For health in Australia, Jarrah honey (Western Australia) is often cited as best for its high antibacterial strength (TA rating) and low GI, great for immune support and wound healing, while Manuka honey (especially MGO 850+) is famous for potent antimicrobial activity against superbugs, and Redgum (Marri) offers similar strong antioxidants to Jarrah, making these West Australian varieties top choices for medicinal benefits. For general use, raw, unheated, single-source Australian honey is best to retain natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients, avoiding blends or heavily processed supermarket options.
The healthiest Australian honeys are typically Stingless Bee Honey (Sugarbag) for its low GI and unique sugars, and high-activity Jarrah or Manuka honeys, known for strong antibacterial properties (high MGO/TA ratings) and antioxidants, making them great for wellness, immunity, and even wound care. Raw, unprocessed varieties, like those from Eucalyptus species (Jarrah, Marri), preserve more beneficial compounds, offering superior health benefits over heated honey.
The healthiest honey to buy is generally raw, unfiltered, and unprocessed honey, with medicinal varieties like Manuka (high MGO/UMF), Jarrah, or Sidr offering superior antibacterial and antioxidant benefits, while lighter options like Acacia are good for blood sugar management, but always check labels for purity and consider single-origin or organic for maximum natural goodness.
General Wellbeing
On the lower end of the MGO scale, honeys graded at MGO 150+ are a great option for a natural, everyday treat.
Authentic Manuka Honey
The higher the MGO, the more potent the honey's activity. Australia produces some of the most potent, best tasting Manuka honey in the world due to our warm climate and diverse number of Leptospermum (Manuka) varieties.
The "best" Manuka honey in Australia depends on your needs (daily health vs. potent remedy), but top brands known for quality and high potency include Biosota Organics (offering very high MGOs like 2000+), AB's Manuka, Australia's Manuka, and Manuka Health, with potency measured by MGO (Methylglyoxal) or UMF ratings, where higher numbers mean stronger antibacterial activity. Look for independent testing and higher MGO/UMF for therapeutic use, while lower MGOs (like 100+) are great for everyday wellness.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
Is UMF or MGO Better? UMF is a more comprehensive grading system, while MGO is simpler and more direct to test. Because they measure different aspects of mānuka honey, neither system is inherently more reliable than the other.
While other kinds of honey offer vitamins, minerals, and propolis, Mānuka honey goes above and beyond offering additional health benefits and high levels of methylglyoxal. These properties make it a valuable addition to the world of natural medicine.
Manuka Honey hails from New Zealand and is the healthiest honey in the world! It has more Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties than any other honey! Manuka Honey is packed with Nutrients and Enzymes, and works great on your skin for any kinds of cuts or scrapes!
Yes, when consumed in moderation. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and beneficial enzymes, honey offers a variety of health benefits that make it a healthier alternative to regular refined sugar. Honey can be a sweet and nutritious addition to your diet, but it's important to remember that it's still a form of sugar.
The "best" supermarket honey depends on what you value, but look for raw, unfiltered, single-origin (like Australian Jarrah or Manuka) for maximum flavor and benefits, though it's pricier; for everyday use, brands like Beechworth or Capilano offer 100% pure Australian honey, while Nature Nate's gets praised for smoothness. Always check labels for 100% pure, unblended honey, as many supermarket options blend cheaper honeys for lower cost.
Smooth, sweet and perfectly balanced, generations of Aussies have grown up with Capilano Pure Honey. Made by Aussie bees and hand harvested by their beekeepers, our signature blend of eucalypt and ground flora honey is the taste you know and love.
For maximum health benefits, choose raw, unfiltered honey of any variety.
Low to mid grades of UMF 10+ to UMF 15+ are called Therapeutic Grade (good for short term consumption). Lower UMF ratings means less MGO, less MGO means less antibacterial benefits. Generally, higher grade UMF 15+ or UMF 20+ Manuka Honeys are more effective at killing active bacterial infections.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a unique, naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka honey that's responsible for its unique properties that help fight germs. MGO occurs naturally in many foods, plants, and animal cells and has germ-fighting properties.
Since manuka honey contains high levels of MG, we speculate that patients with diabetes may be at risk due to either the direct negative effect of MG on cells and components in the wound or the indirect formation of AGEs, which could impair the wound-healing process.
Whilst there isn't really a set 'dosage' to take for all uses, we recommend one generous spoonful of manuka honey per day as a general guideline. But did you know that you can do more with it than just eat it from the spoon? You can add it to your skincare and wellness routine on top of the daily spoonful.
Taking manuka honey in the morning or pre-workout can give you an energy boost. You can also take it in the evening as part of your wind-down ritual. Whenever you choose to take manuka honey, just remember to opt for a reputable brand and UMF™ graded, like ours.
Glass is non-permeable unlike plastic, and you can see the contents to initially judge the quality and overall appearance. Aside from the possibility of glass breakage, which is very low when handled with care, glass is safer for honey storage than plastic.
A honey well known for its antibacterial properties is manuka honey, which is obtained from manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) and contains substantial amounts of methylglyoxal (MGO). Methylglyoxal harbors selective toxicity to bacterial cells, causing bacterial cell death and inhibition of bacterial replication.
The USDA states that honey is safe to eat even after expiration, but its quality may decline. Honey expiration is rare; naturally, properly preserved honey can last thousands of years without expiring. Archaeologists have found honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that is still perfectly edible.