Mānuka's Superpowers

Is All “Raw” Honey the Same? What to Know Before You Buy

Krista Bugden

Published at: July 4, 2025
Updated at: July 4, 2025

5 minutes

Executive Summary:

“Raw honey” is a widely used term, but not all products labeled this way are processed equally.
True raw honey is unpasteurized and minimally filtered to retain natural nutrients and enzymes.
Some brands use heat or ultrafiltration, yet still label their honey as “raw.”
At Manukora, our traditional harvesting methods ensure our Manuka honey remains genuinely raw and pure.

Understanding the Differences in Raw Honey: Why It Pays to Look Closer

If you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf of honey jars wondering which one to choose, you’ve probably also wondered what all the different terms mean. “Raw honey” sounds like honey in its purest form. Yet, this can be surprisingly deceiving.

Below, we explore the real meaning of raw honey, how to spot the differences, and what to look for when choosing a high-quality product.

What Does “Raw” Honey Really Mean?

Unlike terms like “organic,” the word “raw” isn’t strictly regulated in many regions. This means brands can interpret it differently, and sometimes misleadingly. Typically, raw honey is unpasteurized and minimally processed, with minimal filtration. It retains natural enzymes, antioxidants, and small amounts of pollen, which contribute to its flavor and traceability.

However, not all honeys labeled “raw” meet these expectations. Some undergo heating to improve pourability or filtering that removes most of the pollen. While these may still be sold as “raw,” they’re far from what nature intended.

Processing Matters: How Heat and Filtration Impact Honey

Heating honey (even slightly) can affect the delicate nutrients that make raw honey special. Pasteurization is one of the most common processes in conventional honey production, often done to create a smoother, clearer product. But this comes at a cost. Heat can damage beneficial enzymes, such as diastase and invertase, reducing the nutritional value of the honey.

Similarly, ultrafiltration strips honey of its natural components, such as pollen and wax particles. While this may make the honey look more uniform, it eliminates many of the natural characteristics that make honey traceable and flavorful.

At Manukora, we believe in keeping things close to the way Mother Nature intended them. Our honey is never pasteurized or ultra-filtered. Instead, we use minimal filtration to retain all the goodness, so every spoonful is rich with nature’s original nutrients.

Why Manukora’s Raw Honey Is Different

Manukora’s raw Manuka honey is created using time-honored techniques that reflect our deep respect for bees, land, and the natural ecosystem. We practice The Art of Ethical Beekeeping™, a set of traditional methods that avoid unnecessary intervention. Our honey is never exposed to high heat or excessive filtering, allowing it to maintain its natural strength and creamy texture.

Every batch is harvested from the remote, untouched landscapes of New Zealand—areas known for their clean air and Manuka tea tree forests. These pristine regions contribute to the exceptional quality of our honey.

Manukora also goes a step further with traceability. Each jar includes a QR code you can scan to trace your honey back to its source. You’ll see exactly where your liquid gold was harvested and how it was handled.

Additionally, all our honey is tested to ensure it’s free of glyphosate, antibiotics, and GMOs.

How Rawness Affects Taste, Texture, and Nutrition

The way raw honey is handled directly influences its taste and texture, as well as the nutrients it retains. Manukora’s honey offers a luxurious mouthfeel that’s thick, rich, and smooth. The flavor is complex and layered, often described as creamy with notes of caramel and floral undertones.

This rich taste comes from the nutrients retained in our minimally processed honey. Because we don’t apply heat or over-filtering, the natural enzymes, prebiotics, and antioxidants remain intact. In other good news, these nutrients further help support general wellness and digestive health.

Raw Manuka honey is also naturally rich in MGO (Methylglyoxal), one of the nutrients that makes Manuka honey unique. MGO is well-known for its antibacterial properties, which can further support overall health and wellness.

What to Look For When Buying Raw Honey

Choosing truly raw honey means reading between the lines. Here’s what to look for:

Check the label for processing details. If the brand doesn’t mention heat or filtration methods, it’s worth asking questions.
Look for traceability. Brands like Manukora allow you to scan a QR code to learn about your honey’s origin.
Understand MGO ratings. Higher MGO levels typically indicate stronger Manuka honey, though it’s just one of several important factors.
Avoid unnecessary additives. The ingredient list should simply say “honey.” Nothing else.

At the end of the day, the more transparent a brand is about its methods and sourcing, the more likely it is to offer truly raw honey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is all raw honey truly raw?

Not always. Since “raw” isn’t a regulated term in many parts of the world, brands can label their honey as raw even if it’s been exposed to heat or excessive filtration. To ensure your honey is truly raw, look for mentions of unpasteurized handling, minimal filtration, and traceability to the source. Transparency from the brand is key.

Does raw honey mean healthier honey?

Raw honey often retains more of its natural nutrients, like enzymes, prebiotics, and antioxidants, compared to heavily processed honey. While it’s not a substitute for medical treatment, these nutrients can support general wellness, digestive comfort, and help maintain immune health when used as part of a balanced lifestyle.

What makes Manukora’s honey truly raw?

Manukora keeps its honey as close to its natural state as possible. We avoid high heat and ultrafiltration, allowing our honey to retain its nutrients, creamy texture, and flavor. We also follow The Art of Ethical Beekeeping™ and offer full traceability, so every jar can be tracked to its pristine source in New Zealand.

Can I use raw honey in hot drinks or cooking?

Yes, raw honey can be used in tea or recipes, but to protect its natural nutrients, let the water come off boiling (around 30–60 seconds) before stirring in your honey. This helps preserve the beneficial properties while still allowing you to enjoy it in warm beverages or meals.

Wrapping It All Up…

When it comes to raw honey, processing, sourcing, and traceability matter. Heat, filtration, and additives all impact the integrity of honey. Manukora’s approach is grounded in keeping honey as nature intended: delicious, creamy, traceable, and packed with many natural nutrients.

Educated consumers can make better choices by understanding how honey is harvested and handled. If you’re seeking raw honey that lives up to its name, explore Manukora’s full collection of traceable, nutrient-rich Manuka honey. For those just starting their journey, our starter kits are a great place to begin.