20 Best Manuka Honey Brands of 2024 [Elevate Your Health]

Diving into the world of natural wellness products, there is one name that frequently pops up on everybody's list, demanding attention - Manuka honey. This isn't merely honey; it's a supernova in the constellation of superfoods that have burst onto the wellness scene. Sourced from the native bush of New Zealand, every drop of Manuka honey encapsulates the vibrant essence of the land's untouched wilderness. It goes above and beyond the call of duty, offering not just sweetness, but also a treasure trove of health benefits.

From fighting off infections to reducing inflammation and even improving digestive health, the magic of Manuka honey knows no bounds. With its blooming popularity, there's been a surge of brands retailing this liquid gold, which brings us to the pivotal question: Which is the best Manuka honey? To unravel this sweet mystery, I embarked on a journey, sampling and savoring different brands from all around. Allow me to share my handpicked selection of the best Manuka honey brands that stands out in terms of taste, texture, and health-enhancing properties.

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20 Best Manuka Honey Brands of 2024

Embarking on a quest to uncover the sweetest secret of the wellness universe, I found myself knee-deep in pots of Manuka honey. As I delved into the mesmerizing gold liquid, I soon realized that not all Manuka honey is created equal. I sampled pots from different brands, and below I share my top 20 best Manuka honey brands that stand out in taste, texture, and their incredible health benefits.

1. New Zealand Honey Company

My quest for the perfect Manuka honey led me to the New Zealand Honey Company. Their Manuka honey has been a delightful discovery, the kind that makes an instant connection and consumes a permanent spot in your kitchen.

Having tried several brands, I found the consistency of the New Zealand Honey Company's product to be truly remarkable. The honey is neither too runny nor overly thick, striking a beautiful balance that makes it perfect for a variety of uses. From brightening up my morning herbal tea to making my evening toast a gourmet delight, this honey has now become my everyday luxury.

Its flavor profile is uniquely inviting and complex. Starting off on a sweet note, you gradually explore the intricate depths of this rich, full-bodied bad boy. The meek persistence of earthiness, lingering at the back of your palate, is an absolute pleasure and induces a flurry of appreciation for the tangy sweetness.

One of the key aspects of honey is its health benefits. Where this Manuka honey stands out is in the significant amount of methylglyoxal, lending it strong antimicrobial properties. Regular consumption seemed to lessen the intensity of my seasonal allergies and even soothe the occasional sore throat.

2. Manuka Honey of New Zealand

Often considered as the gold standard for Manuka honeys, the Manuka Honey of New Zealand has a special place in my kitchen, not only for its divine taste and smooth texture but also for its plentiful health benefits. A product of New Zealand's laden, luscious hills, this honey carries the vibrancy of its homeland.

Each spoonful teems with a unique, rich flavor that is both robust and mellow. The moment this honey meets the palate, it unfolds with a beautifully complex taste sensation, with a touch of earthiness and a herbaceous aftertaste that lingers, hinting at the myriad wildflowers that dot the Manuka bush. It isn't cloyingly sweet, the balance is perfect and even those with a modest sweet tooth can enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed.

The way it adds a dash of sumptuous sweetness to my morning cereal, or how it transforms a simple cup of green tea into a wholesome remedy, is simply delightful. Its unbelievably silky and creamy texture is a pure joy - it readily dissolves in warm liquids and spreads evenly on toast, making it a versatile choice for various recipes.

Being a strong believer in natural wellness, what captivates me about Manuka Honey of New Zealand is its potent antibacterial properties. I've incorporated it into my daily routine, typically in the morning with my breakfast and at night before bed, and I've noticed a marked improvement in my digestive health. Moreover, a spoonful of this honey instantly soothes a sore throat, making it a staple during cold and flu seasons.

At this point, I must mention its commendable focus on sustainability - this honey is harvested responsibly, ensuring that the precious Manuka bushes continue thriving in the spectacular New Zealand wilderness.

3. Prolife Foods Mother Earth Manuka Honey

Moving onto Prolife Foods Mother Earth Manuka Honey. This brand is dedicated to bringing the best that New Zealand's flora has to offer, and their Manuka honey is a testament to this commitment.

The first thing that struck me was the texture of this honey - it is delightfully smooth and almost feels like liquid velvet on the tongue. The color too, is more appealing, with a rich golden hue that is instantly inviting.

It is quite distinct in taste compared to regular honey - slightly acidic, yet unperturbedly sweet with an undercurrent of floral notes. There is a depth to the flavor, a complexity that unfolds with each mouthful. The sweetness is not overpowering, rather, it subtly lingers in your mouth, leaving you yearning for more.

The versatility of this honey should be lauded - whether it's swirling a spoonful through your oatmeal, drizzling over a warm scone, or mixing into a cold, thirst-quenching lemonade, Mother Earth Manuka Honey enhances the taste with its sweet, floral charm.

Looking at its health benefits, I found them to be remarkable. With its high MGO (methylglyoxal) level, it boasts potent antimicrobial traits. Regular consumption of this honey has helped me in enhancing my gut health & immune system.

What's equally impressive is their commitment to eco-friendliness. The sourcing process of Mother Earth Manuka Honey is completely sustainable and the bees are treated with the utmost respect, which is reflected in the pure quality of this honey.

4. Wild Cape Manuka Honey

Venturing further in my exploration, I came across Wild Cape Manuka Honey. Sourcing their nectar from New Zealand's East Cape region, they offer a Manuka experience like no other. The taste profile of Wild Cape is zesty and sweet, capturing the primal essence of the island's wilderness, which I found absolutely captivating.

The distinct flavor was the real star here. The honey's profile begins with a burst of sweetness, tempered by a whiff of tartness that keeps the overall taste nuanced. It was the perfect balance of sweet and sour, interlacing the custard-like mouthfeel, making it a truly indulgent requisition.

In terms of texture, Wild Cape Manuka Honey pairs a fluid consistency with delicate granules that dissolve easily in your mouth. Spreading it on my morning toast or stirring it into my evening tea, this honey was a welcome addition to my meals.

Health benefits? Abundant, of course! This honey is highly reputed for having a high concentration of dietary methylglyoxal, an organic compound acclaimed for its potent antibacterial properties. No wonder, I noticed that it immensely helped in soothing my recurring gut issues.

5. Egmont Honey Manuka Honey

My journey then ushered me to Egmont Honey Manuka Honey. It felt like discovering a hidden gem, and I was amazed by how well it paired with my culinary exploits while also offering an array of health benefits.

The first thing I noticed about Egmont Honey was its raw, gritty texture. It was a spark of refreshment from the typically smooth and syrupy honey varieties I'm used to tasting. This texture only added to my intrigue, and when I tasted it, I was absolutely blown away. There's a unique kind of sweetness to this honey, benignly layered with floral notes, creating a performing stage for the bold flavor of the Manuka to shine.

How can I forget the versatile role it played in dressing up my foods? Its robust floral flavor was a delightful addition to my morning granola or as a topping for my mild Greek yogurt. It simply brought life to ordinary dishes.

As for its health effects, the positive impact it's had on my seasonal allergies is astounding. Long-term usage seemed to suppress runny noses and constant sneezes that regularly disrupted my spring. This reason alone was enough for me to vouch for Egmont Honey's magnificence.

6. Wedderspoon Manuka Honey

When it comes to seeking the finest Manuka honey, the name Wedderspoon frequently pops up, and rightfully so. This company is heralded globally for its impressive range of natural honey products, and their Manuka honey left an indelible impression on my palate.

The first thing you notice about Wedderspoon Manuka honey is its beautifully smooth texture that has a great mouthfeel. I was thrilled by its consistency; it was not too thick, making it easy to spread on toast or mix in drinks, and yet it lusciously coated my tongue, delivering an exquisite taste sensation.

The taste profile of Wedderspoon Manuka honey is undeniably appealing. I was initially struck by its distinct sweetness—subtle, yet pronounced. It then gently unfolded into graceful notes of caramel—an innovative twist to the classic honey flavor that I thoroughly enjoyed. Just when I thought the taste sensation was about to settle, a tangy aftertaste pleasantly surprised me.

The impressive thing about Wedderspoon Manuka honey is not just its taste and texture, but also its curative properties. I found it to be an invaluable ally during flu season. A spoonful of this honey was enough to soothe my irritated throat and alleviate some cold symptoms, quickly restoring me back to full health.

7. Steens Monofloral Manuka Honey

The next stop on my Manuka honey exploration was Steens Monofloral Manuka Honey. Even amongst an array of top-notch competitors, Steens manages to hold its own, primarily due to its unique production process and, of course, its delicious product.

Steens stands out mainly for its monofloral claim; the honey produced entirely from the delectable nectar of New Zealand's Manuka flowers. On tasting, you experience an explosive burst of these beautiful Manuka flowers. The rich, bold, and slightly earthy flavor immediately whisks you away to the regions where these flowers bloom.

Its texture is on the thicker side, which I found to work perfectly on toast, adding a gourmet touch to my routine breakfast. Its robust sweetness perfectly offset the earthiness of my breakfast loaf, paving the way for a delightful start to my day.

Health-wise, I found Steens to be a powerhouse. It played a significant role in boosting my immune system, and I found myself falling ill less frequently - a triumph I attribute in no small part to regular consumption of this honey.

8. Manukora Manuka Honey

Manukora scans as another rare find in my quest for the best Manuka honey. One of New Zealand's homegrown treasures, Manukora Manuka Honey, ensnared me with its creamy texture and a firm commitment to unadulterated Manuka richness.

This shade of honey is unique to the Manukora brand, and each spoonful is a pure indulgence. It gracefully strikes a middle ground between being too thick and too thin. The result is a satisfying creaminess that makes you want to savor each spoonful in slow motion.

Despite being creamy, the natural sweetness is not overwhelming, instead, it's a pleasant surprise. It evokes an earthly bouquet; a subtly sweet, tantalizing flavor that lingers in your mouth, prodding your taste buds to the next spoonful.

From a health perspective, I did find it to be quite beneficial. Regular consumption during the cold months seemed to keep the typical seasonal ailments at bay. The positive change in my overall health definitely motivated me to keep a jar of this Manuka honey in my pantry. Manukora Manuka Honey has surely made a loyal customer out of me!

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9. ManukaGuard Medical Grade Manuka Honey

Dipping my spoon into the golden pot of ManukaGuard Medical Grade Manuka Honey, I was instantly intrigued by the pronounced MGO level. MGO, or Methylglyoxal, is the compound mainly responsible for the high antibacterial activity of Manuka honey, meaning ManukaGuard honey has powerful health benefits.

The experience of tasting ManukaGuard honey is a pleasure that starts from the senses and ends with overall well-being. There's a very defined boldness to its flavor that immediately strikes a chord, which later tones down into a smooth, comforting aftertaste. It definitely stood out to me as one of the more potent Manuka honeys in my selection.

During times of illness, I found that a spoonful of ManukaGuard honey significantly helped in soothing those unbearable sore throats and unending coughs. Additionally, I noticed it boosted my overall vitality, making me feel rejuvenated and energized.

10. Comvita Manuka Honey

Who hasn't heard of Comvita Manuka Honey? I had always seen it on the shelves of health food stores, but it wasn't until I tasted it that I understood why this brand is globally revered.

Its flavor profile is elegantly mild, an excellent option if you're dipping your toes into the world of Manuka honey for the first time. In place of an overwhelming sweetness, you'll discover a pleasantly subtle flavor that masterfully wraps up with a slightly sweet surrender.

One of my favorite ways to use this honey is to sweeten my morning tea. Its mild, subtly sweet flavor adds an extra depth to the aroma of my brew, setting an ideal tone for the day. Every sip transforms into a style statement of healthy elegance!

11. Pacific Resources International Manuka Honey

Next up on my Manuka honey journey was Pacific Resources International Manuka Honey. The rustic purity of this honey, a testament to the untouched, clean landscapes of New Zealand, completely captivated me.

The flavor of this honey scores high on earthy charm. The splendor of the authentic Manuka nectar came through vividly, adding a gourmet touch to my palate. It has a pleasant creaminess that beautifully balances the rusticity.

I found it to work like a charm on a hearty slice of granary bread. A generous drizzle of this honey elevated the simplest of sandwiches. It's not just a sweetener; its slight creaminess and vivid rustic taste turn any dish into a gourmet delight.

From a health perspective, this honey didn't disappoint either! It enriched my overall well-being and seemed to help with my digestive health. I found a drastic improvement in my gut health with the consistent incorporation of this honey in my diet.

12. Waitemaya Manuka Honey

There's something innately delightful about Waitemaya Manuka Honey. This brand nailed the balance between a strong fortified flavor and a perfectly gratifying sweetness. As I took my first spoonful, the taste could be described as a burst of floral goodness that was delectably robust and full-bodied. This, coupled with a slightly gritty texture, is an adventure for the taste buds and a clear winner for anyone seeking honey with character.

Moreover, I developed a habit of adding this honey to my breakfast oats and realized that it did wonders in adding a depth of flavor with its mighty, full-bodied goodness. Needless to say, breakfast became a meal I looked forward to every day, thanks to the bountiful pleasure that every drop of Waitemaya’s Manuka honey offered.

13. Y.S. Eco Bee Farms Raw Manuka Honey

Exploring Y.S. Eco Bee Farms Raw Manuka Honey was like peeking into Manuka’s most unadulterated and natural state. Designed to capture your senses with its organic goodness, every spoonful of this honey offers a rich and robust flavor with a fine balance of sweetness. While remaining pure and unpasteurized, I found the essence of the Manuka flower faithfully shining through in a spoonful of this honey.

Its authentic form came into play with its health benefits and found myself breathing easier when the allergy season hit. The presence of MGO content, in its raw and unfiltered state, makes this honey a godsend for those battling seasonal allergies.

14. Kiva Raw Manuka Honey

When it comes to capturing the true spirit of Manuka, look no further than Kiva Raw Manuka Honey. Experiencing this brand of honey was like experiencing a multitude of flavors all at once. Initially, it is the exhilarating taste that takes center stage, followed by delicate floral notes. But wait, there's more! The aftertaste, particularly, left me mesmerized every single time with its lingering richness.

One cannot ignore the health-enhancing benefits this jar of golden sweetness promises. From acting as an aid to digestion to giving your skin a youthful glow, Kiva Raw Manuka honey really packs a punch when it comes to a wellness power dose. After all, having a sugar substitute that not only enhances the taste of my tea but also shows me health benefits is quite a bargain!

15. Good Natured 100% Raw Australian Manuka Honey

Have you ever had a sweetener that takes you on a delightful sensory journey? Well, Good Natured 100% Raw Australian Manuka Honey does exactly that. Originating from the lush landscapes of Australia, this honey showcases what it truly means to deliver purity and freshness directly to your breakfast table. Every time I tasted this honey, I was met with a subtle sweetness and an enchantingly smooth texture. The natural goodness of this honey manifested itself in the consistent quality and taste that every spoon provided.

This Australian honey treasure pleasantly surprised me with its health-enhancing properties, just like its New Zealand counterparts. Regular usage of Good Natured 100% Raw Australian Manuka honey gave me noticeable benefits, such as improved digestion and increased energy levels. Exploring this Australian Manuka honey was indeed a joyous journey of stunning sweetness and marvelous health rewards.

16. MANUKA HEALTH Manuka Honey

The pursuit of wholesome wellness brought me to MANUKA HEALTH Manuka Honey, straight from the pristine landscapes of New Zealand. The first thing that stood out was the gentleness, encapsulated in a finely balanced sweetness and a creamy texture that engages your palate subtly but exquisitely. It has a certain elegance to its flavor that makes it versatile, and it soon became a staple in my tea, smoothing out the brew's often tannic edges.

The tantalizing taste aside, MANUKA HEALTH Manuka Honey is also an elixir in disguise. Over time, I noticed that taking a spoonful of this honey before bedtime greatly enhanced the quality of my sleep. Its calming properties and pure goodness seeped into the rest of my well-being, leaving me feeling more rejuvenated every morning.

17. Comvita Manuka Honey Raw UMF 20+

Encased in the jar of Comvita Manuka Honey Raw UMF 20+ is a spoonful of holistic goodness. Being a premium product, it showcases an excellent source of natural antioxidants. Tasting this honey welcomes you with a divinely smooth texture meeting a gentle sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm your palate.

The experience of digesting this honey is quite ceremonious, savoring the taste that is delightfully sweet, earthy, and aromatic all at once. Emphasizing its health-consolidating properties, I found noticeable boosts in my immune system ever since I started introducing Comvita Manuka Honey Raw UMF 20+ to my daily routine. Not to mention it has become my go-to natural sweetener for a soothing evening cup of tea!

18. Three Peaks Manuka Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey

Three Peaks Manuka Honey from New Zealand is undoubtedly a connoisseur's delight. This honey had me hooked from the first spoon, presenting complex notes of caramel and earthy flavors that lingered long after the honey was done. The uniqueness of this brand is something that intrigued me. It's not just honey; it's an entire experience, bottled up and waiting to be explored.

The beautifully layered flavors and texture seemed to tell a story about the untouched wilderness from which it comes. Consuming it regularly made me feel more energized and contributed to a healthy lifestyle. Hence, this one remains one of my preferred choices of Manuka honey with its qualitative taste and texture.

19. Airborne Honey Ltd

The Airborne Honey Ltd Manuka honey was a game-changer, a refreshing stand out from its typically robust and rich Manuka honey counterparts. This honey is delightfully light in color with an almost ethereal floral aroma, which leads into a subtle sweetness, making it incredible for those who prefer their honey a bit less powerful.

Every spoonful I took felt like walking through a midsummer's flower garden. With its raw texture and natural taste, it did wonders in brightening up my mornings. The light floral notes make it the ideal companion for my cup of green tea. Using this honey daily has helped me maintain a balanced diet owing to its nutritional properties.

20. Ka Noa New Zealand Manuka

Last but certainly not least is the majestic Ka Noa New Zealand Manuka Honey. This brand provides you with nothing less than an ultimate Manuka honey experience. From the first taste, you can ascertain the pristine quality of this honey. Its robust flavor is layered and sophisticated, brimming with the essence of New Zealand's wilderness.

I was entirely captivated by the inherent freshness and unmatched taste profile of this honey. The creamy texture and caramel undertones make it a perfect indulgence. As a bonus, I observed significant improvements in my digestion and overall vitality. This pure, raw, and authentic Manuka honey is a true testament to the wonders of nature, a fitting finale to my hunt for the best Manuka honey.

Why Choose Manuka Honey Over Regular Honey?

Manuka honey, treasured for its unique properties, has gained substantial acclaim in health and wellness communities, well beyond the confines of typical honeys. The reason behind this lies in the Leptospermum scoparium or the Manuka bush, native to New Zealand, whose nectar gives Manuka honey its distinctive qualities.

While regular honey is certainly no nutritional slouch, Manuka honey takes the benefits several notches higher. Its antimicrobial properties, courtesy of the compound Methylglyoxal (MGO), surpass those found in regular honey. This makes Manuka a natural antibiotic that supports wound healing and combats harmful bacteria.

Moreover, Manuka honey excels in its anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce redness and swelling, especially in case of skin conditions. It’s also renowned for its antioxidant potential, actively working to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose Manuka honey over regular honey lies in its non-peroxide activity (NPA), which refers to its antibacterial potency that survives digestion. This means that even after being consumed, Manuka honey retains its antibacterial benefits, offering support to your immunity and digestion.

How to Identify Genuine Manuka Honey?

When it comes to Manuka honey, its remarkable health benefits mean you longer have the luxury to just pick any jar off the shelf, as authenticity becomes key. Here’s a handy guide to help you make sure you’re getting genuine Manuka honey.

• UMF Rating: UMF stands for 'Unique Manuka Factor', a quality mark that assures purity and quality. A UMF rating of 10 or above guarantees the honey is monofloral and has beneficial concentrations of Leptosperin, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), and MGO (Methylglyoxal).
• MGO rating: This indicates the concentration of Methylglyoxal, the compound chiefly responsible for Manuka honey's antibacterial strength. A higher MGO number indicates a more potent antibacterial action.
• Look for License Numbers: Genuine Manuka honey jars should have a New Zealand UMF license number, identifying the manufacturer as a licensed user of the UMF quality trademark.
• Country of Origin: Genuine Manuka honey is exclusively produced in New Zealand, so check the label for its origin.
• Check Price: Due to its unique properties and limited source, Manuka honey is more expensive than regular honey. A surprisingly low price might indicate a less-than-authentic product.

Do your research, check the labels, and always buy from reputable sources. The quest for identifying genuine Manuka honey might seem a bit daunting at first, but the rewards you reap in terms of its health benefits are more than worth the effort.

Why is Manuka Honey More Expensive?

Manuka honey holds high esteem in the world of natural health products, and with such recognition comes a heftier price tag compared to regular honey. The core reasons for this higher cost are its exclusivity, production process, and beneficial properties.

Let's do a deep dive:

• Exclusivity: Unlike other honey types, authentic Manuka honey is only sourced from the Leptospermum scoparium - the Manuka bush. This plant is native primarily to New Zealand, making Manuka honey a limited and quite exclusive product.
• Seasonal Production: The flowering period for Manuka is incredibly short, only a few weeks each year, presenting a small window for beekeepers to harvest. This factor adds to its exclusivity, and thus, its cost.
• Beekeeping and Harvesting Processes: Beekeeping for Manuka honey can be intensive due to the inhospitable terrains where Manuka plants often grow. Plus, the extraction process needs meticulous handling to maintain the honey's unique properties, contributing to higher costs.
• Unique Properties: Manuka honey boasts potent antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties due to its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content. The cost correlates to its UMF or Unique Manuka Factor, a grading system that confirms the concentration of beneficial compounds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So, it leads us to this point - there's simply no denying the splendor of Manuka honey. It truly exists in a realm of its own with its unique taste, texture, and health benefits, unrivaled by conventional honey. Having sampled a wide array of brands, I can corroborate that the quality varies extensively. The brands mentioned in this list are my top picks for the best Manuka honey, all offering a distinct taste experience and noticeable health benefits.

Remember, the key to choosing the right Manuka honey lies in your preferences, be it for its unique taste, texture, the health benefits you seek, or the authenticity of the source. So, why not give it a chance? The next spoonful of Manuka honey you enjoy could be your ticket to discovering a new world of taste and wellness!