1. Best Splurge: New Zealand Honey Co.

This is the most powerful manuka honey we’ve found on the market. Its ratings are UMF 26+ and MGO 1282+, which means it’s packed with health benefits that make it extremely rare and potent. It has a buttery smooth texture with a mild sweetness.

READ FULL REVIEW

2. Best Mid-Range: Kiva’s Manuka Honey

The consistency of this honey is silky smooth with a delicious taste. More importantly, its ratings are UMF 20+ and MGO 830+. These ratings mean it’s rich in enzymes, antioxidants, and other nutrients. It’s reasonably priced and a good value for the UMF and MGO ratings.

READ FULL REVIEW

3. Best Budget: New Zealand Honey Co.

This manuka honey is perfect for someone wanting to try it without breaking the bank. Its ratings are UMF 10+ and MGO 263+. While these ratings aren’t as high as other manuka honey brands, it’s still a good choice for your skin and health. The texture is creamy with a mild sweetness.

READ FULL REVIEW

1. Best Splurge: New Zealand Honey Co.

I’ll shoot straight with you.

This manuka honey is pricey, but it’s one of the most potent manuka honeys we’ve found on the market. And if you’re going to spend $20+ on a jar of honey, you want something that works.

But now for the million-dollar question:

How can I tell if this is high-quality manuka honey?

You have to pay close attention to the UMF and MGO numbers on the label. These ratings come from two widely-respected organizations whose sole purpose is to test the potency of manuka honey. The higher the UMF and MGO ratings, the more powerful the honey.^(1, 2, 3)

For example:

Keep in mind:

Most manuka honey brands never go higher than UMF 20+ and MGO 850+. This manuka honey is highly potent and rare because it’s UMF 26+ and MGO 1282+.

So what does it taste like?

It has a mild sweetness with a buttery smooth texture. You’ll find that it’s not overly sweet like some other types of honey. In general, manuka honey has an earthy undertone with a hint of nutty flavor.

And the good news?

When stored properly, honey never expires. In fact, 3,000-year-old honey was recently discovered in Egyptian tombs. And guess what? It was still good to eat.^{(4, 5)}

Last but not least:

New Zealand Honey Co. is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2060. That’s how you know this manuka honey is genuine.

What we like:

• Highest UMF and MGO ratings we’ve found
• Chock-full of antioxidants, enzymes, and other nutrients
• UMF certified
• Highly rated on Amazon
• Independently tested for quality
• Packaging is recyclable

2. Best Mid-Range: Kiva’s Manuka Honey

This manuka honey has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon.

And for a good reason.

Its potency ratings are UMF 20+ and MGO 830+. The higher the UMF and MGO numbers, the more potent and antibacterial the manuka honey is.^{(6, 7)}

And while these ratings aren’t as high as New Zealand Honey Co, they’re still pretty darn good. More importantly, it’s a good value because you’re getting premium manuka honey at a reasonable price.

Win-win.

So what does it taste like?

It’s a medium sweetness with a silky texture. The undertone of this honey is slightly earthy but not bitter. It tastes good eaten right off the spoon or paired with buttered toasted.

Kiva’s honey is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2240. That’s how you know this manuka honey is authentic.

What we like:

• Reasonably priced
• High UMF and MGO ratings
• Good for everyday health benefits and skincare
• UMF certified
• Highly rated on Amazon

3. Best Budget: New Zealand Honey Co.

So you want to dip your toe into manuka honey without spending a fortune?

This one is for you.

Its ratings are UMF 10+ and MGO 263+. While these ratings aren’t as high as the other two brands we mentioned, it’s still a good choice for everyday use.

Because this manuka honey is more affordable than other brands, I like using it as a face mask. Sometimes I suffer from acne on my chin and jawline, and this manuka honey helps clear it up.

Secondly, I love adding this honey to tea or warm water for a quick energy boost. This helps me get through long days at work. If you work long shifts or get tired during the day, this manuka honey is a lifesaver.

Like the other manuka honey brands, this one tastes mildly sweet and has a smooth texture.

New Zealand Honey Co. is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2060. This means it’s 100% genuine manuka honey.

What we like:

• Very affordable
• Great for everyday health and skin
• Includes antioxidants, enzymes, and other nutrients
• Highly rated on Amazon
• UMF certified
• Packaging is recyclable

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a type of honey that comes from honeybees that pollinate manuka trees. It’s a monofloral honey, meaning that it’s made from the nectar of one type of flower.

Manuka trees are native to New Zealand and Australia. They bloom from early December to mid-January which is the warmer months in New Zealand and Australia.^(13, 14)

The taste of manuka honey isn’t as outright sweet as other types of honey. It’s more of a mild sweetness with an earthy undertone. Some would say the flavor takes some getting used to, while others enjoy the taste right out of the bottle.

The color of manuka honey can range from medium golden to dark amber.

What are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Let me put it this way:

The benefits of manuka honey go on and on. Just when you think they’re done, they keep coming. That’s why manuka honey is heavily studied in clinical settings.

Manuka honey is full of antioxidants, enzymes, and other health benefits. Let’s talk about a few.

Benefit 1: Manuka Honey has been FDA-approved for Wound Treatment

Numerous studies show that manuka honey enhances skin healing, accelerates tissue regeneration, and even decreases pain in patients suffering from wounds. As a result, manuka honey is widely used for medicinal purposes to help prevent bacterial infections.^{(15, 16)}

Honey contains an enzyme that breaks down glucose sugars and makes hydrogen peroxide. And while hydrogen peroxide isn’t an active ingredient in honey, it’s still present in small amounts. This makes honey antimicrobial and ideal for therapeutic use.

Benefit 2: Manuka Honey Promotes Oral Health

Here’s a fact that might surprise you:

47% of American adults suffer from gum disease.^{(17, 18, 19)}

That’s where manuka honey comes in. Studies confirm that manuka honey treats harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay, plaque formation, and gum inflammation.^{(20, 21, 22)}

Benefit 3: Manuka Honey Can Help With Digestion

In one study, manuka honey has increased antioxidants and decreased inflammation in rats with both IBS and ulcerative colitis.⁽²³⁾

Another study in rats showed that manuka honey helped prevent alcohol-induced gastric ulcers.⁽²⁴⁾

It’s also been shown to attack strains of clostridium difficile.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation. It’s typically treated with antibiotics, but a recent study showed that manuka honey was an effective treatment.⁽²⁵⁾

Benefit 4: Manuka Honey Can Soothe a Sore Throat

Honey is antiviral and antibacterial, so it can reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that cause pain. Not only that, but manuka honey can coat the throat’s inner lining for a soothing effect on your digestive system.

For example:

Manuka honey was effective at soothing sore throats in a study of cancer patients experiencing streptococcus mutants.⁽²⁶⁾

What’s more, manuka honey decreased harmful oral bacteria in these cancer patients, which is a common side effect of radiation and chemotherapy.⁽²⁷⁾

To take it a step further, one study found that honey was just as effective as over-the-counter cough medicines.⁽²⁸⁾

Benefit 5: Manuka Honey is Full of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential because they can protect your cells against disease-causing free radicals. Research also shows that antioxidants might protect against cancer and diabetes.^{(29, 30, 31)}

Even better?

Honey is rich in antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids. This alone makes manuka honey a superfood full of medicinal properties.^(32, 33)

Benefit 6: Manuka Honey is Rich in Skincare Benefits

Not only has honey been used for wound healing, but it’s also been used for numerous skin conditions. Here are a couple of things honey can help treat:^{(34, 35, 36)}

• Psoriasis
• Dandruff
• Diaper rash
• Pityriasis
• Tinea
• Seborrhea
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissure

Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and works well for dry skin. This is why honey is now found in moisturizers, lip products, after sun care, and shampoos and conditioners. In fact, popular brands like Burt’s Bees use honey and beeswax in their products.

Benefit 7: Manuka Honey Promotes Heart Health

Since honey is rich in antioxidants, it’s shown to support heart health by improving cholesterol levels. As a result, this can lower your risk for heart disease.^{(37, 38, 39)}

But just as important?

Honey has been shown to help the arteries in your heart dilate. This can increase blood flow to your heart and help prevent blood clots. In turn, this can lower your risk for heart attacks and strokes.⁽⁴⁰⁾

And lastly, one study of rats showed that honey protected their hearts from oxidative stress.⁽⁴¹⁾

FAQs About the Best Manuka Honey

• Is there anything I should know before buying manuka honey?
• How do I determine what the best manuka honey is?
• Why is manuka honey expensive?
• Where did the UMF rating system come from?
• Is manuka honey safe for everyone?
• What’s the best way to take manuka honey?
• Can I use a metal spoon with manuka honey?
• What level of manuka honey is best?
• What is the difference between UMF and MGO manuka honey?
• What’s the best manuka honey for the face and wounds?
• What’s the best manuka honey for the immune system?
• What’s the best manuka honey for gastritis?
• Should I worry about fake manuka honey?
• How does manuka honey compare to regular honey?
• How did you rank the best manuka honeys?
• What are the top 10 best manuka honey brands?

 

Is there anything I should know before buying manuka honey?

Here’s a rule of thumb for you:

When shopping for manuka honey products, make sure the label includes both the UMF and MGO levels.

Like this:

How come?

Because the UMF and MGO ratings come from two separate organizations that are widely respected. Their job is to test the potency of the manuka honey and verify that it’s authentic and high quality. 

So when you see both the UMF and MGO ratings on your label, you can be 100% confident that you’re buying high-quality manuka honey.^{(8, 9)}

Now you might be asking:

What if a bottle of manuka honey only has one rating? Does that mean it’s bad?

No, not at all.

Plenty of honey producers only include one rating on their bottles. It doesn’t mean they aren’t selling real manuka honey. It just means they’ve only gotten certified by one organization.

That said, if you’re going to spend $50+ for honey, then it doesn’t hurt to buy the UMF and MGO certified honey. This adds an extra layer of trust because you know two separate companies vetted the manuka honey you’re buying.

And finally:

The last thing you should know about honey is that it should not be given to babies under 12 months old. Honey can contain spores that lead to infant botulism. Infant botulism can cause muscle weakness, weak cries, and problems breathing in babies.^{(10, 11, 12)}

So, in summary:

1. Look for both the UMF and MGO ratings on your label
2. Don’t give honey to babies under 12 months old

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• The Brutally Honest Truth About Sour Honey
• Buckwheat Honey: Uses, Benefits, & Risks
• Can You Eat Honeycombs?

 

How do I determine what the best manuka honey is?

There are two manuka honey grading systems:

1. The UMF grading system
2. The MGO grading system

So you might be wondering:

Why does manuka honey have two grading systems? Isn’t one enough?

Good question. Here’s the thing:

UMF and MGO ratings both prove that the manuka honey is authentic. But, they do so using slightly different methods.

Both grading systems measure the manuka honey’s MGO content (methylglyoxal). The MGO content is an essential indicator of the antibacterial content of the honey.^(42, 43)

Beyond that, the UMF rating also measures:⁽⁴⁴⁾

• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
• Leptosperin

That said, when searching for the best manuka honey, it doesn’t hurt to find one that’s both UMF and MGO verified. This is a “checks and balances” system since these ratings come from two independent companies.

If you want to learn more about both rating systems, keep reading…

What is UMF?

Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is the most widely used grading system for manuka honey. The rating can range from UMF 5+ to UMF 25+.⁽⁴⁵⁾

The higher the UMF rating, the more potent and antibacterial the manuka honey is. High UMF ratings are 25+.^{(46, 47, 48, 49)}

For example:

A study found increased antibacterial effects in manuka honey with UMF 10+ or higher. That study also found UMF 20+ manuka honey to be effective against drug-resistant strains of bacteria.⁽⁵⁰⁾

This is why we only selected UMF certified manuka honey brands for this article.

This certification comes from the UMF Honey Association. The UMF Honey Association grants UMF licenses to manuka honey brands that meet their strict standards.⁽⁵¹⁾

You can search for UMF licenses here.

UMF measures:⁽⁵²⁾

• Methylglyoxal (MGO)
• Leptosperin – shows that the honey comes from the Manuka plant^{(53, 54)}
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – in the nectar of the Manuka tree^{(55, 56)}

What is MGO?

MGO is another grading system that measures the methylglyoxal in manuka honey. The MGO number on the label can range from MGO 83+ to MGO 1,000+. The higher the MGO rating, the more potent and antibacterial the manuka honey is.⁽⁵⁷⁾

MGO measures:

• Methylglyoxal

Here’s a comparison between the different MGO and UMF ratings:

What is K-Factor?

I know, I know.

I said there were only two rating systems, but there’s actually another one called K-factor that I didn’t mention.

Why didn’t I mention the k-factor rating system, you ask?

Because it isn’t reliable.

In a nutshell, k-factor is a general term used only by Wedderspoon manuka honey. From what I can tell from their website, the k-factor rating doesn’t measure methylglyoxal (MGO), leptosperin, or dihydroxyacetone (DHA). ⁽⁵⁸⁾

Instead, the k-factor represents these five things:

1. Raw and unpasteurized honey
2. Free of antibiotics, glyphosate, and pesticides
3. NON-GMO
4. Traceability from hive to home
5. Authentic to New Zealand

The k-factor grading system has three ratings:

• K-Factor 12
• K-Factor 16
• K-Factor 22⁽⁵⁹⁾

Each number represents the amount of pollen found in the manuka honey. K-factor 12 has the lowest pollen count, and k-factor 22 has the highest.

With that said, I don’t recommend relying on this grading system to find the best manuka honey. Instead, use UMF or MGO to find the highest quality manuka honey. Also, read the reviews to ensure you’re getting good quality manuka honey. 

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• What is Beeswax?
• Does Honey Go Bad or Expire?
• What is Dark Honey?

 

Why is manuka honey so expensive?

Manuka honey is pricey because it’s rare. It’s only found in the remote areas of New Zealand and Australia.^(60, 61)

Besides that, the manuka flower only blooms 6-12 weeks (and often less) out of the year. The flowers are only open for about five days, which gives the bees a short window to pollinate them.⁽⁶²⁾

Also, while the manuka bush itself is resilient, the flowers aren’t. They’re incredibly delicate. Slight climate variations, rainfall, and wind can throw them off.

Lastly, the health benefits of manuka honey make it a superfood that’s in high demand. Since the supply is short and the demand is high, this makes manuka honey expensive.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• Why Does Honey Crystallize?
• Orange Blossom Honey: Uses, Benefits, & Risks
• Sourwood Honey: Uses, Benefits, & Risks

 

Where did the UMF rating system come from?

UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, and it’s a system that ranks the potency of manuka honey. It measures three things:

• Methylglyoxal (MGO)
• Leptosperin
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)⁽⁶³⁾

This rating comes from the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA), founded in 1998. Its goal is to protect consumers by ensuring that they buy high-quality and authentic manuka honey.⁽⁶⁴⁾

UMF is the most widely recognized rating. It’s often used alongside the MGO rating, which comes from an entirely different company. We prefer manuka honey that includes both ratings because it means two separate companies have verified the honey.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• The 3 Most Popular Types of Honey
• What is Clover Honey?
• What is Eucalyptus Honey?

 

Is manuka honey safe for everyone?

Manuka honey is safe to eat for most people over the age of one.

Babies under 12 months old shouldn’t be allowed to eat honeycombs or honey. Honey can contain spores that lead to infant botulism. Infant botulism can cause muscle weakness, weak cries, and problems breathing.^{(65, 66, 67)}

Also, keep in mind that honey is a natural sweetener. Because it’s high in sugar, people with diabetes should eat honey in moderation.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

What’s the best way to take manuka honey?

The best way to eat manuka honey is one to two tablespoons per day. There isn’t a best time to take manuka honey – just whenever it fits your schedule. Personally, I take mine morning and night. You can mix it with tea or milk. But, if you’re trying to resolve a health issue, we recommend taking it raw directly from the spoon.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

Can I use a metal spoon with manuka honey?

Yes. Many websites claim not to use a metal spoon with honey because it has an acidic pH. The theory is that honey can react with metallic surfaces.

That said, we have found no scientific research to suggest that using a metal spoon would cause an adverse reaction. Also, keep in mind that your honey only stays on your spoon for a few seconds at a time. It is unlikely to react with the metallic surface in just a few short seconds.

For that reason, we recommend using whatever spoon you’re comfortable with – metal, plastic, or wooden.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• Honey For Allergies: Is it a Potential Cure?
• Cinnamon Honey: Are There Health Benefits?

 

What level of manuka honey is best?

We get variations of these questions a lot:

• What is the best manuka honey to buy on the market?
• What is the purest form of manuka honey?
• What is the best medical grade manuka honey?
• What is the best quality manuka honey?
• What is the best strength manuka honey?
• What is the best UMF manuka honey?
• What is the best level manuka honey?
• What’s the highest peroxide activity in manuka honey?

The answer is simple.

The higher the UMF and MGO ratings, the better the manuka honey. So a UMF 20+ is going to be more potent than a UMF 10+.^{(68, 69, 70, 71)}

Our recommendation for the most potent manuka honey is from New Zealand Honey Co. It provides a whopping UMF 26+ and MGO 1282+. This is the highest-rated manuka honey we’ve found on the market.

New Zealand Honey Co. is UMF certified by the UMF Association with a license number of 2060.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• Honey for Skin Benefits: Directions, Uses, & Risks
• Fermented Garlic and Honey Recipe
• What’s the Difference Between Raw and Organic Honey?

 

What is the difference between UMF and MGO manuka honey?

They are two different rating systems from two separate companies.

When we compiled our list of the best manuka honey, we chose products that included both the UMF and MGO ratings.

UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, and it was founded in 1998 by the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA). It was created to measure the authenticity and health benefits of manuka honey.⁽⁷²⁾

The higher the rating, the more potent the manuka honey is. The UMF rating ranges from UMF 5+ to UMF 25+.⁽⁷³⁾

UMF measures:

• Methylglyoxal (MGO)
• Leptosperin – shows that the honey comes from the Manuka plant⁽⁷⁴⁾
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – in the nectar of the Manuka flower^{(75, 76)}

MGO is another ranking system that’s commonly used. While it’s not as prevalent as the UMF ranking system, it’s still widely respected.

The MGO ranking ranges from MGO 83+ to MGO 1000+. Again, the higher the number, the more potent the manuka honey is.⁽⁷⁷⁾

MGO measures:

• Methylglyoxal

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• What is Longan Honey?
• What Are Honeycombs Make Of?
• Can You Eat Beeswax?

 

What’s the best manuka honey for wounds and face?

People often ask:

How do I know the quality of manuka honey for wounds? Where can I get pure manuka honey for wounds? What’s the right choice for burns and scratches? What’s the best manuka honey for skin care? Does higher MGO ratings matter?

It depends.

We recommend the manuka honey from New Zealand Honey Co if you’re on a budget. It offers a UMF 10+ and MGO 263+. These ratings are good for everyday use because they provide nutritional benefits without costing a fortune.

New Zealand Honey Co. is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2060.

We recommend Kiva’s raw manuka honey if you’re looking for something more powerful. It boasts a UMF 20+ and MGO 830+. This means it’s very potent and more suitable for someone wanting drastic results.

Kiva is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2240.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• What is Alfalfa Honey?
• Allergic to Honey: Signs of a Honey Allergy + Treatment
• What is Sage Honey?

 

What’s the best manuka honey for the immune system?

We get asked this often, along with other questions like:

What’s the best manuka honey for acid reflux? How do I know I’m getting a high-quality product? What are authentic manuka honey brands? Where can I find a high concentration of manuka honey with a great taste?

The best manuka honey for health will be ones with high UMF and MGO ratings.

Our top pick is Kiva’s manuka honey because it has a UMF 20+ and MGO 830+. These ratings mean this honey is packed full of nutrients.

It’s also a good value considering the price is reasonable for what you’re getting. I’ve seen brands charge $100+ for this same type of manuka honey. Kiva charges almost half that.

Kiva is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2240.

Our second recommendation comes from New Zealand Honey Co. This manuka honey has a UMF 26+ and MGO 1282+. This is the highest rating we’ve seen on the market, making it a better choice for someone trying to resolve specific health issues.

And as always, New Zealand Honey Co. is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2060. This ensures that their manuka honey is top-notch and highly potent.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• What is Goldenrod Honey?
• What is Leatherwood Honey?
• What is Heather Honey?

 

What’s the best manuka honey for gastritis?

For treating medical conditions like gastritis, we recommend either Kiva’s manuka honey or New Zealand Honey Co’s manuka honey.

The one you choose depends on how potent you want your manuka honey to be.

New Zealand Honey Co’s manuka honey is extremely potent and rare. In fact, it’s the highest-rated manuka honey we’ve found on the market. With that in mind, it does come with a higher price point because of how powerful it is.

New Zealand Honey Co is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2060.

Kiva’s manuka honey has lower UMF and MGO ratings, but it’s a more affordable option. That said, it’s still high-quality manuka honey.

Kiva is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2240.

Research has shown that drinking green tea with manuka honey can make a significant difference in people with gastritis. Manuka honey also has antibacterial properties that effectively keep H. pylori in check.^{(78, 79)}

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• What is Chestnut Honey?
• What is Sunflower Honey?
• What is Linden Honey?

 

Should I worry about fake manuka honey brands?

It’s always wise to be cautious about manuka honey. That’s why you should look for both the UMF and MGO ratings on the label.

To take it a step further, check the UMF license database before purchasing. This will help you verify that the company is UMF certified. Every product we recommended in this article is UMF certified.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• What is Fireweed Honey?
• What is Honeydew Honey?
• Do Honey Pasteurization Ruin Honey?

 

How does manuka honey compare to regular honey?

This is a tricky question to answer because there are more than 300 types of honey.

So technically, there’s no such thing as “regular” honey.

Examples of different types of honey include:

• Buckwheat honey
• Wildflower honey
• Orange blossom honey
• Sourwood honey

Ultimately, it comes down to your preference for taste and health benefits.

Some types of honey – like tupelo or wildflower honey – are naturally sweeter. Other types of honey – like manuka and buckwheat – are only mildly sweet, but they’re full of health benefits.

Also, honey ranges in color from dark honey to light honey.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• Acacia Honey: The Taste, Health Benefits, & Risks
• What is Blueberry Honey?
• 8 Scientific Benefits of Raw Honey

 

How did you rank the best manuka honeys?

For starters, we looked at the UMF and MGO ratings of the best manuka honey brands.

As you’ll notice, some manuka honey brands use only one rating system, while others use both. We only chose manuka honey that uses UMF and MGO rating systems.

Why?

Because that means that the honey has gone through two separate verification processes. These verification processes are independently done, so they added an extra layer of trust for us.

Secondly, we made sure that every manuka honey brand was UMF certified. We provided their license number and a link to their UMF certification so you can see it for yourself.

Additionally, we looked at several factors to determine the best manuka honey. Let’s talk about each.

Processing

When making a list of the best manuka honey brands, we chose companies that take a natural approach. When honey gets overheated, it removes much of the enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients.^{(80, 81, 82)}

So we looked for raw and unpasteurized honey so that it maintained its health benefits.

Traceability

Some of the best manuka honey brands offer QR codes on the label. If you scan this QR with your phone, you can trace the origins of your honey. You can also learn more about your honey’s nutritional value and potency by tracing it this way.

While not every brand offered a way to trace their manuka honey, we considered it a huge plus if they did. This gave us an additional layer of trust in the company because we could see directly where the honey came from.

Reviews

We took into account the reviews for each jar of manuka honey. Most of the manuka honey we featured in this article has a star rating of 4.5 or higher. While the reviews aren’t the end-all-be-all, we still wanted to ensure that people were happy with the product and customer service.

Transparency

The brands we chose listed their credentials on their website. These credentials were easy to search and verify. For example, the best manuka honey brands post their UMF certification on their website. We were able to double-check their license number and ensure its authenticity.

Value

Let’s face it. If you’re going to spend $50+ on manuka honey, you want to get a quality product. But, many people are unsure what to look for when it comes to manuka honey. The rating systems can be confusing, so we aimed to make things simple. We focused on getting the best manuka honey for the most affordable price. So we took into account the UMF and MGO ratings, the reviews, and the size of the bottle.

Packaging

The standard size for a bottle of manuka honey is 8.8 ounces (250g). That said, some manufacturers sell smaller bottles at a steep price. We ensured that all the bottles of manuka honey offered a generous amount so you didn’t accidentally pay more for less.

Company background

We looked for companies with a solid background in the manuka honey industry. This means they have experience sourcing high-quality manuka honey from New Zealand. We learned more about their beekeeping processes, hives, and farming techniques. We read up on each company to compile a list of the best manuka honey brands.

Ease of purchasing

We found that some honey brands struggled to keep manuka honey in stock. While we understand it can be difficult due to how rare manuka honey is, we considered this. The best manuka honey brands on our list keep a consistent inventory. They also make it easy to purchase manuka honey directly from their website or Amazon.

—> Go back to the FAQs on the best manuka honey

 

More to Explore:

• How to Make Creamed Honey
• How to Store Honey Properly
• Wildflower Honey: Are There Health Benefits?

 

What are the top 10 best manuka honey brands?

I’ll be transparent with you.

Compiling our list of the top three best manuka honey brands wasn’t easy. So many brands are doing an incredible job, so picking just three was difficult.

That’s why we’re giving you the complete top 10 list below. All these brands are UMF and MGO certified.

1. Best Splurge: New Zealand Honey Co. 

This is the most potent manuka honey we’ve found online. This manuka honey is rated UMF 26+ and MGO 1282+, which means it’s extremely rare and highly concentrated. The taste is delicious, with a mild sweetness and buttery smooth texture.

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2. Best Mid-range: Kiva’s Manuka Honey

This honey is rated UMF 20+ and MGO 830+, which means it’s powerful and full of health benefits. The flavor is a delicious, mild sweetness with an earthy undertone. The texture is as smooth as silk.

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3. Best Budget: New Zealand Honey Co. 

This honey is rated UMF 10+ and MGO 263+. While these ratings aren’t as high as the other brands, this is still a good option on a budget. It comes with a creamy texture and mild sweetness.

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4. Steens’ Manuka Honey

Steens manuka honey is rated UMF 20+ and MGO 830+. They offer a trace code and batch number on each bottle, so you know where your honey was sourced. This is a nice touch because it adds a layer of transparency.

This manuka honey has a thick texture with tiny crystals in it. The crystals come from the fact that it’s raw and has honeycomb in it. This makes it slightly gritty, but it’s not bad at all. The color is a beautiful deep caramel.

I would describe the taste as more natural than other brands. It has a mild sweetness with some bitter notes mixed in. That said, it’s not a “bad” bitter taste. It’s just unique.

It comes in a soft plastic jar, and it’s filled to the lower rim with honey. It comes with an inner seal that you have to peel off.

What I love most about Steens is that their manuka honey is truly raw and unpasteurized. It has not been filtered at all, so it has a slightly gritty texture. It contains some honeycomb in the honey, which is perfectly fine to eat.

More importantly, raw honey maintains its health benefits.

Steens is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2204.

Where to buy: Steens manuka honey from Amazon

What we like:

• Offers traceability from hive to hand
• Completely natural and pure
• Love the texture and flavor of this honey

Customer reviews of this honey:

5. New Zealand Honey Co.

This manuka honey is rated UMF 20+ and MGO 829+. This brand has made several features on our top 10 list because they consistently offer high-quality manuka honey.

This manuka honey is incredible in both flavor and texture. It has a soft but distinctive sweetness. It has undertones of caramel with slightly bitter notes. The texture is extra thick and chewy. The company describes it as a “chewy and fudge-like consistency.”

It tastes good mixed with tea or coffee, but I like to eat it all by itself. One to two spoonfuls per day will do the trick.

I love the packaging that New Zealand Honey Co. uses. It’s a plastic bottle like other manuka honey brands, but it comes brightly labeled. This acts as a “color coding” system.

The purple and blue jars are highly rated for UMF and MGO. The yellow and orange jars are lower on the UMF and MGO scale.

That said, the actual UMF and MGO ratings are written on the label. You don’t have to rely on the color-coding system if you don’t want to.

New Zealand Honey Co. is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2060.

Where to buy: New Zealand Honey Co. from Amazon

What we like:

• Unique and high-quality packaging
• Thick and chewy texture
• Incredible taste with caramel undertones

Customer reviews of this honey:

6. Egmont’s Manuka Honey

Egmont’s manuka honey is rated UMF 20+ and MGO 829+. For this high of a rating, it’s one of the most affordable options we’ve found.

I appreciate this company because they believe that bigger is not always better. They maintain a small circle of suppliers to keep a close eye on production.

Larger companies can have a mass-production approach that compromises the honey’s quality. Egmont focuses on the health of their bees.

I also appreciate that each batch of their honey is independently tested for quality with both UMF and MGO ratings. It shows that they care about their products and their customers.

The flavor of this manuka honey is amazing. Like the others, it has slight bitter notes to it. But it also has a smooth, buttery caramel undertone that’s fantastic.

Egmont is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 1888.

Where to buy: Egmont from Amazon

What we like:

• They’re a small company that focuses on quality
• Each batch of their manuka honey is independently tested
• Honey has a smooth texture, with slight caramel undertones

Customer reviews of this honey:

7. Pure New Zealand

This manuka honey is rated UMF 20+ and MGO 829+. This honey is natural and pure. They keep their processing to a minimum, so they don’t strip the honey of its nutrients. There are no additives, fillers, or preservatives.

They use a method that allows them to cream the honey by hand. According to Pure New Zealand, this protects the nutrients in their honey and maintains the natural flavor.

Like the other manuka honey, the taste is a mild sweetness with an earthy undertone. It’s not as sugary sweet as other honey, but I prefer that. It has a thick texture that’s smooth and non-gritty.

They also offer a HoneyID, which allows you to trace your honey and verify its authenticity. Not all manuka honey brands offer this, so I think it’s a nice touch. Each batch is independently tested and verified to ensure quality.

Pure New Zealand is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 1037.

Where to buy: Pure New Zealand from Amazon

What we like:

• No additives, fillers, or preservatives
• Traceable with the HoneyID app
• Mild sweetness with an earthy undertone

Customer reviews of this honey:

8. Manuka South

This manuka honey is rated UMF 20+ and MGO 829+. It comes from a family-owned business in New Zealand. When you look at their products, you can tell they’re passionate about what they do.

Aside from manuka honey in the jar, they offer manuka honey candies and manuka honeycombs. They truly specialize in all things manuka honey.

The texture is creamy and thick. The flavor is slightly sweet with a nutty undertone. It reminds me of maple candy. It pairs well with herbal tea or is delicious when spread on toast.

It’s raw and unpasteurized, so it maintains all the nutrients and antibacterial activity that make this honey a superfood. The ingredients are non-GMO, and the jar is recyclable PET plastic.

Manuka South is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 1053. Note: Manuka South’s UMF license is listed under the name of their parent company, New Zealand Health Food Company Ltd.

Where to buy: Manuka South from Amazon

What we like:

• Packaging is recyclable
• The brand specializes in manuka honey
• Family-owned and operated

Customer reviews of this honey:

9. Happy Valley

This manuka honey is rated UMF 20+ and MGO 850+. It has notes of caramel and malt with a crisp finish.

I love Happy Valley because they take pride in their bees. They believe that bees and nature are their most precious resource. That’s why they control the entire process themselves to ensure the quality is premium.

They use as little human interference as possible because bees prefer to be left alone. Their extraction process respects the bees by using minimal disturbance. This also helps their honey maintain its natural aroma, texture, and color. There is no need for processing.

They have beekeeping sites throughout New Zealand. They also work closely with landowners to ensure their practices are up to standard.

Happy Valley is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2024. Note: Happy Valley’s UMF license is listed under their parent company, NZ Honey Group Ltd.

Where to buy: Happy Valley from Amazon

What we like:

• Uses natural beekeeping practices
• They control the entire process themselves
• Caramel and malt undertones with a crisp finish

Customer reviews of this honey:

10. Comvita’s Manuka Honey

This manuka honey is rated UMF 20+ and MGO 829+. It’s more expensive than other types of manuka honey, which is possibly because this brand is trendy.

Comvita’s honey has been featured on WebMD and other websites. That said, even though it’s twice the price, we didn’t find it any more effective than the other honey brands.

(Check out our top three best manuka honey brands if you’re looking for a comparable option that’s more affordable.)

This brand is widely recognized because it’s been around since 1974. They package their manuka honey in a plastic bottle with a seal for extra protection.

It tastes delicious, with a slightly sweet flavor that melts on your tongue.

Comvita is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 1019.

Where to buy: Comvita from Amazon

What we like:

• Widely recognized and trusted brand
• Honey is sealed for extra freshness
• The taste is slightly sweet and melts in your mouth

Customer reviews of this honey:

The Best Manuka Honey Brands

This list is in no particular order. We selected brands that are UMF certified and trusted distributors of manuka honey. They also use both UMF and MGO ratings on their bottles.

Kiva

Each Kiva’s manuka honey batch is independently tested, traceable, and verified. In fact, they include a QR code on their bottles that you can scan and verify the manuka honey’s authenticity.

The OR code provides the UMF and MGO certification, the potency, and the origin of New Zealand. This shows Kiva’s willingness to go the extra mile for their customers. 

They keep their processing of the honey at a minimum. This allows manuka honey to maintain its flavor and nutritional value, just as it has in nature. They add no artificial flavors, sugars, or fillers.

Kiva also uses third-party test results for quality control of their manuka honey. All their products are NON-GMO verified, and they work directly with local farmers in New Zealand.

Kiva is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2240.

New Zealand Honey Co.

South Island beekeepers founded this company in 2006. It quickly became famous for its high-quality manuka honey.

Part of the success of this company is due to its connection with beekeepers and farmers in New Zealand.

They’ve developed relationships with the local communities of Central Otago and Canterbury. This means they have access to good sources of manuka honey.

I like New Zealand Honey Co’s website because they offer valuable information such as:

• Manuka honey FAQs
• UMF and MGO calculator
• Articles on manuka honey
• Their credentials
• Easy ways to contact them or buy their products

And finally, their honey is unpasteurized, maintaining its nutritional value and flavor.

New Zealand Honey Co is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2060.

Egmont

This is a family-owned business that has operated out of New Zealand since 2008. Since then, they’ve expanded their team to more than 50 members and exported their honey to over 200 countries.

They focus on offering full traceability of their manuka honey. They work with beekeepers that maintain a smaller number of hives to quality check everyone.

They also avoid the mass-production approach when it comes to manuka honey. Egmont believes that working with a smaller circle allows them to maintain their high standards.

Egmont is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 1888.

Happy Valley

I love that Happy Valley’s roots go back to 1975 – when Ben Rawnsley founded the company. They take a natural, hands-off approach when it comes to beekeeping.

This means when it comes to their hives and honey extraction, they give as little human interference as possible. They retain the natural flavors, aroma, color, and nutritional value in their manuka honey.

Each batch of their manuka honey is independently certified to ensure its UMF rating.

Happy Valley is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2024. Note: Happy Valley’s UMF license is listed under their parent company, NZ Honey Group Ltd.

Steens 

Steens is another company that offers traceable manuka honey. You can trace the code on your label to see where the bees sourced your manuka honey. This ensures that your honey is authentic to New Zealand and comes from the best sources.

More importantly, their manuka honey is unpasteurized, which means it keeps its natural enzymes, high amino acids, and other nutrients.

Steens uses cold processing so that their honey doesn’t get heated to high temperatures. In a nutshell, honey can’t stand the heat. So when you overheat honey, it removes all the manuka health benefits and natural flavor.

Steens is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 2204.

Comvita

Comvita’s mission is to connect the world with nature. They have over four decades of experience since they were founded in 1974.

Because they’re nature-focused, they maintain good environmental practices. They sustainably source their honey from the forests of New Zealand.

Every jar of their manuka honey is independently tested and certified. It features both UMF and MGO ratings. They offer manuka honey starting from UMF 5+ up to UMF 20+.

Comvita is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 1019.

Manuka South

Manuka South is a family-owned business that started in 1988. As evidenced by their name, they specialize in manuka honey. In fact, they sell various manuka products, including manuka candy drops, propolis, and honeycombs.

Their manuka honey is matured after its harvested so that the highest UMF/MGO results are achieved. They package their honey in sustainable jars and ensure the natural enzymes are preserved.

All of their honey is blended in small batches to maintain its quality.

Manuka South is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 1053. Note: Manuka South’s UMF license is listed under the name of their parent company, New Zealand Health Food Company Ltd.

Pure New Zealand

Pure New Zealand sources honey from all over New Zealand, so it can offer different flavors. Their manuka honey has quickly become one of their most popular because of its smooth texture and rich flavor.

In 2019, they won the best manuka honey award. Part of what makes this brand unique is that they cream their honey by hand. This protects the nutrients and gives the honey a silky consistency.

They focus on nature and purity. That’s why their manuka honey is non-GMO and unpasteurized. They avoid the excess heating of honey because it can damage UMF levels. They use no additives or preservatives. Everything is kept completely natural.

The honey is authentic and traceable. They offer a HoneyID tool that allows you to trace your manuka honey from hive to jar. You’ll also learn more about your honey’s nutritional value by scanning the HoneyID.

Pure New Zealand is UMF certified by the UMF Honey Association with a license number of 1037.

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