Manuka honey is expensive due to its limited supply from New Zealand/Australia's Manuka trees, short annual flowering (4-6 weeks), difficult remote harvesting (sometimes needing helicopters), intensive testing for unique compounds like MGO (Methylglyoxal), high global demand, and stringent quality grading (UMF/MGO), all making it a rare, premium product.
While Mānuka honey may be more expensive than other honey varieties, its renowned wellness properties and distinctive flavor make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best in natural sweetness and wellness support.
There's no single "world #1" honey, but Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey is often called the "World's Best" for its awards, while Manuka Honey from New Zealand/Australia is famous for its potent antibacterial properties (UMF/MGO ratings) and health benefits, making it a top contender in terms of perceived value and medicinal use. Other highly-rated honeys include Greek honeys for their polyphenols, and unique varieties like Mexican Avocado Honey.
Manuka honey is more expensive than most other honey because it is rare and only produced in Australia and New Zealand. The flowers the bees collect the nectar from, to make Manuka honey are from the Leptospermum family, which is native to Australia. Farming Manuka honey costs more to produce than other honeys.
Costco's Kirkland Signature Manuka Honey is genuine New Zealand-sourced honey with UMF certification (typically UMF 10+ or 15+). Prices run $20-$30 for 17.6oz—roughly 30% cheaper than specialty brands. Always check the UMF logo and batch number on the jar. Not safe for infants under 1 year due to botulism risk.
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 "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.
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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.
You can eat Manuka honey every day in small amounts. It's safe for most healthy adults, and it may give you benefits such as soothing a sore throat or supporting digestion. But it's still sugar, so too much can raise your blood sugar or add extra calories.
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.
How to identify authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand
Manuka honey should start working straight away. For wound and burn care the area should be soothed and show noticeable changes overnight. For skin conditions it should soothes the skin quickly and then might take a few applications to get a good result.
Taken together, it is suggested that the inflammatory signs of rheumatoid arthritis could be relieved by two weeks intake and/or external applying of honey solutions on joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients, as honey could act as an anti-inflammatory reagent and enhance the immune system.
Proverbs 24:13-14
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. 14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Heating of honey is much discussed under quality deterioration, wherein certain enzymes and nutrients are lost. Honey cakes, honey candies, etc., that are baked are also available for consumption.
Raw honey offers several health benefits, including being a source of antioxidants, aiding in wound healing, and potentially improving blood sugar levels. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can help soothe sore throats and coughs, and may even improve sleep.
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.
Comparing the Two: Australian vs. New Zealand Manuka. – Taste & Texture: Australian Manuka Honey has a more diverse and robust flavor due to its wide range of plant sources. Australian Manuka is liquid whereas New Zealand Manuka is often whipped giving it a creamy look and texture.
In fact, some research has shown that buckwheat honey's antibacterial activity against certain pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus is comparable to, or even stronger than, Manuka honey, thanks to its rich phenolic and flavonoid content.
Maple syrup also has less sugar than honey with 12.1 grams of sugar while honey has 17.2 grams. Nutritionally, maple syrup also is a solid alternative when it comes to micronutrients and contains riboflavin and manganese. 6 When replacing honey with maple syrup, use a one-to-one ratio for best results.
Below, we list some of the best honeys the world has to offer.
1: Look for the highest UMF™ and MGO grading in your budget
The UMF™ and MGO (methylglyoxal) numbers refer to the concentration of compounds found only in manuka honey and works on a spectrum. The higher the concentration, the higher the grade. Look for: Any grade from UMF™10+ upwards is suitable.