The 9 Best Manuka Honey Picks That Are Buzzworthy 

Manuka honey is one of Mother Nature's best natural healers. Since ancient times, people have used Manuka honey to treat wounds and health conditions. Made exclusively by bees that pollinate the wild Manuka tree flowers of New Zealand, it boasts unique antibacterial properties that can't be found in other honey varieties.

Manuka honey has been known for centuries for its health-promoting qualities. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in Manuka honey's health benefits, with more and more people incorporating this superfood into their daily routine. From supporting the immune system to promoting digestive health, the benefits of Manuka honey are numerous and impressive.

But with so many Manuka Honeys, knowing which Manuka honey to choose can be difficult. This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for all things Manuka honey. We will provide you with the essential information you need to know before making a purchase, as well as highlight some of the best Manuka honey products currently available on the market.

What to look for when choosing Manuka honey

Before purchasing expensive Manuka honey products, it's important to understand how to determine the quality of Manuka honey and the grading systems to ensure you're getting your money's worth.

Check the Source/Origin

The best Manuka honey should come from New Zealand, where the native manuka tree grows and gets extracted. This plant can grow anywhere in the world, such as in Australia, but the plant is native to New Zealand.

New Zealand Manuka honey is derived solely from the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) and is native to New Zealand. The Manuka bush is abundant in New Zealand, and the country's isolation and strict quality controls mean that Manuka honey is considered of higher quality and purity than other types of Manuka honey. New Zealand also has a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) grading system, an independent quality standard that verifies the Manuka honey's purity and potency.

In contrast, Australian Manuka honey is produced from the nectar of various species of Leptospermum, including the Manuka bush or Tea tree, which is found in parts of eastern Australia. However, Australian Manuka honey is not as widely available as New Zealand Manuka honey, and it does not have a UMF grading system. Instead, Australian Manuka honey is graded based on its MGO (methylglyoxal) content and is often labeled as tea tree honey.

Traceability

The best Manuka honey brands allow you to trace your Manuka honey from hive to bottle. Not all honey is traceable, so look for Manuka honey brands that can trace their honey back to specific beekeepers or regions within New Zealand so you can ensure you are getting the best Manuka honey. 

Grades

The best Manuka honey should have grading on the label. There are three Manuka honey grading systems you will see on the label when shopping for Manuka honey. With UMF and MGO being the most commonly used, any Manuka honey brand uses either or indicates that they are good quality.

Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Certification And Rating

Manuka honey is evaluated through the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading system, which measures the concentration of naturally occurring compounds, including methylglyoxal (MGO), that provide Manuka honey with its renowned antibacterial properties. The higher the UMF rating, the more MGO the Manuka honey contains.

The UMF Association in New Zealand created the UMF rating system to establish a dependable and impartial measure of the quality of Manuka honey. This rating system ranges from 0 to 30+, with a higher rating signifying a more concentrated amount of antibacterial compounds in the honey.

For the best Manuka honey to maintain a healthy lifestyle, choose 5+ to 10+. Manuka honey Choose UMF 15+ to 20+ if you're seeking a more potent product that can support your everyday health and wellness needs. Choose 25+ if you're searching for a product with increased potency and additional nutritional support.

It's important to note that the UMF rating only applies to genuine Manuka honey that has been independently tested and verified by the UMF Association. Some Manuka honey products may claim to be "Manuka honey" but do not meet the UMF rating criteria, and these products may not have the same antibacterial properties or health benefits. Therefore, looking for genuine Manuka honey with a UMF rating is always important to ensure its potency and that you are getting good quality Manuka honey.

A 2017 study showed that Manuka honey with a rating of UMF 10+ or above provided greater antibacterial effects. It also showed that Manuka honey, with a rating of UMF 20+, was potentially effective against drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Manuka honey with a higher UMF rating is considered to have stronger antibacterial properties, making it more potent than honey with a lower UMF rating. Look for a UMF rating of at least ten or higher, although some brands may reach 20 or even 30.

MGO Potency 

While UMF measures various potency markers, you'll also see Manuka honey rated by the MGO content itself. Remember, the higher the MGO content, the higher the grade of the honey. Products with a UMF rating of 5+ have an MGO rating of around 83+, while products with a UMF rating of 20+ have an MGO rating of approximately 829+. 

K-Factor

The Wedderspoon brand created a k-factor grading system: Kfactor 12 (multiflora), 16 (monofloral), or 22 (Rare find, have the highest pollen count), and it measures how much honey is from an actual Manuka plant. The scale describes the quality based on several distinct components, elements, and micro-nutrients. It is standard to ensure you are getting good quality Manuka honey, and it is determined based on the following:

• Raw and unpasteurized Manuka honey

• Free of antibiotics, glyphosate, and pesticides

• Non-GMO

• Traceability from hive to home

• Comes from New Zealand

Consider the texture

Manuka honey can vary in texture depending on how it's processed. Some brands will be thicker and creamier, while others will be more liquid. Think about how you plan to use the honey and choose a texture that will work best for your needs.

Taste

Manuka honey has a unique and distinct flavor profile that differentiates it from other brands. It has a rich and robust taste with a hint of bitterness that some people describe as earthy or slightly medicinal. Manuka honey also has notes of caramel and toffee, giving it a sweet and slightly nutty taste.

The taste of Manuka honey can vary depending on the UMF/MGO rating, the type of Manuka flowers the bees have fed on, and the location where it was harvested. Some Manuka honey can have a more subtle flavor, while others can have a more pronounced taste.

While the Manuka honey taste isn't for everyone, if you are picky when it comes to flavor, be sure to read reviews to determine if the Manuka honey is right for your taste buds.

Pay attention to the color

Manuka honey can range in color from light amber to dark brown, depending on the concentration of the Manuka nectar in the honey. Generally speaking, the darker the honey, the higher the concentration of Manuka nectar.

Pasteurized or unpasteurized

Pasteurization is a method that involves heating a substance to a high temperature to eliminate any bacteria or pathogens that may be present. In the case of Manuka honey, pasteurization is a process that involves heating the honey to a high temperature to remove any possible bacteria, which can extend the honey's shelf life.

On the other hand, Unpasteurized Manuka honey has not undergone this process and remains raw, with all its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds intact. Pure Manuka honey is considered more nutritious and beneficial for health as it contains more enzymes, vitamins, and minerals than pasteurized honey.

Manuka honey is a prized superfood renowned for its potent antibacterial properties, which are primarily attributed to its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) and other beneficial compounds. Pasteurization can destroy some of these beneficial compounds and reduce the honey's overall potency. Therefore, unpasteurized is the best Manuka honey process type and is generally considered superior to pasteurized Manuka honey in terms of taste and health benefits.

The 9 Best New Zealand Manuka Honey

Wedderspoon Raw Monofloral Manuka Honey

Best Overall

It's no surprise that Wedderspoon Raw Monofloral Manuka Honey is considered one of the top brands on the market. Sourced from the pristine hills areas of New Zealand's South Island, this Manuka honey is a true superfood that offers a plethora of health benefits. This Manuka honey offers a delicious taste and potent antibacterial properties, making it a nutritious and beneficial addition to your daily diet. With its numerous health benefits, this honey can help support your overall health and well-being.

Wedderspoon stands out from other Manuka Honey brands due to its dedication to maintaining transparency and high-quality standards. Each bottle of Wedderspoon Manuka Honey can be traced back to a specific hive in the South Island of New Zealand, assuring consumers that they are getting a product that is both authentic and ethically sourced.

In addition to traceability, Wedderspoon Manuka Honey is independently tested to ensure that it exceeds the strict Monofloral Manuka standards set by the New Zealand government. With a KFactor rating of 16, this honey is of the highest quality, and its potency and purity are guaranteed.

Wedderspoon's Manuka honey is the first Manuka honey brand to be certified organic by the USDA in the United States. This highlights the brand's commitment to providing high-quality, natural products to its customers. 

The Manuka honey is never pasteurized, allowing it to retain all of its living enzymes and healing compounds in its natural state. This triple-filtered honey undergoes minimal processing, which helps to preserve its natural flavor and health benefits. With Wedderspoon's commitment to organic certification and minimal processing, you can trust that you're getting a high-quality and natural product that's both delicious and nutritious.

With its creamy and rich texture, Wedderspoon's Manuka honey offers a delightful sweetness with subtle hints of earthiness and a slight tanginess that adds a unique depth of flavor. This makes it the perfect natural sweetener for various uses, whether you're sweetening your tea, drizzling it on toast, or incorporating it into your favorite recipes.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Flavor: 4.9/5 Easy to Spread: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.7/5 Quality: 4.9/5

Comvita Manuka Honey UMF 20

Premium Choice

Comvita has established itself as one of the most reputable sources of high-quality Manuka honey brands and for good reason. Their Manuka honey is one of the purest and rawest products available on the market today, sourced from the monofloral Mānuka flowers in New Zealand.

Comvita Manuka honey stands out from other Manuka honey brands for its high standards of quality and transparency. The Honey Association independently tests and certifies each batch, ensuring it meets the strict UMF standards for genuine monofloral Manuka honey. This means that you can trust that you're getting a product that is both pure and potent, with all the key antibacterial markers that make Manuka honey so highly valued.

Comvita Manuka honey stands out for several reasons, including its high UMF 20+ rating and unpasteurized state. By being unpasteurized, the Manuka honey retains all of the natural enzymes and nutrients that make it beneficial for your health. While the UMF 20+ option may seem expensive, Comvita offers a range of UMF ratings from 5+ to 20+, making it accessible to all budgets and health concerns.

Additionally, all Comvita products are guaranteed to be GMO-free, gluten-free, and kosher, ensuring they meet the highest standards for quality and purity. Whether you're looking for a natural sweetener, a way to support your immune system or just a delicious treat, Comvita's Manuka honey is an excellent choice that provides a range of health benefits in every spoonful.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.6/5 Easy to Spread: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.3/5 Quality: 4.9/5

Kiva Manuka Honey UMF 10+

Most Budget Friendly

Kiva Manuka Honey is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality Manuka honey that won't break the bank. While pure Manuka honey can be expensive due to its unique properties and sourcing, Kiva offers an affordable option that still provides all the benefits of this superfood. With a ranging UMF of 20+ to 10+, there is an authentic Manuka honey option for every budget.

Kiva's Manuka Honey is a standout product that delivers both a delicious taste and numerous health benefits. This monofloral honey is sourced from the remote hills, forests, and coast of New Zealand, ensuring that it is of the highest quality.

Kiva's Manuka Honey is highly regarded for its raw and unpasteurized state, which ensures that it retains all of the natural enzymes and health-promoting properties that make it so beneficial for your health. Its unique flavor profile features a delightful sweetness with subtle earthy undertones, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any diet.

Despite its budget-friendly price point, Kiva's Manuka honey is certified by both the UMF Honey Association and the MGO Manuka Honey Certification, ensuring its quality and purity. Kiva is a member of New Zealand's UMF Association, meaning each batch is independently tested and guaranteed to meet strict quality and purity standards. All of these certifications guarantee that you are purchasing a premium quality product that meets the highest standards for Manuka honey. Kiva's commitment to quality and transparency is evident in its rigorous testing and certification process, ensuring that each jar of honey is of the highest quality and purity.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.5/5 Easy to Spread: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.9/5

Manuka Health MGO 115+ | UMF 6+ Mānuka Honey

Best For Everyday Use

Manuka Health is one of the best Manuka Honey brands specializing in producing premium Manuka honey. Their MGO 115+ Manuka Honey is a top-of-the-line offering that is highly regarded by both honey enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.

Unlike some other Manuka honey brands and Manuka honeys, this UMF 6+ option is perfect for everyday use and comes at an affordable price. Despite its lower UMF rating, it still offers a range of health benefits and a delicious taste that makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a natural and nutritious sweetener.

Manuka Health's Manuka Honey is one of the best Manuka honey on the market that is made in New Zealand. Its rich golden color, sweet flavor, and smooth texture make it an irresistible natural sweetener that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a healthy and flavorful ingredient in various recipes. This raw Manuka honey adds a unique touch to any dish, from breakfast smoothies and baked goods to marinades and dressings. It's natural sweetness and rich flavor profile make it a versatile and delicious ingredient that can take your recipes to the next level.

Manuka Health Manuka Honey has undergone strict testing and certification to receive a rating of UMF 6+ and MGO 115+, making it the perfect choice for everyday use. The UMF Honey Association has independently certified the potency, quality, and authenticity of this Manuka honey. The raw and unpasteurized honey is Non-GMO Project Verified and can be traced directly back to the beekeeper. The Manuka Honey also comes in a BPA-free, recyclable plastic jar.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.5/5 Easy to Spread: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.6/5

ACTIVIST MĀNUKA Raw Manuka Honey 1000+ MGO

Best Healthful Grade

Whether you're looking for a natural remedy for common ailments or simply want to indulge in the rich and flavorful goodness of Manuka honey, Activist Raw Manuka Honey MGO 1000 is the perfect choice for you. With its exceptional quality, purity, and flavor, this raw honey is sure to become a staple in your pantry and a must-have for your natural wellness routine.

Activist Raw Manuka Honey MGO 1000 is sourced from deep and dense Mānuka terrain free of other flowering plants and trees in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This raw honey is extracted straight from the hives in its purest form, ensuring that it retains all of the natural goodness, enzymes, and nutritional benefits that are often lost during traditional honey processing.

Rigorously tested and certified, this Manuka honey is among the purest and most authentic available, providing a delicious and healthy alternative to processed sweeteners. With its unique and delicious flavor profile and numerous health benefits, this Manuka honey is an excellent addition to your pantry.

Activist Raw Manuka Honey MGO 1000 stands out from other Manuka honey products thanks to its impressive MGO rating. With a rating of 1000+, this authentic Manuka honey is one of the most potent and effective natural remedies for supporting immune health, soothing sore throats, and promoting digestive wellness.

Not only is Activist's Raw Manuka Honey MGO 1000 incredibly potent and beneficial, but it also boasts a delicious taste. With its rich, caramel-like flavor and subtle notes of floral sweetness, this honey makes a perfect natural sweetener for a variety of foods and beverages.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Flavor: 4.8/5 Easy to Spread: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality: 5/5

New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey UMF 28+

Best powerful in performance

If you're searching for a premium Manuka honey product that provides a powerful boost in terms of health benefits, the New Zealand Honey Co.'s Manuka Honey UMF 26+ MGO 1282 is an excellent choice. This Manuka honey is sourced from the indigenous Manuka tree of New Zealand and is produced by bees that feed on its nectar.

This Manuka honey stands out for its exceptional purity and remarkable levels of methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its distinctive antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. With an impressive UMF 26+ rating and MGO 1282, that is high enough to be considered a medical-grade Manuka honey. This authentic Manuka honey medicinal is great for supporting the body's microbiome, helping burns to recover, preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, helping with periodontal disease, and giving yourself a powerful natural boost of healthy energy.

Rest assured that this Manuka honey UMF is the real deal, verified by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association and non-GMO verified. The honey undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it's glyphosate-free, halal-certified, Fernmark accredited and approved, and GMO certified. These certifications and verifications guarantee that you're getting a premium product that's pure, authentic, and free of harmful contaminants.

At every stage of production, from hive to jar, this Manuka honey is held to the highest standards and minimally processed to ensure its quality and purity. This commitment to quality is reflected in the honey's delicious taste, unique aroma, and wide range of health benefits, making it an excellent addition to your pantry and a perfect natural sweetener for a variety of foods and beverages.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Flavor: 4.8/5 Easy to Spread: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 5/5

Manukora's Manuka Honey MGO 600+ UMF 16+

Best Manuka Honey For Immune Boost

If you're looking for a natural way to support your immune system, Manukora's Manuka Honey MGO 600 UMF 16 is an excellent choice. This high-quality Manuka honey is sourced from the remote forests and mountains of New Zealand, where the Manuka plant grows abundantly. New Zealand honey is extracted in its purest, raw form, which means it retains all the natural goodness, enzymes, and nutritional benefits that are often lost during traditional honey processing.

This Manuka honey boasts a powerful combination of MGO and UMF ratings, which means it's packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support your immune system, soothe sore throats, and promote digestive wellness. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Manuka honey possesses potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, rendering it a powerful natural remedy for various health issues.

Whether you're looking to boost your immune system, soothe a sore throat, or simply enjoy the delicious taste of raw, unprocessed honey, Manukora's Manuka Honey MGO 600+ UMF 16+ is a perfect choice. This authentic Manuka honey has a rich, caramel-like flavor and a smooth texture, making it a perfect natural sweetener to complement various foods and beverages.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Flavor: 4.8/5 Easy to Spread: 4.4/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 5/5

Manuka Doctor's 525+ MGO Manuka Honey

Best Manuka Honey for an energy boost

This Manuka honey from Manuka Doctor is a great natural product to boost your energy. With its exceptional quality, potency, and purity, it is sure to become a staple in your pantry and a must-have for your natural wellness routine.

This Manuka honey is a natural remedy that offers unparalleled health benefits thanks to its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) which is responsible for its unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. And this product is certified to have an MGO level of 525+, which means it is a potent and effective natural remedy for supporting immune health, soothing sore throat, and promoting digestive wellness.

Manuka Doctor's 525 MGO Manuka Honey stands out from other brands due to its unparalleled commitment to purity and quality. The honey undergoes rigorous testing and certification to meet the highest standards for potency and authenticity, ensuring that you're getting the purest and most effective Manuka honey available. Its rich, caramel-like flavor with subtle notes of floral sweetness and a hint of earthiness make it a versatile ingredient that can be used as a natural sweetener in a variety of foods and beverages, such as tea, coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Flavor: 4.3/5 Easy to Spread: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Quality: 4.9/5

Happy Valley Manuka Honey - UMF 15+

Best Manuka Honey For Boosting Happiness

If you're looking for a high-quality Manuka honey product that can help support your health and well-being, Happy Valley's Manuka Honey is the perfect choice. Sourced from remote locations around New Zealand and carefully harvested from the hives in its purest, raw form, it retains all the natural goodness and nutritional benefits often lost during traditional honey processing.

Happy Valley has been a trusted Manuka honey brand for over 40 years, dedicated to bringing happiness to your table from the hive. As a family-owned and operated business, Happy Valley has over 10,000 packs located across the pristine wildlands of New Zealand.

What sets Happy Valley's Manuka Honey apart from other Manuka honey products is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The honey is rigorously tested by an independent laboratory and certified for its purity and potency, ensuring you get the most effective product. This Manuka honey undergoes independent testing and certification by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), guaranteeing its authenticity, purity, and quality. The UMF rating of 15+ is a testament to the high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) found in the honey, which gives it potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support your immune system, digestive health, and overall well-being.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Flavor: 4.4/5 Easy to Spread: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4/5 Quality: 4.6/5

Best Manuka Honey Brands

Here are our favorite Manuka honey brands:

Wedderspoon

Wedderspoon is a brand known for its organic raw monofloral Manuka honey. This particular honey brand sources its Manuka honey from New Zealand and ensures the highest quality and purity by obtaining UMF certification. Wedderspoon's honey is never pasteurized, preserving natural enzymes and healing compounds, and it comes in a variety of UMF ratings to meet different needs and budgets.

Comvita

Comvita is a trusted brand that produces high-quality Manuka honey sourced from New Zealand. Their honey is UMF certified, ensuring its authenticity and purity, and comes in a range of UMF ratings. Comvita's Manuka honey is also available in different forms, such as lozenges and skin care products, making it a versatile option for health and wellness.

Kiva

Kiva is a budget-friendly brand that produces unpasteurized and raw honey certified by the UMF Honey Association and the MGO Manuka Honey Certification, ensuring its quality and purity.

Their Manuka honey is sourced from New Zealand and comes in a range of UMF ratings, making it accessible for different budgets and needs. Kiva is also a member of the New Zealand UMF Association, further ensuring the quality of their honey.

Manuka Health

Manuka Health is a brand that offers a wide range of Manuka honey products with various UMF ratings, ensuring that customers can choose the potency that's best for their health needs.

The brand is also committed to sustainability and ethical beekeeping practices, ensuring that its honey is sourced environmentally and socially conscious.

Each batch of honey is independently tested and certified by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), which guarantees its authenticity, purity, and quality. This makes Manuka Health a reputable and reliable choice for those seeking high-quality Manuka honey.

Activist

Activist produces raw, unpasteurized Manuka honey that is sourced from the untouched forests and mountains of New Zealand's North Island. Their honey is tested and certified for purity and authenticity, making it a reliable and high-quality option for health and wellness. Activist's honey also comes in a range of MGO ratings, including MGO 1000+, making it a potent natural remedy for various health issues.

Happy Valley

Happy Valley produces high-quality UMF-certified Manuka honey sourced from the remote regions of New Zealand. Their honey comes in a range of UMF ratings, including UMF 15+, making it a great choice for immune support and other health benefits. Happy Valley's honey is also traceable from the hive to the jar, ensuring its authenticity and purity.

How We Picked

We take pride in our selection of the best Manuka honey available. Our expertly curated collection is a result of extensive research into customer reviews from multiple retail platforms, personal experiences, and valuable insights shared by health experts. Focusing on factors such as potency, taste, origin, and quality, we are committed to providing our readers with only the highest-quality products on the market.