Top 10 Manuka Honey Brands
Manuka honey brands are known for their rich flavor, smooth texture, and natural benefits that make them stand out from regular honey. Many people look for the best Manuka honey for immune support, skincare, and daily wellness. With different UMF and MGO ratings, it can feel confusing to know which jar to pick. Choosing high quality Manuka honey means looking at trusted sources, purity, and strength levels. This guide shares the best Manuka honey brands to help you find one that fits your needs and taste.
If you have ever stood in the store staring at rows of Manuka honey jars, you are not alone. It can feel like a lot when every label looks similar but the prices are so different. I remember wanting something simple and trustworthy without overthinking every detail. You probably want something that feels worth it and easy to use in your day to day life. That is exactly why I put this list together so you can feel confident picking a Manuka honey you will actually enjoy.
How to choose the best manuka honey
High quality Manuka honey is pure, authentic honey that comes from bees that collect nectar from the Manuka bush in New Zealand. It is known for its rich taste and natural antibacterial properties. What makes it stand out is its strength, which is measured using UMF or MGO ratings. These numbers tell you how powerful the honey is compared to regular honey.
When you are looking for high quality Manuka honey, check for a certified UMF label, clear MGO rating, and a trusted brand name. It should be raw, unpasteurized, and sourced from New Zealand. The texture is thick and smooth, and the flavor is slightly earthy with a hint of sweetness. Choosing the right one means you get all the natural benefits and a taste that feels rich and satisfying.
Best Manuka Honey Brands
What is an MGO rating mean?
MGO levels in Manuka honey refer to the measured amount of methylglyoxal present in the honey. Methylglyoxal is a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey from New Zealand. The number on the label shows how much of this compound is in the product per kilogram. Higher MGO numbers indicate a higher concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey.
1. 100 Pure New Zealand Honey
The New Zealand Honey Store is a good brand to start out with if you have not tried Manuka honey before and need a good quality honey with 1200+ MGO. It comes right from New Zealand and tested UMF and MGO ratings. The texture is smooth and rich, making it easy to enjoy right from the jar.
2. Multifloral Manuka Honey
If Manuka honey is new for you, this one from the same brand as above keeps things more budget friendly with a lower MGO level. It still comes from New Zealand and has that raw, smooth texture you expect from Manuka honey. A softer strength makes it easy to get a feel for it without jumping into higher priced honey.
3. Flora Manuka Honey
Flora Manuka honey is a well known New Zealand brand that focuses on quality sourcing and tested MGO levels. Each jar is linked back to its origin so you know where it comes from. The texture is smooth and creamy, which makes it easy to use straight from the spoon.
4. Manukora Raw 600
Manukora is a well known New Zealand brand that focuses on carefully sourced Manuka honey with clear MGO ratings. This 600 MGO jar is their entry level option, giving you a starting point into higher strength Manuka without going extreme. The texture is smooth and rich with a golden color that shows its depth.
5. Manukora Raw Manuka
Manukora also has a higher step at 850 MGO for anyone looking to move up in strength from the entry level. This one also comes from New Zealand and keeps the same focus on carefully sourced Manuka honey with tested grading. The texture stays thick and smooth with a deeper taste that feels more concentrated. Going from 600 to 850 MGO gives a noticeable jump in intensity
6. Manukora 1000 Raw Manuka
Manukora’s 1000 plus MGO sits at their premium end, made for those looking at their strongest grading in the range. It comes from New Zealand and follows the same careful sourcing and testing that runs through their line. The texture is very thick with a deep, rich profile that stands out right away. The main difference between 600 and 1000 plus MGO is the level of concentration, with the higher number showing a much stronger grading and a more intense feel compared to the lighter entry option.
7. Sweet Heat Manuka Honey
This is a Manuka honey brand that takes things in a different direction with a chili infused version. It starts with New Zealand Manuka honey and blends in chili and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a gentle heat that builds after the sweetness. With no added sugar or preservatives and just three ingredients, it keeps things simple while staying bold in flavor. Made in small batches, this limited edition style is crafted with care.
8. Bees & Trees Manuka Honey
Bees & Trees Manuka Honey 550 MGO is a New Zealand honey that sits in a mid strength range with clear grading on the label. It has a smooth, rich texture and a deep golden tone that feels full and steady. If you love coffee with honey, this is a must try since it blends in smoothly and brings a gentle sweetness that works so well with warm drinks.
9. P.R.I Manuka Honey
PRI Manuka Honey is a New Zealand sourced brand that focuses on clearly graded MGO levels and lab tested batches. It comes in a wide range of strengths, so you can move from lighter jars into stronger options as you go. The texture is thick with a deep golden tone that feels rich and steady. PRI is known for having a broad MGO lineup, so it is easy to compare strengths side by side when you are choosing what fits you best.
10. New Zealand Honey Co
This New Zealand Honey Co is one of those jars that feels more like a gift piece, with UMF certified grading and a rich, high quality New Zealand source. It sits in the higher strength range, with a thick texture and deep golden tone that looks special right away. The jar itself has that clean, premium feel that makes it stand out on a shelf.
Manuka Honey FAQ
What does MGO in Manuka honey mean
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey that comes from New Zealand. The number on the label shows how much of this compound has been measured in each kilogram of honey. It is used as one of the main grading markers for Manuka honey strength levels. This measurement helps distinguish different jars based on their natural chemical content.
Is higher MGO always stronger
Higher MGO means there is a greater measured amount of methylglyoxal in the honey compared to lower rated jars. Lower MGO levels contain less of this compound, while higher levels contain more concentrated amounts. The number is a measurement of content, not a simple label of overall quality. Each MGO level reflects a different concentration range within Manuka honey.
Where does Manuka honey come from
Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka bush, a native flowering plant. The unique growing conditions and plant source are what make this honey distinct from other types. Seasonal changes and location can influence the final characteristics of each batch. Every jar comes back to this specific plant source and region.
How should Manuka honey be stored
Manuka honey is best kept in a cool, dry spot with the lid closed tightly after each use. It does not need refrigeration since it naturally stays stable at room temperature. Keeping it sealed helps maintain its smooth texture and prevents it from absorbing extra moisture. Over time, it may naturally thicken or crystallize, which is a normal change for honey.
Thanks for reading and I hope you found this list of Manuka honey helpful. I enjoyed putting together these different brands and MGO levels so you can see what each one brings to the table. It makes it easier to spot what fits your own style when you are choosing a jar.
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