5 Manuka Honey Brands To Boost Overall Wellness

Manuka honey, a unique honey hailing from New Zealand, has been revered for centuries for its potential health benefits. Prized for its antibacterial properties and rich flavor, manuka honey can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine. But with so many varieties on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. This guide explores the world of manuka honey, unpacking its grades, benefits, and key factors to consider when selecting the perfect jar for your needs.

Honey, we shrunk the … infection? A study by Aston University researchers found the combination of Manuka honey and a common antibiotic, Amikacin, can successfully treat a potentially fatal bacterial lung infection. Adding Manuka honey to the equation also significantly reduced the side effects of taking the drug alone. The same study also showed that Manuka honey can kill a number of different drug-resistant bacterial infections. One is Mycobacterium abscessus, which can be fatal to patients with pre-existing conditions. With this in mind, you may still have a hard time deciding which brand of Manuka honey to choose. So, we’ve searched 11 websites to find the five best Manuka honey brands that are recommended most by experts. Some are premium, some are budget, so even Goldilocks should be able to find one that’s just right. Read on for the top-rated picks. If we missed one you love, let us know in the comments!

The List: Best Manuka Honey Brands, According to Pros

1. New Zealand Honey Co.

Foodie blog Dash of Butter isn't messing around when it comes to Manuka honey. After taste-testing over six different brands, they crowned New Zealand Honey Co. the undisputed champion. They describe it as the “realist of the real,” boasting not just superior flavor, but also a nutrient profile that blows the competition out of the water.

Looking for a honey that goes beyond a delicious spread? ManukaHoneyOrganic.com sees New Zealand Honey Co. as a potent medicinal weapon. They acknowledge the price tag, but assure readers that the high UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating, exceeding 24+, justifies every penny. They highlight the impressive MGO (Methylglyoxal) content, exceeding 1120, which science (courtesy of the UMF Association) has linked to powerful antibacterial properties.

Rounding out the chorus of praise is WhatAboutHoney.com. They declare New Zealand Honey Co.'s UMF 24+ or 26+ range the absolute best on the market. Though a relatively new player run by a beekeeping family, their honey is hailed as unmatched. Described as a rich, caramel brown with a less sugary taste compared to lower UMF honeys, this “fudgey” treat comes with complete transparency. Every jar is traceable, and testing certificates are readily available.

2. Comvita Manuka Honey 

For everyday Manuka honey users, look no further than Comvita Raw Manuka Honey, according to Backyard Beekeeping. They point to the higher UMF and MGO content as a sign of purity. Since it's sourced and bottled in New Zealand with a UMF 15+ rating, you can rest assured you're getting an authentic product. Plus, Comvita's membership in the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) guarantees you're not falling victim to imposters –– a common concern in the Manuka honey world.

Sharing the love for Comvita is Good Health Academy, who declares it the brand they trust blindly. Earning a UMF trademark license is no small feat –– the honey needs to pass muster against the UMFHA's strict purity standards. This certification is essentially a gold stamp of authenticity, assuring you the honey boasts the true therapeutic qualities Manuka honey is known for.

3. Manukora Raw Manuka Honey

When it comes to premium Manuka honey, Simple Green Moms give Manukora a resounding thumbs up. They acknowledge the hefty price tag, but assure readers that the quality, authenticity, and potency justify every penny. This raw, dark honey packs a punch in the flavor department and is a versatile choice –– drizzle it on recipes, stir it into tea or smoothies, or even apply it topically for skincare benefits. But the real star of the show here is the sky-high antibacterial activity, linked to a range of health advantages. And to squash any concerns about legitimacy, each jar comes with a unique trust code –– a digital passport that lets you trace the honey's journey from hive to your hand.

EcoWatch is another fan of Manukora's traceability. They praise the brand for offering a variety of UMF potencies, allowing you to find the perfect balance between effectiveness and budget. But what truly sets Manukora apart for EcoWatch is the exceptional transparency. They can rest easy knowing exactly where their honey comes from, thanks to Manukora's meticulous tracking system.

4. Wedderspoon Raw Monofloral Manuka Honey 

Wedderspoon's Raw Monofloral Manuka Honey gets a stamp of approval from health and wellness site OrganicallyBlissful. They rave about the meticulous traceability system, allowing you to pinpoint the exact hive in New Zealand's South Island where your honey originated. Independently tested and exceeding the strict New Zealand government's Monofloral Manuka standards, this honey boasts a KFactor 16 rating. Wedderspoon prioritizes purity, keeping their honey raw and unpasteurized to preserve its natural enzymes and potential health benefits. Free from GMOs, antibiotics, pesticides, and glyphosate, it's clear Wedderspoon puts a premium on quality. And to top it all off, the honey is triple-filtered and lightly creamed for a luxurious texture and a taste that enhances its natural sweetness.

Looking for Manuka honey that won't break the bank? BarBend hails Wedderspoon the value champion of the bunch. This raw and unpasteurized honey boasts a sunshine-like color and a smooth, easy-flowing texture. Flavor-wise, it leans towards the bright side, perfectly complementing a variety of uses. Plus, it comes at a price tag that's easier on the wallet compared to other Manuka honeys on the market.  

5. Airborne Manuka Multifloral 25+ MGO

Let's just say, not all heroes wear capes. While some Manuka honeys out there veer into “grandma perfume” territory, Sporked gives Airborne Manuka Honey two thumbs up for its delightful floral aroma and flavor. For those who truly want to embrace the floral notes, Sporked suggests swirling a spoonful into a robust cup of Earl Grey tea. But even enjoyed solo, this honey is a winner for floral honey fans.

Lacademie.com expands on Airborne Manuka Honey's uses beyond a simple drizzle on toast. They point out its potential as a natural remedy for common woes like colds and digestive issues. Sipping a spoonful with warm water is a classic way to enjoy it. Because of its lower sugar content, it can be used as a natural sweetener alternative in recipes that call for molasses or sugar. So next time you're whipping up a batch of cookies, consider swapping in Airborne Manuka Honey for a touch of floral sweetness and a potential health boost.

Have you tried Manuka honey? What brand do you recommend? Let us know in the comments! 

Sources:

• Dash of Butter
• ManukaHoneyOrganic.com
• WhatAboutHoney.com
• Backyard Beekeeping
• Good Health Academy
• Simple Green Moms
• EcoWatch
• OrganicallyBlissful
• BarBend
• Sporked
• Lacademie.com

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.