Mānuka's Superpowers

Manuka Honey: Is It Keto-Friendly?

Krista Bugden

Published at: April 9, 2024
Updated at: September 27, 2024

5 minutes

Executive Summary:

Manuka honey is a great keto-friendly sweetener when used in moderation.
Individuals following the ketogenic diet can get a nutrient boost from Manuka.
There are approximately 17g of carbohydrates in 1 tbsp of Manuka honey.
Manuka honey can support keto dieters by providing a boost of energy.

Manuka Honey and the Ketogenic Diet: A Perfect Match?

Manuka is a world-renowned honey native to New Zealand that is best known for its potent nutritional value and delicious rich flavor. Meanwhile, the ketogenic diet is a popular dietary regime among many health-conscious individuals.

Individuals following the ketogenic diet consume high-fat and low-carbohydrate foods, which can promote weight loss and other health benefits. So, can Manukora’s Manuka honey be part of this diet? Below, we explore the compatibility between Manuka and the ketogenic diet and how to integrate the two into a healthy lifestyle.

What Makes Manuka Honey Unique?

Manuka is a nutrient-dense honey containing a plethora of antioxidants, prebiotics, and antibacterial components. Its most superior nutrient is methylglyoxal (MGO), which is unique to the Manuka tea tree. Caramel and floral tones erupt with each mouth-watering taste of this creamy liquid gold, adding a delightful, sweet addition to any meal.

In comparison with regular honey, Manukora’s Manuka honey is unique and of high caliber due to its:

High MGO rating (contains potent antibacterial properties)
Dark color and thick and creamy texture
Caramel and toffee flavor with floral notes.
Production in remote forests of New Zealand
Creation using the Art of Ethical Beekeeping
Lab testing and grading
Leptosperin contents
Certification of being glyphosate residue-free

It’s also 100% raw and a monofloral honey, meaning our bees solely collect nectar from the Manuka tea tree. Overall, we’d argue that Manukora Manuka honey far exceeds regular honey varieties with its premium quality and health-boosting nutrients. There’s just no other honey like it!

The Keto Diet Basics

The ketogenic diet focuses on eating low-carb and high-fat foods, along with a moderate amount of protein. This causes the body to go into ketosis, which means it burns fat for energy. In turn, many use the keto diet for weight loss.

So, do carbs have a place in the keto diet? Some do!

Complex carbohydrates such as kumara, green vegetables, and whole-grain rice provide a slow release of glucose. This is a long-lasting energy source that doesn’t cause an insulin spike, which is important when following a low-carb diet, such as the keto diet.

When following the keto diet, simple carbohydrates such as potatoes, cake, white rice, and pasta are to be restricted. These increase blood sugar levels quickly, and any surplus of glucose will be stored as body fat. Thus, it’s vital to consume complex carbohydrates to remain in ketosis while also focusing on a nourished and healthy approach.

Manuka Honey in a Ketogenic Diet

There are different versions of the ketogenic diet, but generally, eating around 50 grams of carbohydrates is recommended. That includes the carbohydrates that come from sugars, such as in honey. Manuka honey contains approximately 17g of carbohydrates per tablespoon, which fits in well into the daily amount.

Processed sugars are to be avoided while on a ketogenic diet, as they can raise blood sugar and insulin levels. However, Manuka honey, such as Manukora Manuka honey, can be used as a sweetener in keto-friendly recipes or in tea to improve the taste and provide additional nutrients.

Benefits of Manuka Honey for Keto Dieters

Following a ketogenic diet can lead to a depletion of nutrients because of the limitations of the food variety. It is common for keto-dieters to become deficient in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B. This makes Manuka honey a perfect addition to boost immune health, digestive health, and overall wellness.

The sweet nectar can be a natural source of energy, provide antioxidants, and support vitality. By far, the health benefits of Manuka honey outweigh the need to cut it out of a ketogenic diet.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Manuka Honey into a Keto Diet

Here are 3 tips to consider when integrating honey into a ketogenic lifestyle:

1. Maintain portion control.

Restrict the intake of Manuka honey to only a couple of tablespoons per day, depending on your specific carbohydrate limit. Instead of drizzling it all over the food, be sure to measure the amount. Using tablespoons as a portion size can make everything easier to track.

2. Be creative with your recipes.

There is no need to eat boring, plain food while on a ketogenic diet. Use Manuka sparingly as a sweet dressing over fresh salads or drizzled over roasted vegetables. A Manuka honey avocado dressing is perfect for keto dieters, as avocados are high in healthy fats. Even adding a bit of Manuka to a cup of lemon tea is a great sweet treat.

3. Listen to your body.

It is important to listen to the body while on a ketogenic diet to ensure optimal overall health and well-being is maintained. If there are signs of feeling sluggish, dizzy, or headaches and an increased heart rate are occurring, blood sugar levels may be too low.

Integrating Manuka honey into a keto diet will aid in increasing blood sugar levels and provide the body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Overall, a bit of this golden nectar can complement a well-balanced, healthy ketogenic lifestyle.

Add Manuka Honey to your Ketogenic Lifestyle Today!

New Zealand-made, Manukora Manuka honey is a high-quality option for any keto-friendly pantry. When used in moderation in alignment with the daily carbohydrate limit, keto-dieters can easily have a delicious sweet source of nutrients while maintaining a state of ketosis.

For an added touch of wellness throughout your ketogenic journey, consider incorporating ethically produced, raw Manukora Manuka honey. As the perfect option for a keto-friendly sweetener, this range of premium Manuka honey makes going low-carb so much more enjoyable both taste and energy-wise!