Manuka Honey: What Is It?

Manuka honey is a rare kind of honey made only in New Zealand from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It’s known for its smooth, creamy texture, rich taste, and natural compounds that make it different from regular honey.

Bees can only collect Manuka nectar for a few short weeks each summer when the tea tree blooms, which makes every jar special. The result is a thick, dark honey with a deep caramel flavor that reflects the wild, untouched regions where it’s made.

Beyond taste, it’s known for the unique compounds it contains particularly MGO (methylglyoxal) which help support the body’s natural immune and digestive health while aiding overall well-being.

Executive Summary

• Manuka honey is made by bees that forage on the Manuka tea tree, native to New Zealand.
  

• Its short bloom window (around 2 to 6 weeks) and remote location make it inherently limited and highly sought after.
  

• Authentic Manuka honey contains MGO, Leptosperin, and other components that help maintain healthy digestive and immune function .
  

• Genuine Manuka is monofloral, raw, and traceable to source through a unique QR code that lets you meet the beekeeper and see its lab-tested grade.
  

• Manukora’s focus on MGO grading (600+, 850+, 1000+) helps you choose the right strength for your lifestyle from everyday energy support to advanced wellness maintenance.

CTA: Take the 30-second quiz to discover your perfect Manuka match or explore our MGO 600+, 850+, and 1000+ Starter Kits.

What Makes Manuka Honey Unique?

Manuka honey stands apart because it can only be made in one place and under very specific conditions. The Manuka tea tree, native to New Zealand, blossoms for just a few short weeks each summer. During this limited window, bees gather its nectar to create a honey that’s as rare as it is distinctive.

The regions where the Manuka tea tree thrives are remote and wild, with clean air, coastal winds, and untouched vegetation. These natural conditions influence the flavor and texture of the honey, giving it a rich, deep taste and a creamy consistency that you won’t find in other types of honey.

At Manukora, we protect this process through ethical beekeeping. Our beekeepers harvest only when the honey is ready, leaving enough behind for the bees to stay healthy year-round. Each batch is kept raw and unpasteurized to preserve its naturally occurring compounds and character.

Every jar is also traceable back to its source through a unique QR code that connects you to the exact hive and beekeeper. It’s part of our commitment to transparency, quality, and what we call The Art of Ethical Beekeeping, a philosophy that ensures the wellbeing of the bees, the land, and the people who enjoy this honey.

Understanding Grading: MGO, UMF, and NPA

If you’ve ever looked at a jar of Manuka honey, you’ve probably noticed numbers like MGO 600+ or UMF 20+ on the label. These aren’t random; they show how the honey is tested and graded for quality.

At Manukora, we use the MGO system, which measures the amount of methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey. The higher the MGO number, the stronger the concentration of this compound.

Here’s an easy way to understand it:

• MGO 600+: great for everyday wellness support
  

• MGO 850+: balanced choice for those who enjoy a richer flavor and higher strength
  

• MGO 1000+: advanced grade, ideal for those who want the highest concentration and most complex taste

Other grading systems also exist, like UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) and NPA (Non-Peroxide Activity). These measure similar properties but use different testing methods. 

While all three are valid, MGO is the most direct and transparent way to understand the honey’s strength because it refers to the exact amount of the key compound itself.

All Manukora honey is independently tested and certified in New Zealand to ensure its purity, authenticity, and grade accuracy. Each jar comes with a QR code that links to your batch report, so you can see its MGO level and the region it came from.

Monofloral vs. Multifloral: Is All Manuka Honey the Same?

Not all Manuka honey is created equal. The difference comes down to where the bees collect their nectar.

Monofloral Manuka honey comes mostly from the Manuka tea tree, giving it a distinctive flavor, texture, and nutrient profile. It’s tested to confirm that the honey truly comes from Manuka nectar and meets the standards set by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Multifloral Manuka honey, on the other hand, includes nectar from the Manuka tea tree mixed with other wildflowers. While still delicious, it’s generally lighter in taste and lower in MGO concentration.

At Manukora, we focus on monofloral Manuka honey to preserve the pure character and quality that make it so special. 

Why the Production of Authentic Manuka Honey is Limited

Authentic Manuka honey is limited in production due to several factors that make it rare and highly prized:

Geography

Manuka honey comes exclusively from the nectar of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which only grows in certain regions of New Zealand and parts of Australia. These regions have specific environmental conditions that are ideal for Manuka trees to flourish, further limiting its supply.

Bloom Season 

Manuka trees bloom only once a year, typically in late spring to early summer. This short window of time is crucial for harvesting the nectar that makes Manuka honey unique. Once the season ends, the production of honey from Manuka trees is halted until the next year’s bloom.

Bee Forage 

Bees rely on Manuka nectar to produce the honey, and their forage is often limited by the availability of flowers. Beekeepers must carefully manage the hives and place them in the right areas to ensure they are getting pure Manuka nectar, which makes production even more challenging.

These factors combined make authentic Manuka honey a rare and premium product, which is why it’s essential to ensure you are purchasing genuine honey from trusted sources.

How to Choose Quality Manuka Honey

With so many brands claiming to be “real Manuka,” knowing what to look for can make a big difference. Here’s a quick way to identify the good stuff.

• Check the MGO Number First- This is the easiest indicator of quality. The higher the MGO number, the greater the concentration of natural compounds found in Manuka honey. Look for clear labels such as MGO 600+, 850+, or 1000+, these represent genuine, tested strength levels.

• Look for Monofloral Certification- True Manuka honey is monofloral, meaning it comes mainly from the Manuka tea tree. This ensures a consistent flavor, texture, and nutrient profile.

• Verify Independent Testing- Authentic Manuka is tested in MPI-approved laboratories in New Zealand to confirm its purity and grade. The label should reference MGO or other test results verified by independent labs.

• Confirm Traceability- Every jar of Manukora honey includes a QR code that links directly to its batch test. You can see where it was harvested, who the beekeeper was, and the exact MGO results.

• Review the Source and Certifications- Choose honey that is produced and packaged in New Zealand and certified non-GMO, antibiotic-free, and residue-free. These details show commitment to purity and sustainability.

Sourcing matters as much as science. Brands that protect bee health and harvest responsibly ensure long-term quality and ecosystem balance.

By focusing on these criteria, you can be confident that you're getting authentic Manuka honey so you can enjoy the quality and characteristics that make it unique.

Authenticity Issues: How to Avoid Counterfeit Manuka

Because Manuka honey is rare, it’s also one of the most copied honeys in the world. Many jars sold globally claim to be “Manuka” but lack the natural compounds that make it authentic.

Real Manuka honey must come from New Zealand and pass independent laboratory tests that confirm the presence of MGO and Leptosperin. These compiunds are unique to the Manuka tea tree and are reliable markers of authenticity.

Counterfeit or blended honey often lacks this testing. Labels might look official, but if they don’t list an MGO value or reference an MPI-approved certification, it’s worth questioning.

At Manukora, every batch is traceable through a QR code, which links directly to the batch test and origin information. Scanning it lets you verify exactly where the honey was produced and how it was graded.

When buying Manuka, trust transparency. Genuine brands are open about their sourcing, testing, and beekeeper network because they have nothing to hide.

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is more than a delicious sweetener. It contains naturally occurring compounds that  can support different aspects of everyday wellness when enjoyed regularly.

• Natural Energy Support- Its natural sugars provide a quick, sustained energy source that helps fuel your day. Many people enjoy a spoonful before workouts or as a morning pick-me-up.

• Supports Digestive Health- Manuka honey naturally contains prebiotic compounds that help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Adding it to your daily routine can be a simple, tasty way to support digestive comfort.

• Aids in Immune Wellness- The naturally occurring MGO in Manuka honey helps support a healthy immune response, especially when used as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.

• Sustainable Goodness- Every jar of Manukora Manuka honey is ethically produced, non-GMO, and fully traceable. Choosing sustainably harvested honey supports both your well-being and the environment.

Enjoying 1–3 heaped teaspoons daily is an easy way to experience these benefits while appreciating the flavor and craftsmanship behind authentic New Zealand Manuka.

Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive?

Manuka honey’s higher price reflects how rare and carefully produced it is. The Manuka tea tree only blooms for a few short weeks each year, and it grows mainly in remote areas of New Zealand that are difficult for beekeepers to reach.

Harvesting must happen within that limited window and under strict conditions to protect bee health and honey purity. After collection, every batch goes through independent laboratory testing to verify its MGO level, monofloral status, and authenticity.

Manukora also invests in ethical beekeeping, leaving honey for the bees, maintaining hive health, and using sustainable, residue-free practices. These extra steps ensure you get a product that’s raw, traceable, and true to nature.

From the short bloom season to the testing and care that go into every jar, Manuka honey’s rarity is a reflection of the effort behind it, not just a price tag.

Manuka Honey vs. Regular Honey

While all honey comes from bees, Manuka honey stands out because of its origin and composition. Here’s a simple comparison:

Authentic Manuka honey is limited by nature and geography, which is why it’s considered one of the world’s most unique natural foods.

Suggested Everyday Uses and Storage

Manuka honey fits easily into your daily routine. It’s naturally delicious on its own or as part of your favorite snacks and drinks.

How to Enjoy It

• Take 1–3 heaped teaspoons daily straight from the spoon.
  

• Stir it into tea, coffee, or lemon water, just let hot drinks cool for 30–60 seconds first.
  

• Add it to yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal once they’ve cooled slightly.
  

• Use a wooden or stainless-steel spoon for serving to keep it pure.

Keeping your honey raw and unheated helps preserve its flavor and natural nutrients that support everyday wellness.

How to Store It

• Keep your jar in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
  

• Make sure the lid is tightly closed to prevent moisture from getting in.
  

• There’s no need to refrigerate it. Manuka honey stays fresh on its own.

Used regularly, it’s an easy way to add a touch of nature’s sweetness to your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grading systems exist for Manuka honey?

There are three main grading systems MGO, UMF, and NPA. At Manukora, we focus on MGO, which measures the actual level of methylglyoxal, a key compound unique to Manuka honey. It’s the most direct way to understand strength and quality.

Is all Manuka honey the same?

Not quite. Monofloral Manuka honey comes mainly from the Manuka tea tree and has consistent taste and nutrient levels. Multifloral Manuka contains nectar from other flowers too, making it lighter in flavor and lower in MGO.

How should I store my Manuka honey?

Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. There’s no need to refrigerate it. Manuka honey naturally stays fresh for a long time.

How should I use Manuka honey?

You can take 1–3 heaped teaspoons daily straight from the spoon or mix it into cooled drinks, yogurt, or smoothies. Avoid adding it to boiling liquids, as high heat can affect its natural qualities.

How can I tell if my Manuka honey is authentic?

Check the label for a clear MGO number and New Zealand origin. Manukora jars also include a QR code you can scan to see the test results, beekeeper, and harvest region.

Which MGO level should I choose?

That depends on your taste and routine. MGO 600+ suits everyday use, MGO 850+ offers a richer flavor, and MGO 1000+ provides the highest strength and most complex taste.

The Bottom Line

Manuka honey is more than just a sweet treat, it’s a product of nature’s timing and care. With its short bloom season, untouched New Zealand landscapes, and careful ethical beekeeping, every jar is a reflection of balance between people, bees, and the land.

Its rich texture, smooth flavor, and naturally occurring compounds make it an easy way to support everyday wellness while adding something special to your routine.

To find the right fit for your taste and lifestyle, try our quick quiz or explore the MGO 600+, 850+, and 1000+ Starter Kits each crafted to deliver authentic Manuka honey, straight from the source.