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- 13 Best Manuka Honey of 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]
![13 Best Manuka Honey of 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]](https://img.us.my-best.com/contents/b031ba800f27c67e2c82eb2a2e693286.jpeg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&w=375&h=281&fit=crop&fm=webp&dpr=5&q=20&s=ce343ac9908f1955be4f3f1d88aaa1bc)
13 Best Manuka Honey of 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]
Manuka honey has been gaining popularity in recent years as a health booster. It's known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, thanks to a component called MGO, or methylglyoxal. However, many people are left stumped over which product they should choose. Manuka honey can be quite expensive, the MGO, UMF, or Unique Manuka Factor, and other values are difficult to understand, and the honey itself is said to have a peculiar flavor.
We've compared 13 bestselling manuka honey available online and put them to the test to recommend the best manuka honey for you.
We tested each product for the following:
- Credibility
- Purity
- Palatability
- Complimentary to Other Foods
- MGO Value
- UMF Value
Which product ended up being the best of the best? We'll also tell you how to pick the best Manuka Honey on your own in our buying guide, so read on for more shopping tips.
Andrea Marincovich (aka The Realistic Dietitian), is a registered dietitian and macros nutrition expert. She helps individuals reach their weight, body composition, and specific health goals through nutrition. Andrea specializes in altering diets in order to meet the needs of each client, such as: macro-centered, keto, paleo, Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, diabetic, renal, cardiovascular, IBS/IBD, and GERD diets.
From cookware to specialty foodstuffs, she is in charge of everything kitchen and food at mybest. She has comprehensively compared products from major appliance makers like Sharp and Pansonic to renowned makers like Balmuda and Bruno. To date, she has tested over 200 products, including rice cookers, microwaves, and toasters, to name a few. She is devoted to making content for readers with the aspiration to enrich their lives by delivering them information that will make their everyday chores and meals more enjoyable.
How We Tested the Products
Scroll to testing method- Credibility1
Fakes or inferior products are always of concern when picking out a Manuka honey to buy. First up, we tested the credibility of each Manuka honey. We verified if each product was awarded the certified mark by the UMF Honey Association, which is a public institution in New Zealand that conducted research on Manuka honey. We also gave high ratings to products that made it easy to view their certifications.
- Purity2
Manuka honey contains antibacterial components that you can expect to gain various health benefits from. So it's of upmost importance that you receive a satisfactory amount of these effects. Therefore, we tested the purity of each Manuka honey. We examined the raw ingredients of each product and gave high ratings to those that are monofloral Manuka honey, which means they are made solely from Manuka nectar.
- Palatability3
It is difficult to make eating Manuka honey a habit, regardless of the benefits, because it's known for its bitter, medicinal taste. In order to pick out which products are most palatable, we gathered five male and female product testers, who already eat Manuka honey daily, to taste them. They provided their ratings for palatability based on the following points.Does it have any bitter, sour, or medicinal taste to it?Does it have an overly strong sweetness to it?Does it have a good texture to it?Is it delicious enough to eat every day?
- Complimentary to Other Foods4
If you'll be incorporating Manuka honey into your daily routine, it would be great if there were other ways to use it besides just eating it by itself. We next tested each Manuka honey to see if it went well with other foods. We had the product testers from the palatability test put Manuka honey on toast, pancakes, and yogurt for a taste test. They gave their ratings for each food's compatibility.
- MGO Value5
MGO values can be a concern if you decide to incorporate Manuka honey into your daily routine. We next verified the MGO value of each product. We checked to see if the product container listed the MGO value, where the higher the number, the higher the rating that was assigned. Note that we chose from products with MGO263+ or higher, which is the benchmark value for active Manuka honey labeling.All products were evaluated solely on the basis of credibility, purity, palatability, and compatibility with other foods, and MGO is rated as an additional bonus factor.
- UMF Value6
UMF values are just as important as the concentration of MGO. We last verified each product's UMF value. The higher the UMF value listed on the UMF Certified mark, the higher the rating we assigned. Note that we set the standard to products with UMF10+ or higher, which is the basis for active Manuka honey.As UMF values are only put onto products that have the UMF Certified mark, the overall rankings do not include these ratings.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
We cannot guarantee the products featured in this article have the effects or benefits described in the Buying Guide. Please check the contents and description labeled on each product before purchasing.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
We do not guarantee any of the results or features explained in our buying guide. Please reference each product's official description when making your purchase.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Benefits of Eating Manuka Honey?
- Babies and Immunocompromised Individuals Shouldn't Eat Manuka Honey
- How to Choose Manuka Honey - Buying Guide
- Make Sure It’s a Genuine Product by Looking for UMF Certification1
- We Recommend Monofloral Manuka Honey for Its High Purity and Plentiful Health Benefits2
- We Recommend Starting With an MGO Value of 263+ or Less to Get Used to the Taste3
- Avoid Growing Tired of Your Manuka Honey by Picking One That Pairs Well With Various Foods4
- A Light-Shielding Container Prevents the Components From Being Broken Down by Direct Sunlight5
- How We Tested the Manuka Honey
What Are the Benefits of Eating Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey Has Antibacterial Properties and May Offer Numerous Health Benefits
Manuka honey is a variety that is predominantly native to New Zealand and is cultivated from the flowers of the Manuka tree. It supposedly contains an abundance of healthy ingredients, among which is methylglyoxal, or MGO, which isn't found in normal honey and has high antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
This type of honey is also known for containing over 190 nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and a highly beneficial phenolic compound: flavonoids, a type of polyphenol. For these reasons, Manuka honey has even received approval for its use in hospitals by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and is gaining popularity as a food that can support your health.
The MGO value, displayed as "MGO(number)+" is of great importance when picking a brand of Manuka honey, and will be displayed as MG100+ when there are 100 milligrams of MGO contained in one kilogram of the product.
However, the higher the MGO value, the less delicious the honey will be, so it's not always the best idea to pick the one with the highest number shown. Later on we’ll explain, in great detail, how to pick a Manuka honey that's easy to eat, while also still reaping health benefits from it.
Babies and Immunocompromised Individuals Shouldn't Eat Manuka Honey
Babies under the age of one are not advised to eat any type of honey, as it can cause infant botulism. From the age of one and beyond, children are able to safely eat Manuka honey, but the amount they receive should be smaller compared to adults.
The flavonoids found in both Manuka and regular honey also have an immunomodulatory effect, so those taking medication that suppresses their immune response should also take care. Please consult your family practitioner before ingesting any Manuka honey.
How to Choose Manuka Honey - Buying Guide
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Manuka Honey.
Make Sure It’s a Genuine Product by Looking for UMF Certification
Aim to pick out a trustworthy, genuine product to start, in order to benefit from the health properties of Manuka honey.
There Are Many Fake Products and Some May Have No Health Benefits
Honey, including the Manuka variety, is said to be one of the world's three biggest counterfeited products, meaning the distribution of these fakes is becoming a problem. The widespread prevalence of fake products is especially of concern since Manuka honey is said to have a distributed sales volume that exceeds the volume of annual production.
Fake products are mixed with additives and lie about their MGO content. When a product is mixed with honey made from flowers other than Manuka tree flowers, the manufacturer is required to display this. However, there are cases where they don't and continue to sell their product as pure Manuka honey. Such manufacturers don't have quality control measures in place, which means the product is likely to deteriorate during bottling and shipping. You can't expect to obtain the health benefits of Manuka honey from such products.
UMF Certification Indicates Authentic and Trustworthy Manuka Honey
Due to how widespread fake products have become, the UMF Honey Association, a public institution in New Zealand, where Manuka honey originates, established quality standards for Manuka honey. The "UMF Certified" mark is placed on products that have met their standards.
Three criteria need to be met to be UMF Certified. The first criteria will require the honey to come from only one flower, meaning it is monofloral, from the Manuka tree in New Zealand. The second criteria will require inspection, bottling, and labeling to all be carried out domestically within New Zealand. The third criteria will require the Manuka honey to contain a fixed amount of components such as minerals, vitamins, and compounds.
The UMF Certified mark can only be received after passing these standards and receiving approval from the Association. This means that you can trust products with the UMF certified mark to contain real Manuka honey.
The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Honey Association is New Zealand's public authority established to protect the quality of Manuka honey. Honey is cultivated from a related tree, called jelly bush, in Australia, and the country subsequently calls it jelly bush honey, but as Manuka honey has gained popularity worldwide, the number of manufacturers selling that with the name Manuka honey has increased.
However, in New Zealand, concern is arising surrounding this because this tree is not entirely the same species. Stemming from the fact that New Zealand conducted the research and branding for Manuka honey, we believe there won't be any worries over fake products by choosing one from New Zealand with the UMF Certified marking.
7 of the Products We Tested Come With the UMF Certified Mark
Seven, or around half of the 13 products we tested, include the UMF Certified mark. They can be easily identified, as a UMF Certified product has the marking on the container or label.
In addition to the MGO content value that represents the Manuka honey's strength of antibacterial resistance, there's also a UMF value. The number shown on the UMF mark is this value. As with the MGO value, the higher the number shown, the higher the number of antibacterial components it contains.
UMF values are determined by comparing the strength of the antibacterial components within Manuka honey to that of an aqueous phenol disinfectant solution. This means that a UMF10+ will contain an antibacterial strength that is equivalent to a 10 percent concentration aqueous phenol solution.
However, in the same manner as MGO values, a higher number indicates something more difficult to handle taste-wise. A higher value doesn't necessarily indicate something that's best. Please refer to the values discussed later on when deciding on a product for you.
Having Certification Is Also a Sign of Trust
Even if a product isn't labeled with the UMF Certified mark, a certificate that discloses the ingredients within it can be used as one of the criteria to establish credibility.
In some cases, you can even look up the UMF certification on a manufacturer's website for products labeled UMF Certified. It's even possible to confirm validity if a batch number is listed on the product bottle by entering this number on the official site. More and more manufacturers have recently begun to print QR codes on their product bottles, which allows you to view their certification with ease.
We Recommend Monofloral Manuka Honey for Its High Purity and Plentiful Health Benefits
Monofloral Manuka honey is the variety made solely from the nectar of Manuka flowers. Because of its higher purity, it's said to provide the health benefits attributed to Manuka honey. Note that all products labeled with the UMF Certified mark are monofloral Manuka honey.
On the other hand, products made with nectar that includes other flowers are called multifloral Manuka honey. This variety has reduced purity compared to monofloral Manuka honey, which means the antibacterial properties and nutritional value will be reduced.
Although multifloral Manuka honey has the advantages of being cheaper and better tasting, if you're looking to gain the most health benefits, we recommend choosing a monofloral Manuka honey.
We Recommend Starting With an MGO Value of 263+ or Less to Get Used to the Taste
If you've never tasted Manuka honey before, don't rush out and buy the most potent one you can find. You may discover you can't even stomach it.
The Higher the MGO Value, the Stronger the Medicinal Taste
It's said that a higher amount of MGO will cause honey to taste more strongly like medicine. This isn't true for all products, but we saw a trend among the products we tested, where the higher the MGO value, the more easily we tasted the flavor peculiar to Manuka honey.
Our product testers commented, "I can taste a medicinal flavor," and "There's a bitter aftertaste." We recommend picking a product you find easiest to eat, as it's supposed to be more effective to take a low-concentration product more frequently than it is to eat a Manuka honey with high MGO content occasionally.
Because a higher MGO concentration is equivalent to stronger antibacterial properties, the falsification of MGO values is of concern. For that reason, we believe you shouldn't dwell on MGO values. You should first find something trustworthy that you can confirm is monofloral. From there, you can research anything extra about the chosen product.
MGO263+ Is Easy to Eat, With Reliable Health Benefits
We think that beginners will have an easier time eating Manuka honey with a product around the 263+ value. During testing, the responses we received stated, "It was quite palatable with no unique flavor." Other product testers commented, "It did taste medicinal, but didn't really leave an aftertaste." A 263+ MGO concentration is easily palatable, along with providing adequate health benefits.
Manuka honey labeled 263+ or higher is called "active Manuka honey," and is recognized for having higher health benefits. We recommend this to anyone who wants a delicious Manuka honey that will also give them the health benefits of it.
Since MGO and UMF values are proportional, an increased MGO concentration will also result in higher UMF values. For reference, an MGO value of 263+ corresponds to a UMF10+ valuation, so keep this in mind when a product only displays the UMF value.
Avoid Growing Tired of Your Manuka Honey by Picking One That Pairs Well With Various Foods
Choosing a product that’s easy to incorporate into your diet will help make using it into a habit. If you're worried about how sweet a Manuka honey is by itself, eating it in combination with other ingredients makes this easier. Look over the following points regarding this.
A Soft Texture Melts Easily and Pairs Well With Any Food
We recommend any product with a softer texture. We got the impression that a Manuka honey that is smooth and soft on the tongue goes well with toast, pancakes, yogurt, and almost any type of food. The smoother the product, the more our product testers answered, "It pairs well with any food because it isn't too heavy or rich."
You can even drink it while it's melted, given that it can even mix easily with beverages. This variety is also great for anyone who isn't fond of overly sweet flavors, since it will melt in your mouth and rinse away quickly.
If You Want Something With a Bite, There Are Firmer Varieties Available
A firmer texture has coarseness to it, which won't melt easily in things like yogurt and drinks. However, since it has a firmer mouthfeel to it, anyone who wants to enhance the texture profile of their foods should give it a try. We found the crunchy texture of toast matched this type of honey and made it easy to enjoy.
Some of the honeys contain coarse grains, like granulated sugar, so you can enjoy it as a treat, like sugar toast. On the other hand, the sweetness of firm textured Manuka honey tends to linger, so anyone who isn't fond of sweet things may find it to be too heavy.
Besides foods, you can make using your Manuka honey easier by melting it in your tea and coffee. However, the antibacterial properties of MGO are said to be most effective when it is eaten as-is.
You should make it a point to eat it slowly by using your tongue to spread it around and keep it in your mouth for as long as possible. Be careful not to take in too much, because no matter how great the health benefits, it's never good to eat too much sugar. It's best to keep it at about a half ounce a day, spread out over several times.
A Light-Shielding Container Prevents the Components From Being Broken Down by Direct Sunlight
Dark-colored bottles or jars are predominantly used as the containers for Manuka honey. The components within Manuka honey are highly likely to break down and deteriorate when exposed to direct sunlight, so it's recommended to have an opaque bottle as the product container. Regardless, be aware of proper storage, even if your product is in a light-shielding bottle. Storing it in the refrigerator will cause it to harden, so keep it at room temperature.
While Manuka honey does have a long shelf life at one to two years, if it's stored incorrectly, the taste and MGO concentration may change. Do your best to store your Manuka honey properly, so you can get the most health benefits out of it.
We cannot guarantee the products featured in this article have the effects or benefits described in the Buying Guide. Please check the contents and description labeled on each product before purchasing.
We do not guarantee any of the results or features explained in our buying guide. Please reference each product's official description when making your purchase.
13 Best Manuka Honey Ranking
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Ranking spec | Details | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Credibility | Purity | Palatability | Complimentary to other foods | MGO value | UMF value | Net weight | Ingredients | UMF certification | Warranty included | MGO value | UMF value | Consistency | Country of origin | Best before date | Storage method | Lightproof bottle | Complimentary foods | ||||||
1 | Kiva Raw Manuka Honey | | mybest's Top Choice! Tasty and Reliable Manuka Honey That's Easy to Incorporate Into Your Daily Routine | 8.8 oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | 514+ | 15+ | Thin | New Zealand | 3.5 years | Store in cool and dry place | Toast, Pancakes, Yogurt | |||||||||||
2 | MANUKA HEALTH Manuka Honey | | High Credibility and Purity With a Creamy and Soft Texture | 8.8 oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | 400+ | 13+ | Thin | New Zealand | 2.5 years | unknown | unknown | Yogurt | ||||||||||
2 | Three Peaks Manuka Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey | | Sweetness That’s Just Right and Smooth Texture Make It Easy to Eat Every Day | 8.8 oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | unknown | 10+ | Thin | New Zealand | 5 years | Store below 20℃ | Toast, Pancakes, Yogurt | |||||||||||
4 | PROLIFE FOODS Mother Earth｜Manuka Honey | | A Manuka Honey With a Lovely Fragrance That We Found Relaxing | 8.8 oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | unknown | 10+ | Thick | New Zealand | 4 years | unknown | Toast, Pancakes, Yogurt | |||||||||||
5 | EGMONT HONEY Manuka Honey | | Herbal Taste That Doesn’t Linger and Is Great for Anyone With a Sweet Tooth | 8.82 oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | unknown | 263+ | 10+ | Thin | New Zealand | 3.5 years | Recommended storage at 18℃ or below | Toast, Yogurt | ||||||||||
6 | NEW ZEALAND HONEY Raw Manuka Honey | | Dependable and Melts Easily, but Is Best Suited for Those Used to Eating Manuka Honey | 8.8 oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | 514+ | 15+ | Thin | New Zealand | 2 years | unknown | unknown | |||||||||||
7 | Steens Monofloral Manuka Honey | | Reliable, but Bitter-Tasting, so We Recommend Pairing It With Other Foods | 7.9 oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | 830+ | 20+ | Thick | New Zealand | 3 years | unknown | unknown | |||||||||||
8 | Pacific Resources International Manuka Honey | | Grainy Texture That’s Best Suited to Those With a Sweet Tooth, and Unable to Confirm Certification | 1.6oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | unknown | 200+ | unknown | Thick | New Zealand | 4 years | unknown | unknown | Toast, Pancakes | |||||||||
9 | MANUKORA Raw Manuka Honey | | Easily Palatable With a Faint Floral Aroma, but Has Lower Purity | 8.82oz. | Multifloral Manuka Honey | unknown | 50+ | unknown | Thick | New Zealand | 3 years | unknown | unknown | Toast, Yogurt | |||||||||
10 | Wedderspoon Organic Raw Monofloral Manuka Honey | | Try This if You Like Sweet Foods, but We Can't Vouch for Reliability | 17.6 oz. | Monofloral Manuka Honey | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | Thick | New Zealand | 4 years | unknown | Toast, Yogurt | |||||||||
KivaRaw Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- MGO value
- 514+
- UMF value
- 15+
- Consistency
- Thin
- Lightproof bottle
mybest's Top Choice! Tasty and Reliable Manuka Honey That's Easy to Incorporate Into Your Daily Routine
This raw Manuka honey is produced by Kiva, which specializes in products that make use of superfoods. The company's selling point is their non-use of the herbicide glyphosate. In addition to having the UMF Certified mark, the packaging comes with a QR code to easily verify their certification, which shows they have sufficient credibility. We believe it's also a Manuka honey with high purity, as this product is listed as monofloral.
It has a smooth texture and a melt-in-your-mouth feeling that lets it quickly dissolve. Although this honey has a slightly sour taste and medicinal flavor like mint, our product testers mentioned that because it doesn't leave an aftertaste, it didn't bother them much. With its refreshing sweetness, this Manuka honey can be paired with any food, including toast, pancakes, and yogurt.
It also has a high UMF value of 15+ and equivalent MGO value of 514+. This Manuka honey would be easy for anyone wanting to incorporate it into their diet. Besides glass containers, this Manuka honey is also sold in a box of individual packets. We recommend this to anyone who's looking to try it out or for those who want to eat it on-the-go.
| Net weight | 8.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 3.5 years |
| Storage method | Store in cool and dry place |
| Complimentary foods | Toast, Pancakes, Yogurt |
MANUKA HEALTHManuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- MGO value
- 400+
- UMF value
- 13+
- Consistency
- Thin
- Lightproof bottle
- unknown
High Credibility and Purity With a Creamy and Soft Texture
This is a raw Manuka honey that's made by Manuka Health, which ships to over 45 countries. The company manages all operations domestically, from beehives to production and packaging, at their factory in New Zealand. It comes with the UMF Certified mark and a QR code to quickly verify their certification, and thus has satisfactory credibility. This Manuka honey also received good ratings for its high purity, as it's listed as being monofloral.
It starts to melt gradually the moment you put it in your mouth, and has a creamy and soft texture when eaten. While it has the slightest herb-like flavor, it's not enough to make it difficult to eat. It may be deep and rich in its sweetness, but it isn't anything too overwhelming and goes well with other foods. Our product testers told us it goes especially well with toast.
We believe this is an easily palatable Manuka honey, even though the MGO value is 400+. We recommend it for anyone who is highly health conscious and would like to use it in various forms. Manuka Health sells not only honey, but also candies and oral health goods.
| Net weight | 8.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 2.5 years |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | Yogurt |
Three Peaks Manuka HoneyNew Zealand Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- MGO value
- unknown
- UMF value
- 10+
- Consistency
- Thin
- Lightproof bottle
Sweetness That’s Just Right and Smooth Texture Make It Easy to Eat Every Day
Three Peaks' New Zealand Manuka honey is a product made in the volcanically active Central Highlands of New Zealand. The company has its own in-house apiary team, and works with landowners to create their products. We believe it has adequate credibility, because although we couldn't view their certification, their product is marked as UMF Certified.
This Manuka honey has high purity, due to it being monofloral, which also gave it high ratings. It doesn't list the MGO value, but because a UMF10+ corresponds with an MGO value of 263+, we believe you can expect sufficient health benefits from this Manuka honey.
The Manuka honey itself has almost no bitterness, sourness, or medicinal flavor, and gave us the impression that it's quite palatable. It has an incredibly smooth texture that melts away in the mouth. Although it has a distinct sweetness, it won't be an issue to eat it every day, as it isn't too heavy. Due to how easily it melts, it goes particularly well with soft pancakes or smooth yogurt. In addition to ordinary packaging, this company also sells a set of individual packets that will come in handy for anyone who wants to have their Manuka honey while out and about.
| Net weight | 8.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 5 years |
| Storage method | Store below 20℃ |
| Complimentary foods | Toast, Pancakes, Yogurt |
PROLIFE FOODSMother Earth ｜ Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- MGO value
- unknown
- UMF value
- 10+
- Consistency
- Thick
- Lightproof bottle
A Manuka Honey With a Lovely Fragrance That We Found Relaxing
This Manuka honey is made by Mother Earth, a food brand operated by Prolife Foods. Their product is procured and produced by food specialists, and in addition to honey, they also have their hand in snacks and peanut butter. We couldn't view their certification, but because they have the UMF Certified mark, we believe they have sufficient credibility. This Manuka honey is also monofloral, so it received high ratings due to its high purity.
It doesn't have a concerning medicinal flavor or bitterness, and only has the slightest sourness to it. Due to its gentle sweetness and floral aroma, our product testers told us they would love to incorporate this Manuka honey into their time spent relaxing. We believe it has adequate health benefits, even though this product doesn't list the MGO value, as the listed UMG10+ value is equivalent to an MGO value of 263+. The texture may be a little grainy, but it would pair well with pancakes. We also recommend trying it with black tea because of its heady aroma.
| Net weight | 8.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 4 years |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | Toast, Pancakes, Yogurt |
EGMONT HONEYManuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- unknown
- MGO value
- 263+
- UMF value
- 10+
- Consistency
- Thin
- Lightproof bottle
Herbal Taste That Doesn’t Linger and Is Great for Anyone With a Sweet Tooth
This Manuka honey is produced by Egmont Honey, which is based in the Taranaki region on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. The company claims that their Manuka honey is pesticide free and made using no heat. It has good credibility, as it comes with the UMF Certified mark, although we were unable to view their certification. We think this Manuka honey has high purity, as it is a monofloral variety.
It won't be difficult to eat this product, since this Manuka honey won't leave an aftertaste. Even if it has a slight medicinal flavor because of its 263+ MGO value, this means it has good health benefits. However, while some product testers said it has a satisfying sweetness, others said that it was overly rich and lingered in their throats. Opinions regarding this Manuka honey's sweetness were divided. We felt it has a good melt-in-your-mouth feel and smooth texture. As for compatibility with other foods, while the sweetness was negated when put on pancakes, it received a favorable reception when paired with a tangy yogurt, which merits a try.
| Net weight | 8.82 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 3.5 years |
| Storage method | Recommended storage at 18℃ or below |
| Complimentary foods | Toast, Yogurt |
NEW ZEALAND HONEYRaw Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- MGO value
- 514+
- UMF value
- 15+
- Consistency
- Thin
- Lightproof bottle
Dependable and Melts Easily, but Is Best Suited for Those Used to Eating Manuka Honey
This raw Manuka honey is made the beekeeping company New Zealand Honey, who has been in the business for three generations. It's also free of added antibiotics. On top of verifying the package's UMF Certified mark, we were able to view this Manuka honey's certification via QR code. Since it's also monofloral, we believe this product has high credibility and purity. It has a smooth texture and for melts easily when eaten. On the other hand, many product testers responded that they tasted a faint medicinal flavor, which is unsurprising given that this Manuka honey has a MGO of 514+. Those who aren't used to eating Manuka honey may not be fans of the flavor.
Results for compatibility with other foods came out divided due to differences in personal tastes. Starting with how difficult it was to savor toast with this Manuka honey, we got the impression it won't pair well with foods you want to enjoy the flavor of. It does dissolve easily, so we recommend you stir this Manuka honey in drinks to easily incorporate it into your routine.
| Net weight | 8.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 2 years |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | unknown |
SteensMonofloral Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- MGO value
- 830+
- UMF value
- 20+
- Consistency
- Thick
- Lightproof bottle
Reliable, but Bitter-Tasting, so We Recommend Pairing It With Other Foods
This monofloral Manuka honey is made by Steens, who have over 30 years of beekeeping experience. It is an organic Manuka honey produced by a process that does not require heat. The company has come up with a way to keep temperatures the same as within the beehives when bottling so as not to damage any of the components within the honey. Although it's not easy to see because the label is in black and white, we were able to verify the packaging includes the UMF Certified mark. We weren't able to view the certification itself, but because they have the mark, we believe they are reliable.
It also possesses a high degree of purity since it's a monofloral variety. On the other hand, because this Manuka honey has a high MGO 830+ concentration, there were testers who said, "It tastes bitter all around," and "It leaves behind a bitter aftertaste." And because it has gritty texture, it tends to linger inside your mouth, which is the main reason it tastes quite bitter. We believe it's better to combine this Manuka honey with other foods, and pairing it with things like toast and pancakes may make it more palatable.
| Net weight | 7.9 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 3 years |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | unknown |
Pacific Resources InternationalManuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification | unknown |
- Warranty included
- MGO value
- 200+
- UMF value
- unknown
- Consistency
- Thick
- Lightproof bottle
- unknown
Grainy Texture That’s Best Suited to Those With a Sweet Tooth, and Unable to Confirm Certification
This Manuka honey is made by Pacific Resources International, which was founded in 1987 and was the first to introduce it to the United States. Their products are also non-GMO. We believe it has sufficiently high purity, stemming from the fact that it's a monofloral Manuka honey. However, we weren't able to give it high credibility ratings, as the packaging lacks the UMF Certified mark and we couldn't verify any form of guarantee.
The Manuka honey itself feels substantial because of its coarse texture, similar to granulated sugar. Although there isn't a strong medicinal or bitter flavor, we think this honey is best suited for those who like sweets, since there was a strong sugary taste the second it hit the tongue. Take care when choosing the foods you decide to pair this Manuka honey with. It was well-matched with things like toast, giving it a caramel aroma. However, there were many testers who said it didn't pair well with the tangy flavor and smoothness of yogurt.
| Net weight | 1.6oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 4 years |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | Toast, Pancakes |
MANUKORARaw Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | Multifloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- unknown
- MGO value
- 50+
- UMF value
- unknown
- Consistency
- Thick
- Lightproof bottle
- unknown
Easily Palatable With a Faint Floral Aroma, but Has Lower Purity
This raw Manuka honey is made by Manukora. It's a glyphosate-free Manuka honey which uses recycled bottles and paper for its packaging and labels. The sweetness seems to amplify when eaten, but it doesn't have any bitterness, sourness, or herbal flavor, and even has a slight floral aroma. There were many taste testers who gave high ratings for palatability, as this Manuka honey has a nice melt-in-your-mouth feeling and syrupy texture. There were those that said it paired particularly well with toast, as that subdues the sweetness well.
On the other hand, this honey is listed as multi-floral, which means it doesn't have the highest purity and won't have the most optimal health benefits. Online retailers also list this Manuka honey as having received certification from the UMF Association, but we weren't able to confirm this on the packaging. However, we still gave it decent ratings for credibility, as we were able to see a published certification using a QR code. Consider purchasing this option if you'd like to start with something that's easy to eat.
| Net weight | 8.82oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 3 years |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | Toast, Yogurt |
Wedderspoon OrganicRaw Monofloral Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification | unknown |
- Warranty included
- unknown
- MGO value
- unknown
- UMF value
- unknown
- Consistency
- Thick
- Lightproof bottle
Try This if You Like Sweet Foods, but We Can't Vouch for Reliability
This Manuka honey is both raw and monofloral, and is produced by Wedderspoon Organic, which has received the SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification. They claim to work towards the protection of bees and the environment. It is free from added antibiotics and glyphosates and is non-GMO. This Manuka honey is listed as monofloral, so we believe it to have high purity.
While it does come from a long-established manufacturer that has received an SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification, we were unable to verify if it has a UMF Certified marking or any other form of guarantee, which resulted in a credibility rating that was not the best. It was also unfortunate to see that the MGO value was not listed, which resulted in a regrettable rating.
The honey itself has a smooth texture that melts well, but it also has a slight medicinal flavor similar to herbal medicine. Our product testers said that this honey is sweet enough for the taste to persist and linger afterward. It may be hard to keep taking this product unless you have a sweet tooth. The sweetness becomes quite neutral when paired with toast, so we recommend having this with bread for the best palatability.
| Net weight | 17.6 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | 4 years |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | Toast, Yogurt |
Good Natured100% Raw Australian Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | unknown |
|---|---|
| UMF certification |
- Warranty included
- unknown
- MGO value
- 850+
- UMF value
- 20+
- Consistency
- Thick
- Lightproof bottle
Appealing for the Floral Fragrance, but Doesn’t Melt Easily and Has a Lingering Sweetness
This Australian Manuka honey is 100 percent raw and produced by Good Natured, a family-run beekeeping business established in 1996. It's a Manuka honey made in Australia. Although it has a high MGO concentration of 850+, it doesn't have an overbearing strange taste, and the flower-like fragrance was given high ratings. However, the sweetness of it persists too strongly, and it's also highly viscous and grainy, which caused several of our product testers to say it wasn't very palatable.
However, we think these comments regarding this unique texture won't be of concern if it's paired with toast. The packaging features an AMHA Certified mark, which indicates that this product is 100 percent Australian Manuka honey, but we were unable to see any other form of guarantee. This Manuka honey does not meet the UMF Association's international standards, as it is not produced in New Zealand. We were unable to provide good ratings for purity, either, as we couldn't verify whether this product is monofloral or not.
| Net weight | 8.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Best before date | 3.5 years |
| Storage method | Store below 85°F |
| Complimentary foods | Toast |
ManukaGuardMedical Grade Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | Monofloral Manuka Honey |
|---|---|
| UMF certification | unknown |
- Warranty included
- unknown
- MGO value
- 400+
- UMF value
- unknown
- Consistency
- Thick
- Lightproof bottle
A Manuka Honey With a Crunchy Texture and Uncertain Credibility
This medical-grade Manuka honey by ManukaGuard uses no artificial coloring or genetically modified ingredients. It is pasteurized to remove impurities while protecting the enzymes and proteins within. It has a crunchy texture, which is quite similar to granulated sugar. It is rated MGO 400+, while also being sufficiently sweet, without any strong bitter, sour, or medicinal flavors.
We believe this Manuka honey is compatible with any food, but opinions regarding the texture were divided. Some taste testers said it accented the different foods and made them more delicious. Others held the opinion that it didn't pair well with any, since it felt like eating two different foods at the same time. We believe that anyone who wants a Manuka honey that feels substantial will feel satisfied eating this.
We were unable to verify a UMF Certified mark or any other form of guarantee, so results for credibility were a bit lacking. We were also unable to confirm if this Manuka honey is monofloral, and couldn't find information regarding its ingredients, which was another reason credibility ratings fell.
| Net weight | 8.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Best before date | unknown |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | unknown |
Y.S. Eco Bee FarmsRaw Manuka Honey
| Ingredients | unknown |
|---|---|
| UMF certification | unknown |
- Warranty included
- unknown
- MGO value
- unknown
- UMF value
- unknown
- Consistency
- Thin
- Lightproof bottle
A Taste Similar to Browned Caramel but Less Than Ideal Credibility
This raw Manuka honey comes from Y.S. Eco Bee Farms, which was established in 1995 and is a pioneer of certified organic honey. This product was made without any sterilization or filtration treatment. We were unable to verify if this Manuka honey is monofloral or if it has received UMF Certification. We also were unable to view the certification on their official website, even though the packaging includes a batch number, which meant we weren't able to increase the credibility rating.
As for palatability, the texture is extremely smooth, and it has potent sweetness while also being bitter. As a result, the taste was evaluated like that of burnt caramel. Many of our product testers said they sensed a strong bitter flavor, so this Manuka honey may be best for anyone who is fond of a more refreshing taste. We got the impression that this Manuka honey may be more compatible with the aroma of toast or in tangy yogurt, rather than sweet foods like pancakes.
| Net weight | 12 oz. |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | U.S. |
| Best before date | 2 years |
| Storage method | unknown |
| Complimentary foods | Toast, Yogurt |
How We Tested the Manuka Honey
We gathered 13 best-selling Manuka honey products off of top-ranking lists on sites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, and put each to the test. We determined which of the 13 ended up being the best of the best. mybest defines the best Manuka honey as one that has high credibility and purity and is easily palatable by itself and with other ingredients.
Products we tested
- EGMONT HONEY｜Manuka Honey
- Good Natured｜100% Raw Australian Manuka Honey
- Kiva｜Raw Manuka Honey
- MANUKA HEALTH｜Manuka Honey
- MANUKORA｜Raw Manuka Honey
- ManukaGuard｜Medical Grade Manuka Honey
- NEW ZEALAND HONEY｜Raw Manuka Honey
- PROLIFE FOODS｜Mother Earth｜Manuka Honey
- Pacific Resources International｜Manuka Honey
- Steens｜Monofloral Manuka Honey
- Three Peaks Manuka Honey｜New Zealand Manuka Honey
- Wedderspoon Organic｜Raw Monofloral Manuka Honey
- Y.S. Eco Bee Farms｜Raw Manuka Honey
Credibility
Fakes or inferior products are always of concern when picking out a Manuka honey to buy. First up, we tested the credibility of each Manuka honey. We verified if each product was awarded the certified mark by the UMF Honey Association, which is a public institution in New Zealand that conducted research on Manuka honey. We also gave high ratings to products that made it easy to view their certifications.
Purity
Manuka honey contains antibacterial components that you can expect to gain various health benefits from. So it's of upmost importance that you receive a satisfactory amount of these effects. Therefore, we tested the purity of each Manuka honey. We examined the raw ingredients of each product and gave high ratings to those that are monofloral Manuka honey, which means they are made solely from Manuka nectar.
Palatability
- Does it have any bitter, sour, or medicinal taste to it?
- Does it have an overly strong sweetness to it?
- Does it have a good texture to it?
- Is it delicious enough to eat every day?
Complimentary to Other Foods
If you'll be incorporating Manuka honey into your daily routine, it would be great if there were other ways to use it besides just eating it by itself. We next tested each Manuka honey to see if it went well with other foods. We had the product testers from the palatability test put Manuka honey on toast, pancakes, and yogurt for a taste test. They gave their ratings for each food's compatibility.
MGO Value
MGO values can be a concern if you decide to incorporate Manuka honey into your daily routine. We next verified the MGO value of each product. We checked to see if the product container listed the MGO value, where the higher the number, the higher the rating that was assigned. Note that we chose from products with MGO263+ or higher, which is the benchmark value for active Manuka honey labeling.
All products were evaluated solely on the basis of credibility, purity, palatability, and compatibility with other foods, and MGO is rated as an additional bonus factor.
UMF Value
UMF values are just as important as the concentration of MGO. We last verified each product's UMF value. The higher the UMF value listed on the UMF Certified mark, the higher the rating we assigned. Note that we set the standard to products with UMF10+ or higher, which is the basis for active Manuka honey.
As UMF values are only put onto products that have the UMF Certified mark, the overall rankings do not include these ratings.
Top 5 Manuka Honey
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
- TOP
- Health
- Health foods and supplements
- 13 Best Manuka Honey of 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]
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