The 9 best manuka honey brands

  • 9 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

Nature Nate's, Mother and Capilano lead our ranking of 9 manuka honey brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Manuka Honey brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    Nature Nate's

    Sold in squeeze bottles and multipacks, with MGO and UMF grades printed on the label for buyers comparing strength.

    Top products: Manuka Honey MGO 83+ UMF 5+

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Mother

    New Zealand jars graded UMF 10+, usually sold in multipacks of four or eight with the expiry date on each jar.

    Top products: Manuka Honey UMF 10+

    Popularity 7.5/10

  3. 3

    Capilano

    Australian manuka at a lower MGO 30+ grade, a milder everyday option for people new to manuka.

    Top products: Manuka Honey MGO 30+

    Popularity 6.3/10

  4. 4

    Breitsamer

    From Bavaria, Breitsamer produces honey and honey specialties in a family business now run by the third generation. Its lineup includes honey sticks, dispensers and regional varieties such as Mediterranean summer honey, with versions from Tuscany and Andalusia. The Fair Breakfast honey is offered as climate-neutral.

    Popularity 4.7/10

  5. 5

    Queen

    Freddie Mercury T-shirts and other Queen band tees lead this line, which also includes women's dresses and men's shirts printed with the British rock group's artwork. The pieces let fans wear the band's imagery in everyday clothing, with Freddie Mercury, the group's lead singer, appearing across many designs.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  6. 6

    Comvita

    Comvita started in New Zealand and makes manuka honey, along with olive leaf extract, health care syrups, sprays and capsules, and toothpaste. The brand sources its honey from bee farms and local beekeepers, and its manuka honey is often chosen for everyday wellness and oral care routines. Comvita's products aim to address specific health concerns.

    Popularity 0.1/10

  7. 7

    Only Natural

    Only Natural, an Irish health brand, sells herbal remedies, skincare, vitamins and protein supplements. Its range also covers snacks and natural soaps, with some lines sold under the Biona and Burt's Bees names. Products such as kidney support formulas sit alongside its everyday wellness items.

    Popularity 0.1/10

  8. 8

    BioCeuticals

    BioCeuticals develops nutritional supplements in Australia, including magnesium, heart health formulas, immune boosters and vegan vitamins. The range is sold through practitioners, who help match a product to a person's condition and dietary needs. The brand also runs educational events for health professionals.

    Popularity 0.1/10

  9. 9

    Zicam

    Zicam's lineup opens with zinc-based homeopathic cold remedies, including an oral remedy taken at the first sign of a cold. This American company also sells medicated fruit drops in several flavors, plus nasal sprays and alcohol sprays for congestion and...

    Popularity 0.1/10

Manuka Honey Buying Guide

Manuka honey is a rare and highly prized type of honey that is native to New Zealand. It is highly sought after for its unique antibacterial properties and numerous health benefits. However, with so many different brands and varieties of Manuka honey available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Manuka honey and how to choose the best one.

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a type of honey that is produced by bees pollinating the flowers of the Manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. The honey is known for its unique antibacterial properties, which are attributed to the presence of an antibacterial compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). The higher the MGO level in the honey, the stronger its antibacterial properties.

Understanding the UMF Rating

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a rating system that is used to measure the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey. It is based on the level of MGO present in the honey. The UMF rating ranges from UMF 5+ to UMF 25+ and determines the quality and strength of the honey. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the MGO content, and the stronger the antibacterial properties of the honey.

For Manuka honey to be considered genuine and high quality, it must have a UMF rating of 5 or higher. Anything lower than UMF 5+ is not considered Manuka honey and does not have the same health benefits.

Factors to Consider When Buying Manuka Honey

When choosing Manuka honey, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best quality and the most health benefits. These include:

UMF Rating

As mentioned earlier, the UMF rating is an important factor to consider when buying Manuka honey. Choose a honey with a UMF rating of at least 5+ to ensure it is genuine and has the maximum health benefits. Higher UMF ratings are generally more expensive, but they also have stronger antibacterial properties and can be more effective for treating certain conditions.

MGO Content

The MGO content of Manuka honey is a measure of its antibacterial strength. Honey with higher MGO content has stronger antibacterial properties and is more effective for treating infections and improving immune function. However, higher MGO content also means higher cost. For general health benefits, choose honey with an MGO content of at least 100 mg/kg. For specific health conditions, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate MGO content.

Quality and Purity

Ensure the Manuka honey you choose is of high quality and purity. Look for honey that is raw, unprocessed, and free from additives, preservatives, and other contaminants. High-quality Manuka honey should be thick, creamy, and have a distinctively strong taste and aroma.

Brand Reputation

Choose a trusted and reputable brand when buying Manuka honey. Look for brands with good customer reviews and ratings, and those that are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes. Be wary of brands that make exaggerated health claims or offer honey at significantly lower prices than other brands.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Choose Manuka honey that is sustainably sourced and has minimal environmental impact. Look for brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility and support local communities and beekeepers. This ensures that the honey you choose is not only good for your health but also contributes to a sustainable and healthy planet.

Using Manuka Honey

Manuka honey can be consumed on its own or used in various recipes and remedies. Here are some popular ways to use Manuka honey:

As a natural sweetener

Manuka honey can be used as a natural sweetener in tea, coffee, smoothies, and other recipes. Its distinctively strong taste and aroma can add flavor and depth to your favorite drinks and recipes.

As a healing agent

Manuka honey has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective natural remedy for various health conditions. It can be used to treat wounds, burns, sore throats, acne, and other skin and health issues. To use Manuka honey as a healing agent, apply it directly to the affected area or mix it with other natural ingredients for added benefit.

As a beauty product

Manuka honey has numerous beauty benefits for the skin and hair. It can help moisturize and nourish the skin, boost collagen production, and promote healthy hair growth. To use Manuka honey as a beauty product, mix it with other natural ingredients such as coconut oil, avocado, or oatmeal and apply it to the skin or hair.

Conclusion

Manuka honey is a highly prized and valuable natural product with numerous health benefits. When buying Manuka honey, consider factors such as UMF rating, MGO content, quality and purity, brand reputation, and sustainability. Choose a honey that is sustainably sourced, high quality, and meets your specific health needs. Whether used as a natural sweetener, healing agent, or beauty product, Manuka honey can be a valuable addition to your daily routine.