
To make things convenient for you and to help you continue your daily wellness routine, this manuka honey comes in convenient sachets. There are 24 of these bags in this package, each weighing 5 grams or 4.3 ounces.
Use it when you’re traveling or tuck it in your backpack when you go hiking, trekking, camping, biking, or skiing! It’s the perfect way to add more nutrition to your kids’ snacks and lunches. For anyone with an active lifestyle, this is the way to go! These single-serving packs can be enjoyed by simply snapping them.
This raw Manuka honey is monofloral in nature – gathered from the same harvest to keep the quality and taste consistent without mixing manuka honey gathered from a separate bush. With a KFactor of 16, it meets the minimum standard required by the Government of New Zealand.
It has a high manuka pollen count so that you can get the full antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits from a single pack. Treat sore throats, ulcers, burns, and wounds, or ingest it daily to improve your digestive disorders and oral conditions.
Apply it along with your regular face mask and feel the difference in the way your skin looks and feels. Honey has been a trusted beauty ingredient since the beginning of time and manuka honey is a notch above the traditional one.
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11. 100% Raw Manuka Honey
With the dwindling population of bees, you can now play your part to save them by simply buying a jar of this manuka honey.
With every purchase, a portion of the sales proceeds goes into research that involves ways to help bees flourish.
The raw materials are sourced from the far corners of the Australian East Coast bushlands. With a UMF grading 10+, the difference between this and New Zealand manuka honey lies in the taste. While the variety from New Zealand all tastes the same, it’s not so for this brand.
Depending on the different seasons and the type of plants the bees fed on, there is variation in taste and consistency. Such variations are a direct reflection of the harvesting season. You will feel the sunshine in every drop of this product.
Certified by the Australian Manka Honey Association, this superfood is 100% raw and genuine. The buyers can be given a copy of the lab tests as proof of authenticity and purity. Transparency is a key feature of this brand. Although not certified as organic, it’s free from chemicals and lab-tested as such.
The non-pasteurized and unfiltered superfood from nature has all the active ingredients used to treat burns, sores, ulcers, wounds, digestive, and skin conditions successfully. Add to your daily breakfast or tea and use it as a natural sweetener.
This can also boost your beauty quotient by giving your skin a warm and healthy glow. Used both topically and as an ingestive, this manuka honey should be a part of your daily health and wellness regimen.
The handcrafted glass jars with lid of this product encourage reuse and recycling toward a better environment.
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12. Airborne (New Zealand) Manuka Honey
An honest brand of manuka honey that sets it apart from others!
On the label of each carefully packed jar of manuka honey, you can see the pollen count, batch number, and the lab-tested proof of active ingredients that make this golden liquid full of natural nutrients with medicinal values. Minimal heat has been applied to retain the original goodness of the product.
An efficient tracking system traces back each batch to the particular area and apiary from where you got your jar of unadulterated manuka honey.
It has a strong flavor with a fresh and clean tone that vouches for its natural and earthy origin. Take it by the spoonful as a sedative or to improve a sore throat condition. Apply topically on burns, ulcers, and wounds. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, ingest it daily for good results.
It also fights against cavities and gingivitis to give you better oral health. For a good night’s sleep, take a spoonful right before your bedtime.
With an NPA or non-peroxide activity between 8 and 12, it retains all the goodness and health benefits of natural manuka honey that makes it top the superfood category.
A pollen count of 71% ensures that the medicinal values are present and that the antibacterial content is at its highest. This makes it 173% stronger and more beneficial than traditional honey.
While other brands use a dark-colored jar to make the manuka honey appear darker, this manuka honey is packed in transparent, 500-gram plastic jars to clearly show the original color. Moreover, these jars are 100% non-toxic and recyclable, making them eco-friendly.
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13. New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey
With UMF 24+, this manuka honey contains more vitamins, amino acids, and minerals than other kinds of honey so that you get the full health and medicinal benefits.
24+ UMF is equivalent to 1,120+ MGO and the higher this value, the better the quality and benefits of the product. As the manufacturer belongs to the Unique Manuka Factor Association, they uphold the strictest rules and regulations for harvesting and auditing every batch of their product.
You are sure to get 100% genuine and pure manuka honey as it is not allowed to import honey and therefore, it’s harvested, packed, and labeled in New Zealand for marketing. All the batches are tested independently before being marketed.
The source of the hives from which this superfood is extracted is located in South Island, around the Wanaka Lake areas. Since this manuka honey is monofloral, it will have the same standard of taste and quality.
With an undertone of herbs and caramel, this product finishes clean on the palate and leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. It has a smooth and creamy texture so that you can spread it on your toast easily and enjoy every bite. The color of the honey will be somewhere between a dark creamy and a dark brown.
The product is non-GMO and completely raw with no additives or preservatives. It’s packed in a 250-gram or 8.8-ounce jar. Boost your immune system and general wellness by taking it daily. Pour some drops in your tea as a natural sweetener. And here’s a good post about a peach tea bags to enjoying a soothing cup of delicious tea.
You can also add it to your overnight oats or pancakes to make them more delicious and full of rich flavor.
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14. Raw Manuka Honey YS Eco Bee Farms
When you need completely natural antibacterial solutions, then you should opt for raw manuka honey like this one. Hundreds of positive Manuka honey reviews from satisfied users will attest for its quality.
It is rated Active 15+, which indicates that it contains highly active antiviral and antibacterial ingredients that come to innumerable benefits to your wellbeing and health.
This has long been used by the natives of New Zealand to treat wounds and burns through topical application. Over the years, further research has proven that this natural wonder has many more uses.
You can improve your oral and digestive tract by taking this manuka honey daily. The antibacterial compound present in it – methylglyoxal – is responsible for tissue growth and regeneration. Hence, you can treat skin conditions including acne with this product.
Moreover, if you take a half tablespoon of it daily, it will protect your oral health and keep gum diseases away. This also helps to alleviate stomach aches in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
This product has been produced organically, without any use of pesticides or chemicals. It is unpasteurized and unfiltered to retain its maximum medicinal qualities. In its purest form, it can serve not only as a natural medicine but also as a taste enhancer and natural sweetener.
Each jar weighs 12 ounces after packing and it’s enough for 31 servings. The 15+ Active rating results in a strong flavor and taste of this manuka honey and is retained even after boiling or heating.
Use it on your skin as its natural humectant acts as a moisturizer. The antimicrobial properties will prevent acne and blemishes on your skin.
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15. Steens Manuka Honey
Cold-pressed manuka honey is ideal to retain the nutritional values of this superfood and that’s why this product has made it to this list.
The entire honeycomb is taken through a unique proprietary method of extraction and the honey is not treated to high heat or pasteurized. The wax is removed and the honeycomb is crushed to give you the absolute raw deal that’s sweet too!
The pollen in the comb is left intact so that you get the maximum herbal and medicinal benefits from this 500-gram jar of raw manuka honey made in New Zealand.
What’s more, the Bee Bread or Comb Pollen makes a significant difference to the taste. The flavor and aroma are richer and fuller to make your breakfast, smoothies, salads, shakes, and tea more enjoyable and full of natural warmth. Take a spoonful daily to get an extra dose of energy to go through the day.
UMF5+ certified after independent testing for purity, strength, and quality. It contains at least 83 milligrams of MGO per kilogram of honey. It’s a monofloral type to ensure consistent quality and taste.
Each BPA-free pack has the label with the code for traceability. Using this code, you can trace the origin of the contents back to the master beekeeper as a proof of authenticity. Sourced and packed at the manufacturer’s facility to maintain strict quality control.
Take it daily to improve your oral, respiratory, and digestive health. Apply on minor cuts, wounds, and burns for speedy healing and tissue regeneration. If you’re suffering from a dry cough or scratchy throat, take this by itself or mixed with warm water. Also applicable as a skin cleanser and moisturizer.
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Things To Consider Before Buying Manuka Honey
Before you buy a pricey item like manuka honey, do consider some important factors that speak of its quality and purity. The following are the key considerations to be kept in mind.
Grading System
The grading systems of manuka honey provide the true indication of their potency and medicinal values. The UMF or Unique Manuka Factor is the most reliable grading system as it follows stringent verification steps and identifies the non-peroxide activity or NPA properly.
The next trusted grading system is the MGO or methylglyoxal. It’s the main compound with antimicrobial traits that keep us healthy. Dig into more information about the company that uses this system so that you are sure it’s an authentic company with minimum quality standards.
UMF rating is directly related to the concentration of MGO and the higher the rating and concentration, the better the product quality as you will get more medicinal benefits.
Labels that contain the grading system of K-factor do not really speak of a high-value manuka honey. These can be used as natural sweeteners only without expecting any medicinal value. Try to buy brands with MGO or UMF certified manuka honey.
Below is a chart that shows correlation between UMF Rating and the concentration range of MGO.
UMF Rating | Concentration Range Of MGO (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
UMF 5+ | 83-100 |
UMF 10+ | 263 |
UMF 12+ | 354-400 |
UMF 15+ | 514-550 |
UMF 18+ | 692 |
UMF 20+ | 829 |
Purpose Of Intake
Depending on why you would like to ingest manuka honey, you should choose the value of the UMF and MGO.
The mildest manuka honey has a UMF between 5+ and 10+ and can be taken several times a day by those who have a low-sugar diet.
The medium MGO concentration of the superfood will have a UMF rating between 12+ and 15+. It’s ideal for improving digestive and respiratory tracts and for healing wounds and burns. This will gradually help improve your immune system as well. It can also be your perfect natural sweetener.
UMF rating between 18+ and 20+ indicates a high concentration of MGO. It’s the concentration ceiling permitted to be offered by the manufacturers. Such high-concentration manuka honey should not be taken daily but on alternate days.
Traceability
Another important indication of the authenticity of manuka honey is its traceability. Top manufacturers who have been in the business for a long time have the UMF certification that includes information on the traceability of the product to the specific region, beekeeper, and apiary.
Organic Production
When manuka honey is produced organically, it means the bees have not been fed on artificial sugars. In addition, there have been no pesticides or chemicals used on the manuka flower bushes. This is an eco-friendly way of harvesting the honey and is ideal for conscientious customers.
Testing For Quality
Brands with UMF certification have already gone through rigorous quality testing before being certified. But some brands do not show any UMF rating and yet, are of good quality and can be trusted. If you choose one such brand, do give the label a check for independent lab testing.
Some brands publish these results on the label to show that they have gone through strict quality checks before being allowed on the market.
Sourcing And Taste
The source of the manuka honey is a key indicator of its quality and authenticity. Manuka flowers grow in New Zealand, so make sure the product you are about to buy has originated in its native country.
As the weather affects the harvest in different regions of New Zealand, the resultant Manuka honey also varies in taste and quality.
Processing
Manuka honey that has the highest retention of its natural therapeutic values is the one that has not gone through heat processing. Heat can neutralize such values and render the product with much less potency. Always choose one that is unpasteurized and has gone through minimum filtration.
If you find a brand that uses cold extraction, try to get it as this shows that it has removed the wax only and has even the honeycomb included in the final product.
However, keep in mind that manuka honey has a bitter aftertaste and it is more so in the case of unfiltered ones.
What Are The Manuka Honey Grading Systems And Why Are They Important?
Not all manuka honey are equal and hence, there are grading systems whereby a customer can assess the potency of the manuka honey they are about to buy. These grading systems are important for the buyers to understand the extent to which they have therapeutic values.
The most common grading systems are MGO, UMF, and K-Factor.
MGO
MGO or methylglyoxal is the compound that has anti-bacterial properties and is found in manuka honey even after it has been processed with the application of heat. All raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide that’s responsible for their antibacterial properties.
But when the heat is applied, this hydrogen peroxide is neutralized. But not so in manuka honey, as the MGO is there to preserve its antibacterial agents. This MGO is found in manuka flowers as a compound called DHA or dihydroxyacetone.
So, the MGO grading system assesses the amount of methylglyoxal present in any honey type. If the reading is more than 100, it indicates that the honey consists primarily of manuka honey.
UMF
The antibacterial property in manuka honey is there because of the presence of DHA or dihydroxyacetone. This active ingredient is specific to manuka flowers and is responsible for the NPA or non-peroxide bacterial activity.
The UMF or Unique Manuka Factor grading system counts both DHA and MGO contents in a manuka honey sample to identify the level of NPA. It is the most trusted grading system for manuka honey. A range of 5+ to 30+ is assigned to the honey sample to indicate the strength of its antibacterial properties.
A sample that has 10+ UMF shows a high anti-bacterial level that is good as a medicine. The higher this number is, the more benefits it will give you.
K-Factor
This is the least dependable grading system for manuka honey since it keeps a pollen count in a sample, which is not the right measurement of the purity of the honey under consideration.
The K-Factor grading system is exclusively used by Wedderspoon with three grades of K-Factor 12, K-Factor 16, and K-Factor 22. Each represents the pollen count present with 12 indicating the lowest and 22 the highest.
Recommended Manuka Honey Brands On The Market
Wedderspoon
Wedderspoon is based in New Zealand and they harvest, pack, and label all their manuka honey there. They can even trace their products back to the master beekeeper.
All their manuka honey products are free from antibiotics, pesticides, and glyphosate. They were the first to get Safe Quality food certification globally.
Kiva
Kiva is not only committed to marketing innovative and healthy products but it is also dedicated to working with local farmers who use only eco-friendly and sustainable methods of farming.
Using freeze-drying and low-temperature processing methods, this company ensures that the superfoods retain their nutritional value and taste. No artificial flavors, fillers, or sugars are added.
Manukora
100% owned and with operations in New Zealand, the company has been in operations in 1998. It is single-mindedly focused on producing high-quality manuka honey.
Manukora is based at the foot of the Kaimai Ranges in Matamata. This gives them an especially advantageous footing with their packaging facilities very close to the source of the product.
Good Natured
This is a family-operated organization that has been specialized in beekeeping since 1996. They have their own hives in a facility that has been designed specially to meet all the production and packaging protocols.
The organization employs a cold extraction process so that the medicinal and antimicrobial properties of the manuka honey are kept intact.
Comvita
With the mission to connect nature to the world, Comvita started its operations in 1974. They have been on a relentless mission to research and source natural ingredients for the greater good of all.
With more than four decades of expertise in beekeeping, they are one of the trusted market leaders in the manuka honey sector.
Things to Note About Manuka Honey
Here are some interesting facts about Manuka honey that you may not know:
Manuka honey is made from the nectar of the manuka bush, which is native to New Zealand and Australia. The nectar is collected by honeybees, which convert it into manuka honey.
Manuka honey has more antioxidants and antibacterial potency than ordinary honey. This is why it has become popular among health-conscious individuals who want to reap natural healing benefits.
Manuka honey is an excellent quality honey with natural properties that can help treat wounds, improve infected skin, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.
Manuka honey is said to be effective in treating digestive issues like ulcers and acid reflux.
Manuka honey is rare and expensive. It is a high-quality product that can cost up to 10 times more than regular honey.
Manuka honey is graded according to its level of antibacterial activity. The higher the number, the greater the antibacterial qualities.
Manuka honey is thought to be effective in treating allergies and sinus infections.
Manuka honey is also said to be beneficial for skincare, as it can help to reduce inflammation and acne.
Manuka honey is popular for its medicinal properties, sweet taste, and flavor.
A daily dose of manuka honey is a great addition to your diet, as it can provide various health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why Is Manuka Honey Special?
Ans: Several factors make manuka honey special. Firstly, it is found mainly in New Zealand, in the Manuka flower bush. This makes it a rare natural product. Also, the strict harvesting rules and quality control make sure no artificial ingredients are mixed with it.
Secondly, while other honey loses their antibacterial properties when processed with heat, manuka honey does not. It has a unique aroma and taste in it.
Finally, manuka honey has special remedial effects for those with burns and wounds, oral health issues, digestive disorders, sore throat, and recurring acne problems.
Q2. Which UMF Value Indicates The Finest Manuka Honey?
Ans: You will find various UMF slabs with different UMF values. UMF 0 to 4 shows that manuka honey presence is not detectable, UMF 5 to 9 indicates low quality, UMF 10 to 15 shows a medium quality, UMF 18 and above shows high quality.
Pick UMF 16 and above if you want the best Manuka honey.
Q3. Why Is The UMF The Best Grading System Of Manuka Honey?
Ans: Unique Manuka Factor or UMF is the best grading system for manuka honey because it tests a sample or three things – MGO or methylglyoxal that is the antibacterial component, DHA or dihydroxyacetone which shows the age of the honey, and leptosperin which indicates how authentic the manuka honey is.
UMF is the only grading system that tests for leptosperin, hence making it the most appropriate grading system for manuka honey. Leptosperin cannot be artificially created and hence, its presence indicates that the manuka honey is genuine.
The New Zealand government is strict about giving certification and license to manufacturers who market manuka honey and award them only after it is ascertained that they have followed the strict protocol.
Q4. Is Manuka Honey Safe For Everyone?
Ans: Manuka honey is generally taken by adults and young to older children. However, it is not recommended for children below a year old because they have a sensitive digestive system and may not be able to digest it.
Q5. When Is The Right Time To Eat Manuka Honey?
Ans: The most appropriate time to take manuka honey is when your stomach is empty in the morning, before breakfast. If you want the medicinal properties to work effectively, that’s when you should take it. Otherwise, you can take it at night before bedtime for sound sleep.
Q6. Is It Okay To Use A Metal Spoon To Eat Manuka Honey With?
Ans: Metal may react with the compounds in the manuka honey and render them without effectiveness. Hence, it’s ideal to use a wooden spoon to take in manuka honey or pour it straight from the jar.
Q7. Is Manuka Honey Vegan?
Ans: Honey is one of nature’s most delicious and nutritious offerings, and for many vegans, it’s a welcome addition to their diet.
But what about manuka honey? Is it vegan-friendly? The short answer is yes, manuka honey is vegan-friendly.
Manuka honey is a type of raw, unprocessed honey produced by bees in the mountains of New Zealand. It is considered a pure and natural form of honey, and it is often sought out by vegans looking for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
Manuka honey is made uniquely, as the bees feed on nectar from the native New Zealand flora. The taste of manuka honey is unlike any other type of honey, and it is a healthy substitute for sugar because it is healthier than refined sugar.
It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any vegan diet. The other great thing about manuka honey is that it is harvested in a way that is gentle to the bees.
The beekeepers use bee-friendly methods to collect the honey, so it is not only vegan but also bee-friendly. If you’re looking for a delicious vegan-friendly sweetener, Manuka honey is a great choice.
Q8. What Can Manuka Honey Be Eaten With?
Ans: From aiding digestion to reducing inflammation, manuka honey is a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. But what can you eat manuka honey with?
The beauty of manuka honey is its versatility. It is an excellent addition to many sweet and savory breakfast foods. One of the most popular ways to use manuka honey is to add it to toast, muffins, or slices of bread for a sweet and creamy breakfast.
You can also use it to sweeten your morning oatmeal or yogurt or even drizzle it on your pancakes. Manuka honey is also a great addition to salads and dressings. Try making a honey-balsamic dressing for your next salad, or use it to add depth and sweetness to your favorite homemade salsa.
You can add a spoonful of manuka honey to your smoothies to boost sweetness and nutrition or use it in baking. Try adding it to your favorite cake or cookie recipes for a delicious, sweet, and nutritious treat. You can also use it to make a delectable honey glaze for roasted vegetables or to sweeten a homemade barbecue sauce.
Finally, manuka honey is a great way to sweeten your hot drinks. You can stir a spoonful of it into your tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a delicious, sweet, and healthy treat.
As you can see, there are many different ways to enjoy manuka honey. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast, a delicious salad dressing, or a sweet treat, manuka honey is the perfect addition to any meal. So go ahead and get creative! The possibilities are endless!
Q9. Can Manuka Honey Cause Allergic Reactions?
Ans: The answer is yes. Manuka honey is an organic product that is generally safe for most people, but some may experience allergic reactions to it. Allergies to manuka honey can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms may include itchiness, swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing. If you think you may have an allergy to manuka honey, stop using it and consult with your doctor. They can help you identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan. In general, Manuka honey is considered a safe sugar substitute for most people, but it’s important to be aware that some people may experience allergic reactions to it.
Final Words
Natural remedies are preferred by many as an antidote to various medical conditions. Manuka honey is one such remedy that many people swear by. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties greatly help with complex conditions in the digestive system or those with burns and other wounds.
The grading system of this product makes it easier to pick one that will suit your needs. If you want to use it as a natural sweetener, then one type of grading system is enough.
However, pay more careful attention to the grading when you want manuka honey with the highest content and top quality to address more serious issues.
The best manuka honey for you can be chosen simply if you consider the different grading systems and what’s written on the label. With regular usage, you can improve your oral health, speed up healing of wounds, improve digestive disorders, soothe a scratchy throat, or even treat your acne.
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