Manuka Honey vs. Local Honey: What Sets It Apart?

Executive Summary:

• Manuka honey contains high levels of MGO and specific polyphenols not found in regular honey varieties.

• Manuka's MGO helps maintain gut health via various pathways.

• Scientific evidence for local honey's allergy benefits is minimal, while Manuka honey offers various immune-supportive properties.

• Manuka's measured strength, transparency in sourcing, and verified benefits make it worth the premium price.

Understanding the Differences

Manuka honey is a specialized variety that comes from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which grows in remote regions of New Zealand. It contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that gives Manuka honey its powerful bioactive properties. The higher the MGO level, the more concentrated the bioactives in the honey.

Local honey, on the other hand, is any honey sourced from nearby beekeepers or farms. It varies in composition depending on the region and the types of flowers the bees pollinate. While local honey contains natural sugars, trace antioxidants, and some antimicrobial properties, it does not have a standardized potency like Manuka honey. 

Key Factors That Make Manuka Honey Unique

1. High Levels of MGO (Methylglyoxal)

One of the biggest differences between Manuka honey and local honey is the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO)—a naturally occurring compound responsible for many of Manuka’s unique benefits.

MGO is derived from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a precursor found in Manuka nectar. Over time, DHA converts into MGO during honey production, giving Manuka honey its strength and functional benefits.

Higher MGO = More Bioactive Benefits

The MGO rating on a Manuka honey label tells you exactly how much methylglyoxal it contains. The higher the number, the greater the concentration of this beneficial compound.

Unlike local honey, which does not contain significant levels of MGO, Manuka honey’s verified bioactive properties give it a distinct edge when it comes to supporting overall health.

Scientific studies have validated the unique properties of Manuka honey. According to Kazmierczak-Baranska et al. (2024), Manuka honey’s high MGO content gives it strong antioxidant activity, which contributes to overall wellness

2. Prebiotic Properties for Gut Health

Gut health is the foundation of overall wellness, and research suggests that Manuka honey supports a balanced digestive system through its natural prebiotic properties.

• Contains oligosaccharides – These natural prebiotics nourish beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, helping support microbial balance.

• Selective antimicrobial activity – Manuka honey has been shown to help maintain digestive balance by inhibiting the growth of undesirable bacteria like Helicobacter pylori while preserving beneficial bacteria.

• Supports the gut-immune connection – Since gut health is directly linked to immune function, maintaining a balanced microbiome may support overall wellness.

Did You Know? Up to 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut, making digestive health a key factor in immune resilience.

In contrast, local honey does not contain the same prebiotic compounds or digestive-supportive properties that make Manuka honey a powerful addition to a gut-friendly diet.

3. Verified Strength & Traceability

One of the biggest challenges in the honey industry is authenticity and quality control. While local honey is often praised for being "natural," it rarely undergoes strict testing for strength or purity.

In contrast, Manuka honey is carefully tested, certified, and traceable, ensuring each jar contains exactly what it claims.

Every batch of Manuka honey undergoes:

• Third-party MGO certification – Guaranteeing its bioactive strength.

• Traceability to its source – Every jar can be traced back to specific hives in New Zealand.

• Purity testing – Free from pesticides, glyphosate, and antibiotics.

When you buy Manukora Manuka honey, you’re not just getting honey—you’re getting a verified, high-quality product that meets the highest standards of purity and strength.

Local Honey and the Allergy Myth

Many people believe that consuming local honey can reduce seasonal allergies, based on the idea of immunotherapy, where gradual exposure to allergens builds resistance. Since local honey contains pollen from nearby flowers, some think it can desensitize the immune system.

However, scientific studies don’t strongly support this claim. Most seasonal allergies come from wind-dispersed pollen (from trees, grasses, and weeds), not the flower pollen in honey. Wind-pollinated plants produce smaller, lighter pollen that triggers allergic reactions, while the heavier, stickier pollen in honey isn’t typically inhaled.

That said, local honey can still provide mild soothing effects, like coating the throat to relieve irritation from allergens or dry air. Its benefits come from its smooth texture and mild antimicrobial properties, not from desensitization.

Manuka honey, on the other hand, offers additional immune-supporting benefits. Its high MGO levels and polyphenols support gut health, which is closely linked to immune function, making Manuka honey a more comprehensive option for boosting overall wellness.

​​Key Benefits of Manuka Honey Over Local Honey

Why Manuka Honey is Worth the Investment

One of the biggest advantages of Manuka honey is its traceability and verified strength. Every batch of Manuka honey is tested for MGO content, ensuring it meets strict quality standards.

Manukora, for example, offers full traceability of its honey, allowing consumers to track its source back to New Zealand’s remote and pristine regions. This level of transparency ensures that each jar delivers exactly what it promises.

“Manuka honey’s traceability and measured strength make it a unique superfood, setting it apart from conventional honey varieties.”

With no standard strength measurement, local honey does not offer the same guarantee of bioactive benefits. For those looking for digestive support, immune resilience, and premium quality, Manuka honey is a superior choice.

FAQs About Manuka Honey vs. Local Honey

What makes Manuka honey different from regular honey?

Manuka honey contains high levels of MGO, prebiotics, and polyphenols, offering verified digestive and immune support, whereas local honey has varying properties with no standardized measure of strength.

Is local honey really effective for allergies?

Scientific studies indicate that local honey does not significantly reduce allergy symptoms, as most allergens come from wind-dispersed pollen, not flower pollen collected by bees.

How does Manuka honey support gut health?

Manuka honey promotes beneficial gut bacteria while inhibiting harmful microbes, helping to maintain digestive balance and overall well-being.

Why is Manuka honey more expensive than local honey?

Manuka honey undergoes strict testing for purity, strength, and traceability, ensuring high-quality bioactive content, unlike most local honey varieties.

Can I use Manuka honey for immune support?

Manuka honey may support healthy immune function due to its rich antioxidant and bioactive content, but it should not be considered a replacement for medical treatments.

How do I choose the right Manuka honey?

Look for MGO-rated Manuka honey (MGO 600+ for daily wellness, MGO 850+ for added support) and verify third-party testing and sourcing transparency, such as with Manukora products.

The Takeaway

While both Manuka honey and local honey have their benefits, Manuka honey stands out due to its scientifically supported advantages that surpass regular honey varieties. With its high MGO content, prebiotics, and antioxidants, Manuka honey is a premium superfood for promoting gut health, boosting immune function, and supporting overall wellness.

For those seeking the full benefits of pure, premium Manuka honey, Manukora offers traceable, third-party tested products sourced from the pristine landscapes of New Zealand. By investing in authentic Manuka honey, you’re choosing a powerful, natural product that truly supports your well-being.

Sources

• Kazmierczak-Baranska, J., & Karwowski, B. T. (2024). The antioxidant potential of commercial Manuka honey from New Zealand—Biochemical and cellular studies. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 46(7), 6366–6376.

• Yuko, E. (2023, June 23). Is local honey good for allergies? What allergists say. Real Simple. Retrieved from https://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/cold-flu-allergies/is-local-honey-good-for-allergies

• Lane, J. A., et al. (2019). Oligosaccharides isolated from MGO™ Manuka honey inhibit the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Staphylococcus aureus to human HT-29 cells. Foods, 8(10), 446.

• Rosendale, D. I., et al. (2008). High-throughput microbial bioassays to screen potential New Zealand functional food ingredients intended to manage the growth of probiotic and pathogenic gut bacteria. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 43(11), 2257–2267.

• The potential of honey as a prebiotic food to re-engineer the gut microbiome toward a healthy state. PMC. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9367972/

• The potential use of honey as a remedy for allergic diseases: A mini review. PMC. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7870997/