Manuka Honey 101 – What’s the best Manuka Honey for you?

Mānuka Honey has been celebrated for centuries, with the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand (the home of Manuka Honey) first recognising its potential healing properties thousands of years ago.

But what is Manuka Honey?

Mānuka Honey is harvested by bees from the nectar of the Mānuka shrub, a native plant to New Zealand. Mānuka Honey benefits may range from helping soothing sore throats and supporting digestive health[1] , to potentially easing inflammation[2].

There are two gradings for Mānuka Honey, MGO and UMF.

MGO (Methylglyoxal) is the ingredient in Mānuka Honey which makes it different from standard honey and has well-documented antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Mānuka Honey comes in a range of MGO ratings and the higher the rating, the stronger the antimicrobial activity in the honey. 

The UMF (Unique Manuka Foundation) grading system evaluates natural markers found in our honey and assures purity and quality. As a UMF member, each jar of our honey is subject to independent audit and verifications – meaning you can have the confidence that you’re buying the highest quality, authentic Mānuka Honey. 

At Egmont Honey, we’re proud that we are able to pin every jar back to its original source.

When looking for Mānuka Honey, you should always check that it has been sourced, packed and shipped from New Zealand, to ensure the best quality possible – just like ours!

So, how do you know which grade is best for you?

• Everyday Wellbeing (Multifloral Mānuka Honey)

If you’re new to Mānuka Honey and are looking for an easy way to support your overall wellness, then Multifloral Mānuka Honey is for you.  Produced by bees who visit the Mānuka bush, but also other floral sources close by, Multifloral Mānuka Honey has a milder flavour which is versatile, but that still provides some of the benefits associated with more potent Mānuka Honey. Our Multifloral Mānuka Honey is available from MGO 50+ to MGO 100+.

Ways to incorporate Multifloral Mānuka Honey into your everyday routines include mixing it into a warming drink, stirring into a smoothie or using it as a healthier alternative to refined sugars.

• Soothe & Vitality (Monofloral Mānuka Honey)

Monofloral Mānuka Honey means that it comes solely from the nectar of the Mānuka, resulting in a higher MGO rating and more potent health benefits. For Mānuka Honey to be classed as Monofloral, the honey must meet a high level of natural markers and a pollen test.

Monofloral Mānuka Honey is best used to supplement fitness and wellness routines, and we recommend adding it to healthy dishes such as smoothies, granola or enjoying it straight from the spoon for a daily boost of vitality.  

• Premium use (Monofloral Mānuka Honey)

The cream of the crop, premium Monofloral Mānuka Honey is the highest grade possible, ranging from UMF 20+ to UMF 25+.

These batches of Monofloral Manuka Honey come from remote regions, such as South Taranaki where we are based, and are of the most premium quality. 

Because of its potent levels of antibacterial activity, we recommend enjoying it straight from the spoon to boost your immunity, or use topically as an ointment or moisturiser.

[1] Mohan A et al. Effect of honey in improving the gut microbial balance. Food Quality and Safety, Volume 1, Issue 2, 1 May 2017

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6225430/