Mānuka Honey

For thousands of years, honey has been used to treat a range of ailments. As for the mānuka plant – its healing properties have been coveted and harnessed by the New Zealand Maori people for generations upon generations. With these two natural powerhouses brought together as one in mānuka honey, it’s little surprise that this golden gift has gained a global reputation for its miraculous healing properties. To this day, mānuka honey remains the most-researched therapeutic honey in the world. Its capacity for skin and wound healing is widely reported. However, while many firmly believe that mānuka honey is equipped with powerful health benefits, New Zealand Food laws mean we are not allowed to promote this. Regardless, as the research into this complex substance continues, we remain committed to evolving and deepening our understanding of this elusive honey – and the unique health benefits attached to its consumption.

Mānuka honey is produced by bees from the nectar of the native New Zealand mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). Until recently, the secret behind mānuka honey’s miraculous powers was a mystery. But widely renowned for its remarkable nature, mānuka honey became the first honey to undergo an unprecedented level of research and scrutiny. As a result, scientific research has since discovered that the naturally occurring compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), is the key component responsible for this anything-but-ordinary honey’s extraordinary qualities

Find out more about mānuka honey.

Our mānuka honey is as delicious as it is miraculous, and it can be enjoyed any way you choose.

• Savour it straight from the spoon

• Dilute it in water for a refreshing energy boost

• Add it to smoothies, or drizzle it over yogurt or cereal for extra goodness

• Use it as a soothing natural sweetener in tea or coffee

• Apply it as a natural skin mask for hydration and a luminous glow

To help us measure the magic of mānuka, Mānuka Health pioneered the MGO testing method. This provides a scientifically proven measure of each jar of mānuka honey's power and potency, so you can confidently choose the right mānuka honey for your needs. 

The MGO system is effective, yet simple; the higher the MGO, the more potent the honey.

As a general guide, we recommend:

• To support daily wellbeing – choose Daily MGO 400+

• For extra goodness to elevate inner and outer radiance – choose Extra MGO 600+

• For targeted and acute care needs – choose Ultra MGO 800+

It’s true that not all nature’s gifts were made equal. To ensure the authenticity of your mānuka honey, check the brand behind the jar. Seek products that have been packed and sourced in New Zealand; a strong sign of the genuine article. Indicators such as the MGO or UMF rating can also contribute to the mānuka honey’s credibility. Find out more about our authentic mānuka honey.

Yes, all of our mānuka honey is tested in New Zealand. It undergoes dozens of tests, including but not limited to:

TEST FOR AUTHENTICITY

• All exported New Zealand mānuka honey must meet a Government-established scientific definition. The definition specifies a set of five science-based markers, which identify the origin of the mānuka honey. To be credibly called New Zealand mānuka honey, these markers must be present. Only mānuka honey that meets these standards will be certified for export as New Zealand mānuka honey.

TEST FOR POTENCY

• Our lead test for potency is for the compound methylglyoxal (MGO). After years of research, scientists discovered MGO as the key compound behind mānuka honey’s miraculous properties. Mānuka Health then pioneered the MGO rating, as a way of providing consumers assurance of the quality of our mānuka honey. Over the past decade, we have built MGO into an internationally recognized guide. Helping consumers all over the world purchase mānuka honey with confidence. UMF is another commonly relied upon grading system for mānuka honey, which also measures methylglyoxal as one of its compounds.

PURITY, QUALITY & FOOD SAFETY

• These are tests for contamination, toxins, adulteration, heat damage and freshness.

• Here in Te Awamutu, New Zealand, we have one of the largest customized honey facilities in the world. It includes an ISO17025 accredited laboratory, honey-drum storage, blending, packing and distribution, all combined under one roof. This means we can ensure a secure supply chain, from the beekeeper all the way to the finished product.

• We rigorously test the authenticity and quality of our mānuka honey, both when it’s fresh from the hive and when it’s finished and ready to be enjoyed. This is all part of guaranteeing quality, purity and safety.

All our bottles, jars and glass vessels are recyclable, and have been made using a percentage of recyclable materials. Please just note that different countries and regions do have different recyclability guidelines.

Our honey is a gift from nature, made in collaboration between the honeybee and the wild mānuka tree. As such, it is considered wild-crafted, and therefore cannot be certified organic.

As nature’s golden gift, we believe mānuka honey is the pinnacle of natural perfection. We do not tarnish it with antibiotics, hormones, or additives. Our powerful and potent mānuka honey is tested for contaminants, toxins, heat damage and added sugars – ensuring the ultimate in purity, quality and food safety. ​