Executive Summary:
- The key factors that influence the price of Manuka honey are its MGO grading (strength), scarcity (how rare it is), harvest location, and quality assurance tests.
- How much you should spend on Manuka honey depends on your goals or needs—increased wellness support begs for a high MGO Manuka honey, which ultimately costs more.
- Extremely cheap Manuka honey should be approached with a critical eye. Products that simply claim to be from New Zealand or are “blended” likely lack the nutrient profile of genuine, undiluted Manuka honey.
- For the best value, prioritize Manuka honey brands that are third-party tested, verified, and transparent in their sourcing and processing—like Manukora.
Is Cheaper Manuka Honey Better? Understanding the Link Between Price and Quality
Have you noticed how much Manuka honey prices can vary? For those exploring its wellness-supporting nutrients, this wide price range can be confusing—especially if you’re trying it for the first time. How much should you spend? Are the cheaper Manuka honey products just as good as the more expensive varieties?
This article will shed light on the price variation of Manuka honey products and explain why some brands or products cost more. You’ll learn how to evaluate genuine Manuka honey and develop an appreciation for the quality behind a higher price tag—so you can shop with confidence and choose the right product for you.
What Determines the Price of Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey’s price—and value—are influenced by the following four factors. Understanding these will help you identify high-quality Manuka honey you can trust.
MGO Levels
Methylglyoxal—or MGO—is a naturally occurring antibacterial nutrient abundant in Manuka honey. The higher the MGO content, the greater the wellness support. Higher MGO grades (like 600+, 850+, 1000+) are rarer and more expensive to produce, so naturally they cost more.
Scarcity and Yield
Genuine Manuka honey is produced in only one part of the world—New Zealand. Narrowing it down further, true high-grade Manuka honey is limited in quantity. Only a tiny percentage of Manuka honey achieves ultra-high MGO concentration.
Harvest Location and Conditions
The highest quality Manuka honey is harvested in pristine locations far removed from the influence of industries, farms, and even other flowering shrubs. Unfortunately, this makes it more difficult to access and process, increasing the cost of the final product.
Processing and Testing
To guarantee quality and authenticity—in a world where honey fraud is rife—the top Manuka honey producers keep their Manuka honey raw, conduct continuous third-party lab tests, and use software and systems to prove that their honey is 100% traceable and trustworthy. These lengths contribute to higher production costs.
Is Expensive Manuka Honey Always Better?
The most expensive Manuka honey indeed offers the highest MGO concentration, but you may not need the most expensive Manuka honey to enjoy its natural goodness.
The best way to determine the quality of Manuka honey that you should buy is to evaluate your goals, such as:
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If you’re on the quest to collect rare, ultra-strength batches, expect to pay top dollar for MGO 1000+ batches.
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If you’re looking for everyday wellness support, an MGO 100+ batch—with a lower price tag—will be a great fit. If you’re not sure what you need, this MGO quiz will help!
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Maybe you’re looking for a thoughtful gift. In that case, an authentic, but low MGO grade Manuka would also be sufficient.
Price is almost always an indication of value, but when it comes to Manuka honey, a lower price doesn’t always mean poor quality—it may simply mean a lower MGO grading or less traceability.
The Risks of Extremely Cheap Manuka Honey
As you compare and consider different Manuka honey products, be warned that extremely cheap Manuka honey comes with a few risks—there’s a chance it may not be Manuka honey at all.
Products claiming “New Zealand Honey” only or that use the term “blended” in their description are mislabeled and possibly diluted (adulterated). Authentic Manuka honey will indicate a UMF rating, MGO grade, and floral source at the very least.
Products that don’t indicate the floral or geographical source of the honey are difficult to trust and impossible to trace. Genuine Manuka producers take pride in indicating the source of their honey and the test results of the honey in each jar.
Without verified MGO levels or any indication of lab testing, cheaper Manuka honey options may not provide the expected nutrient profile and wellness benefits that you may be looking for.
What to Look for in a Trusted Manuka Honey Brand
The good news is that authentic Manuka honey is easy to spot when you know what to look for. When purchasing Manuka honey, be sure to check off the following boxes:
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MGO Labeling—Look for a clearly stated and verified MGO grading (like 600+, 850+, 1000+). This should be easily visible on the front of the product.
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Traceability—High-quality brands, like Manukora, offer QR code scanning for sourcing information. A simple scan provides in-depth details regarding the source of the honey and its independent lab results. This transparency builds trust, confirms authenticity, and guarantees quality.
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Purity and Testing—Look for Manuka honey that is raw—not heat-treated or filtered—and free of glyphosate, antibiotics, and GMOs. This information is easily accessible on the labels or via the QR code.
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Ethical Beekeeping—Prioritize Manuka honey producers who are passionate about protecting their bees, the environment, and the quality of their honey through the practice of traditional, ethical beekeeping.
Why Manukora Stands Out
Manukora holds its head up high in the world of Manuka honey production. We strive to produce the finest Manuka honey using traditional methods.
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We guarantee transparency by letting each jar speak for itself. Every jar is traceable back to the source via a QR code—providing peace of mind and building trust in our loyal consumers.
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We prioritize quality over quantity by harvesting small batches of the highest-grade Manuka honey—the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle.
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We believe in sustainable sourcing by placing our hives in remote locations, ethically harvesting the honey, and using traditional practices to help maintain our honey’s purity and strength, and the health of our bees.
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We avoid exaggerated health claims by seeing Manuka honey for what it is—nature’s delicious sweetener. It is a food product with an impressive nutrient profile that supports wellness. It is not a medicine or a cure for illness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is cheaper Manuka honey safe?
It can be, but make sure it’s tested and verified for MGO content and purity.
Does a higher MGO level mean better taste?
Not necessarily—it affects strength more than flavor. Some may find higher MGO honey more robust or intense.
Why is Manukora honey more expensive than some brands?
Manukora prioritizes traceability, sustainable harvesting, and quality assurance—all of which influence the price.
Can I use a lower MGO honey daily and a higher one occasionally?
Yes, depending on your preference and goals for using Manuka honey.
Manuka Honey: Value Reflected in Its Price
The price of Manuka honey reflects much more than just branding—it’s tied to sourcing, MGO levels, ethical practices, and quality assurance. In trusted brands, you can be assured that higher price tags equal higher value.
To get the most out of your wellness journey with Manuka honey, prioritize transparency and quality. Choose products that suit your goals from brands that inspire confidence and trust—you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re not sure where to start, explore Manukora’s user-friendly starter kits! Available in MGO 200+ MGO 600+, 850+, and 1000+, you can easily select the grade that suits your needs. Then you can relax knowing your Manuka honey is fully traceable, authentic, and full of natural wellness-boosting nutrients—guaranteed.
Sources:
Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview - PubMed
