Buying Manuka Honey: What to Look Out For?
Buying Manuka honey is not the same as grabbing a jar of honey off the shelf. Prices vary widely, MGO values range from 100+ to 1350+, and not every website is equally reliable in what it promises. In this article, you'll read exactly what to look out for, what the MGO value means, what customers generally think of it, and where you can currently find discounts.
What should you look out for when buying Manuka honey?
- MGO value on the label. Every jar of Manuka honey should have a clearly stated MGO value, for example, MGO 100+ or MGO 550+. If this value is missing, you don't know what you're buying.
- Country of origin. Authentic Manuka honey comes from New Zealand (sometimes parts of Australia), as the manuka shrub grows there.
- Independent tests and certification. Check if the honey has been tested in an accredited laboratory and if there is a quality mark such as UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor) on the label. Some jars even have a QR code that leads to the test results.
- No medical claims. Websites that claim Manuka honey cures diseases or "combats" medical conditions violate food claim regulations. The NVWA found in 2024 that more than half of the Manuka honey websites investigated used misleading claims. So, be critical of such statements.
- Price in proportion to MGO value. The higher the MGO value, the higher the price usually is. A remarkably low price for a high MGO value is a reason for extra vigilance.
What are the effects of Manuka honey?
Manuka honey naturally contains more methylglyoxal (MGO) than regular honey, a substance that has been studied in laboratory research. However, what this substance does in a petri dish does not automatically say anything about the effect of a spoonful of honey in your tea. For consumption, there are no EU-approved health claims for Manuka honey. The honey is primarily valued for its distinctive, spicy taste and thick texture, which becomes more intense as the MGO value increases. Want to delve deeper into this? Also read The effects of Manuka honey in 5 questions on our blog.
How do you know if you have real Manuka honey?
Check the following points:
- Is the MGO value clearly stated on the label?
- Is the country of origin New Zealand?
- Is an independent test report or quality mark available, for example via a QR code on the packaging?
- Is the honey sold by a specialized, transparent webshop instead of an anonymous marketplace seller?
In doubt? Ask the seller for the test report of the batch concerned. A reliable provider will share this without any problems.
Which brand of Manuka honey is best?
There isn't one brand that is objectively "the best"; that depends on your taste preference, desired MGO value, and budget. More important than the brand is whether the product is transparent about its origin, MGO value, and test results. At Honingwinkel.nl, you'll find several brands side-by-side, each with a clearly stated MGO value, so you can compare based on facts rather than marketing claims.
Where do you buy Manuka honey?
Manuka honey is available at health food stores, pharmacies, and specialized webshops. With a specialized webshop like Honingwinkel.nl, you usually have the advantage of a wider range of MGO values, transparent labeling, and customer reviews per product, allowing you to make an informed choice.
Experiences with Manuka honey
Customers often describe Manuka honey as thicker and spicier than regular honey, with a distinct, earthy taste that varies per MGO value. Milder variants like MGO 100+ are often considered more accessible, while higher strengths like MGO 850+ and above are experienced as more intense and powerful in taste. Reviews mainly concern taste, texture, delivery time, and customer service; when reading reviews, pay attention to whether medical claims are made, as that says more about the website than about the product itself.
Manuka honey offers
Due to limited harvests and high production costs, Manuka honey is quickly a pricey product. At Honingwinkel.nl, various MGO values are regularly on offer, with discounts that can amount to several tens of percent off the normal price. Curious what is currently on offer? View the current overview in the Manuka honey assortment, where offers are immediately visible per product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look out for when buying Manuka honey? Pay attention to the MGO value on the label, the country of origin, independent tests or quality marks, and whether the seller makes any prohibited medical claims.
How do you know if you have real Manuka honey? Check the MGO value, origin, and whether a test report or quality mark is available, for example via a QR code on the packaging.
Which brand of Manuka honey is best? There is no objectively "best" brand. Compare based on MGO value, transparency about origin and test results, and your own taste preference.
Where do you buy Manuka honey? At health food stores, drugstores, and specialized webshops like Honingwinkel.nl, where you can compare several MGO values and brands side-by-side.
Curious which strength suits you and what's currently on offer? View the full Manuka honey assortment at Honingwinkel.nl.
