Manuka honey

Buy Manuka Honey

At Honingwinkel.nl, you'll find a wide range of high-quality Manuka honey. We only sell certified Manuka honey, with the MGO value (methylglyoxal) always clearly stated on the label. This way, you know exactly which variant you're buying. Our assortment ranges from MGO 100+ to MGO 1350+, from well-known brands such as Zealandia Manuka Honing, Manuka Health, and Manuka New Zealand. If you're unsure which strength suits you, what exactly to look out for, or why the price varies so much per jar, you can read everything you need to know before buying further in this article and in our in-depth blogs.

Manuka honey is considered by many to be a special, exclusive type of honey, and for good reason: its origin, certification, and production method differ significantly from regular honey. At the same time, we notice that there is much ambiguity and exaggerated marketing language online surrounding this product. That's why we have deliberately kept this page extensive and factual: here you will find everything about its origin, quality, price, use, and the state of scientific research, without exaggerated promises.

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which grows mainly in the remote hills of New Zealand and blooms there only two to six weeks a year. It is recognizable by its rich, earthy taste, thick texture, and dark color — characteristics that clearly differ from regular floral honey. What truly distinguishes Manuka honey is the natural presence of methylglyoxal (MGO), a substance that naturally occurs in the nectar of the Manuka flower and is rarely found in other types of honey.

Manuka Honey versus Regular Honey: What Is the Difference?

The main difference between Manuka honey and regular floral honey lies in their origin and composition. Regular honey is produced from the nectar of various flowers and plants, and its composition varies greatly by region and season. Manuka honey, on the other hand, comes from one specific bush, is independently tested for the presence of methylglyoxal, and features a certified MGO or UMF value on the label. In addition, Manuka honey has a thicker texture, darker color, and more pronounced taste than most common types of honey. This difference in production process and certification also largely explains the price difference. Read more about how this certification works in our explanation of MGO and UMF in Manuka honey.

Where Does Manuka Honey Come From?

Authentic Manuka honey comes almost exclusively from New Zealand, with limited production in parts of Australia. Because the Manuka bush grows in remote, rugged areas, beehives are sometimes even placed by helicopter to reach the blooming bushes. This combination of a short flowering period and hard-to-reach harvest areas directly impacts availability and, consequently, price.

The New Zealand government itself also supervises the export of Manuka honey: producers must demonstrate that their honey indeed originates from the Manuka bush, based on specific chemical markers and a DNA marker unique to this plant. This control takes place before the honey is allowed to leave the country, which further contributes to the reliability of certified products.

MGO and UMF: The Quality Marks Explained

A reliable Manuka honey label always displays a certification: MGO (Methylglyoxal) or UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor). Both quality marks confirm that the honey has been independently tested and that the stated value is actually present in the product.

• MGO indicates the measured amount of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram. A honey with MGO 400+ therefore contains at least 400 mg of methylglyoxal per kilo.
• UMF is a separate quality mark that confirms authenticity based on multiple characteristic substances, not just methylglyoxal.

Both values say something about authenticity and composition, not about a health effect. Do you want to know exactly how MGO and UMF relate to each other and which value suits which intended use? Read our extensive explanation: MGO and UMF: what do these quality marks mean for Manuka honey?

Which MGO Strength Do You Choose?

The MGO value in our assortment ranges from 100+ to 1350+, and each step has its own flavor profile, texture, and price point:

A higher MGO value means a more intense taste and a rarer harvest, but no recognized health benefit compared to a lower value. For most people who use a spoonful of Manuka honey daily, a strength between MGO 400+ and 550+ is a pleasant middle ground between taste, quality, and price. Do you want to see all strengths compared in detail? Read Manuka honey MGO 100+ to MGO 1000+: which strength do you choose?

Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive?

A jar of Manuka honey can quickly cost several times more than regular honey. This is due to a combination of factors: globally, only about 1,700 tons of Manuka honey are produced per year compared to 1.8 million tons of regular honey, the flowering period lasts only a few weeks, the harvest areas are remote, and each batch is independently tested and certified. The higher the MGO value, the rarer the harvest and the higher the price. Curious about the full explanation behind the price structure? Read Manuka honey price: why is it so expensive?

How Do You Recognize Real Manuka Honey?

Because Manuka honey is expensive and popular, unfortunately, counterfeit products also appear on the market. When purchasing, pay attention to the following points:

1. Certification. Is there an MGO or UMF value on the label, supported by an independent test report?
2. Origin. Does the packaging clearly state "Product of New Zealand"?
3. Batch number or QR code. Can you view the test results for the specific batch?
4. Realistic price. Is the price proportional to the MGO value, or does the offer seem too good to be true?
5. Reliable seller. Are you buying from a specialized, transparent store or from an anonymous, unclear source?

At Honingwinkel.nl, we work directly with reliable Manuka beekeepers from New Zealand, and every product is certified, so you don't have to do any research yourself.

Buying Manuka Honey: What to Look For?

Besides authenticity, there are a few practical things to keep in mind when choosing your jar of Manuka honey: the desired MGO value, the jar size in relation to your frequency of use, and whether the seller is transparent about origin and test results. A larger jar is more economical per gram for regular use, while a smaller jar is convenient for trying out a new strength. Read the complete buying guide with all considerations: Buying Manuka honey: what should you look out for?

How Do You Use Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is fundamentally a food product and is used in similar ways to other honey:

Use as a food product:

• Pure from the spoon, for example, a teaspoon at a time.
• Added to lukewarm beverages such as tea (not boiling water, as that can affect taste and texture).
• Spread on bread, crackers, or fruit, or stirred into yogurt.

Other uses: Some people choose to incorporate Manuka honey into homemade skincare products or face masks. This is a common practice, not an application with a specific effect substantiated by us. For specific instructions per product, we always refer to the relevant product page.

Manuka Honey and Scientific Research

Manuka honey is often presented online as a miracle cure, but it is important to look at this critically. There is laboratory research showing that methylglyoxal can inhibit bacterial growth under controlled, external conditions—which is why, for example, Manuka honey is used in some hospitals for wound treatment, under medical supervision. However, this is fundamentally different from eating or drinking the honey: for consumption, there is no health claim for Manuka honey approved by the European Union.

In 2024, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) investigated dozens of websites selling Manuka honey and found misleading claims, including prohibited medical statements, on more than half of them. We believe it is important to be transparent about this: read the complete, substantiated overview in Manuka honey and scientific research: what's really true?

Manuka Honey and the Throat: What's True?

Around autumn, many people look for Manuka honey for a sore throat or cough. There is no recognized health claim for this specific application, and the NVWA explicitly warned against websites that claimed Manuka honey could be used for conditions such as bronchitis. The fact that a spoon of honey in warm tea feels pleasant is, for many people, a matter of taste and habit, not a proven medical effect. For persistent or severe throat complaints, we always recommend consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

Product Forms of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is available from us in various forms and packaging, each with the same certification requirements:

• Jars, in different weights, from MGO 100+ to MGO 1350+.
• Manuka drops, convenient for on the go or measured use.
• Manuka oral spray, a compact application of the same honey.
• Individual portions, practical for on the go or as a gift.

Each product form has its own product page with the specific MGO value and usage instructions.

Manuka Honey in the Kitchen

Manuka honey is eaten purely from the spoon by many people, but it is also very suitable for culinary use. Its thick texture and distinct flavor make it an interesting addition to, for example, a marinade, salad dressing, or as a topping on yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts. For this type of daily, culinary use, many customers choose an accessible strength such as MGO 100+ or MGO 250+, because the milder taste remains better balanced with other ingredients.

Because heat can affect the taste and texture of honey, it is recommended to add Manuka honey to warm dishes only at the very end, or to use it in dishes that are not cooked. When baking, you can use Manuka honey as a substitute for regular honey, although the final result will have a slightly spicier taste due to its characteristic flavor intensity. For on-the-go or measured use in the kitchen, our Manuka drops are a convenient alternative to a jar.

Manuka Honey as a Gift

Due to its exclusive origin and clear certification, Manuka honey is a popular gift idea, for example for a birthday, anniversary, or as a business gift. A set with different MGO values, for example a combination of MGO 400+ and MGO 850+, gives the recipient the chance to discover which strength they like best. Our Manuka oral spray is also a compact, original gift idea. When choosing a gift, pay attention to the same points as when buying for yourself: certification, origin, and a realistic price-quality ratio, as we also describe in our buying guide Buying Manuka honey: what should you pay attention to?

Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing

When sourcing our Manuka honey, we not only pay attention to certification and quality, but also to a fair price for the beekeepers who produce the honey. The limited harvest and the fragile habitat of the Manuka bush make responsible beekeeping important: excessive or unfair purchasing practices can ultimately compromise both the quality and availability of this type of honey. Read more about how scarcity and origin influence the price in Manuka honey price: why is it so expensive?

Delivery, Storage and Customer Service

Manuka honey has a naturally long shelf life, provided you store the jar sealed in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. After opening, the taste does not change immediately, but the intensity may decrease slightly over time. If you have questions about your order, a specific MGO value, or the certification of a product from our Manuka honey range, our customer service team is ready to help you.

Our Range and Brands

We work with well-known, reputable brands such as Zealandia Manuka Honey, Manuka Health, and Manuka New Zealand. Each brand uses its own certification process, but for all products in our range, the MGO value is clearly stated and supported by an independent test report. This way, you can compare based on facts rather than marketing language.

Experiences with Manuka Honey

Customers generally describe Manuka honey as thicker and spicier than regular honey, with a distinct, earthy flavor that intensifies as the MGO value increases. Milder variants such as MGO 100+ are often perceived as more accessible, while higher strengths such as MGO 850+ and above are rated as more potent in taste. Reviews mainly concern taste, texture, delivery time, and customer service.

Read More: Our Manuka Knowledge Base

This page gives you the complete overview to choose with confidence, but for those who really want to delve deeper, we have written separate articles for each subtopic:

• What is Manuka honey? Origin, effects and quality explained — the central guide on origin and background.
• MGO and UMF in Manuka honey: what do these quality marks mean? — the quality marks and strengths in detail.
• Manuka honey MGO 100+ to MGO 1000+: which strength do you choose? — explained per strength which suits your use.
• Manuka honey and scientific research: what's really true? — an honest, substantiated overview without exaggerated claims.
• Buying Manuka honey: what should you pay attention to? — the complete buying guide.

• Manuka honey price: why is it so expensive? — the complete price breakdown explained.

   

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Manuka honey? Manuka honey is available at specialized health food stores, health stores, and online retailers, including Honingwinkel.nl. Always ensure the product is certified with an MGO or UMF value.

Can everyone use Manuka honey? Manuka honey is a food product consisting mainly of sugars and is generally suitable for most people. Diabetics should be careful due to the sugar content. If you have an allergy to bee products, consult a doctor before using Manuka honey.

How do I know which MGO value is right for me? The MGO value indicates the actual amount of methylglyoxal. The choice for a specific value is mainly a matter of taste preference, intended use, and budget, not of a "better" or "worse" honey.

How do you recognize real Manuka honey? Check for MGO or UMF certification, the label with the test lab, and the country of origin ("Product of New Zealand"). If these details are missing, be critical.

Why is Manuka honey so expensive? Due to scarcity, a short flowering period of a few weeks, remote harvesting areas, and expensive, independent certification. The higher the MGO value, the rarer the harvest and the higher the price.

Is Manuka honey the same as medicine? No. Manuka honey is a food product. For consumption, there is no health claim approved by the EU. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist for complaints.

Can I use Manuka honey for a sore throat? You can use it as you would any other honey, for example in warm tea, but there is no recognized claim that it relieves sore throats or coughs. For persistent complaints, consult a doctor.

Is a low price suspicious for Manuka honey? Yes, that can be a sign. A high MGO value for an unusually low price is a reason for extra checks on certification and origin.

What is the difference between Manuka honey and regular honey? Manuka honey comes from one specific shrub in New Zealand, naturally contains methylglyoxal, and is independently certified. Regular honey comes from various flowers and does not have comparable certification.

How much Manuka honey do you use per day? A common habit is one teaspoon per day. How much MGO that yields depends on the chosen strength: a spoon of MGO 100+ contains significantly less methylglyoxal than the same spoon of MGO 1000+.

Curious which MGO value suits you? View the complete range below and confidently choose the certified Manuka honey that matches your taste and use.