Answering Common Questions about Mānuka Honey

Ever found yourself browsing the honey aisle and found your eyes drawn to that special jar of “Mānuka” honey, wondering what all the fuss was about? It’s more expensive, the label has a range of numbers on it and appears to be marketed differently to regular honey. 

If you’ve felt confused, you’re not alone. Mānuka honey, hailing from the pristine landscapes of New Zealand, has gained incredible popularity for its unique properties and potential health benefits. But with its growing fame, there often come a lot of questions. 

At PURITI, we believe in empowering you with knowledge so that you can make the most informed choice possible about your wellbeing. So, let’s dive in and clear up some of the most common queries we hear about this golden gift from nature. 

Get ready to become an expert on Mānuka honey!

What Is Mānuka Honey?

Mānuka honey is a unique type of honey that’s produced only by New Zealand. The reason for this is because the honey is created by bees that primarily pollinate the Mānuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. 

What sets it apart from regular honey  is the distinct properties within the product, largely attributed to a compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO). Unlike other honey, quality Mānuka honey has a much higher concentration of MGO, which contributes to the wellbeing properties of the product. This has been revealedthrough studies that investigate the properties of Mānuka honey, discovering a link between the honey and general immune support. 

How is Mānuka Honey Different from Regular Honey?

While all honey has some level of antibacterial properties due to hydrogen peroxide, Mānuka honey contains MGO - which provides a stable, non-peroxide antibacterial effect that is not found in most other types of honey. 

This means that its antibacterial activity is more robust, and less vulnerable to degradation. Also, Mānuka honey often has a thicker, more viscous texture and a distinct earthy, aromatic flavor compared to the generally sweeter and lighter taste of regular honey.

What is MGO, and Why Is It Important?

MGO is a naturally occurring compound that’s found in Mānuka honey, which according to studies,  is responsible for its potent, non-peroxide antibacterial activity. It’s formed from the conversion of DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, which is found in the nectar of the Mānuka flower. 

The higher the MGO number of the label (for example, MGO 300+, MGO 800+, etc), the higher the concentration of MGO and, generally, the stronger its unique properties. The MGO content is a good indicator of the honey’s quality and potency - and it’s rigorously tested to ensure that you’re getting what you pay for. 

What Does UMF Mean?

UMF stands for “Unique Mānuka Factor”, it’s a quality grading system that verifies the authenticity and quality of Mānuka honey. 

The UMF rating will measure the key signature compounds within Mānuka honey, which includes MGO, Leptosperin and DHA, in order to confirm that the Mānuka honey is genuine and has the unique Mānuka properties. 

A higher UMF number will indicate a higher concentration of these beneficial compounds, signifying a higher grade of Mānuka honey. The UMF association is an independent body that sets these strict standards, providing buyers with confidence that they’re buying a pure and potent form of Mānuka honey. 

How Should I Store Mānuka Honey?

When it comes to storing Mānuka honey, the product should ideally be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is ideal. 

There's no need to refrigerate it, since this can accelerate crystallisation and make it harder to scoop. So keep the lid tightly sealed to help maintain the Mānuka honey’s quality and prevent the crystallisation process from taking place. 

However, it’s important to note that crystallisation is a natural process and doesn't affect the honey's properties. If your Mānuka honey does crystallise, you can gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm water to return it to its liquid state.

Can I Use Mānuka Honey On My Skin?

Yep! Many people use Mānuka honey topically for its potential benefits for skin health. 

Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular ingredient in skincare products, or it can be applied directly as a mask or spot treatment. It's believed to help soothe irritated skin, promote healing, and provide hydration, making it a natural choice for those seeking a radiant complexion.

Atrott and Henle (2009) found a direct correlation between MGO content and antibacterial effectiveness, reinforcing the value of quality Mānuka honey for therapeutic applications.

Is Mānuka Honey Safe for Everyone?

Mānuka honey is generally safe for most people. 

However, like all honey, it should not be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism. Individuals with allergies to bees or honey should also exercise caution. If you have specific health concerns, such as diabetes, or you’re on medication, it's always best to consult with your doctor before incorporating Mānuka honey into your diet - especially in larger quantities.

How Do I Know I'm Buying Authentic Mānuka Honey?

To ensure authenticity, look for Mānuka honey that is packed and sourced in New Zealand. Key indicators of genuine Mānuka honey include the UMF™ or MGO certification on the label. 

Brands like PURITI will adhere to extremely strict government regulations and independent testing, in order to guarantee purity and authenticity. Always check for clear labeling that specifies the MGO content or UMF™ rating, and be wary of products that make vague claims without proper certification.

If you’re keen to learn more, read our article that delves deeper into real vs fake Mānuka honey. 

What's The Best Way to Consume Mānuka Honey?

Mānuka honey can be enjoyed in many ways. You can eat it straight off the spoon for a daily wellness boost, add it to your tea or smoothies (just make sure the  liquids aren't boiling hot to preserve all of the beneficial compounds), you could spread it on toast or use it as a natural sweetener in recipes. 

Some people even use it as a natural alternative to sugar in their coffee. For general wellness, a spoonful a day is a popular choice, often taken in the morning.

Take some inspiration from a recent article we’ve published on ways to incorporate Mānuka honey into your daily routine. 

Why is Mānuka Honey More Expensive than Regular Honey?

Several factors contribute to Mānuka honey's higher price. To start, the Mānuka tree  only flowers for a few weeks a year - making it a limited resource. The unique properties require specialised testing and certification (like UMF™), and the rigorous quality control processes involved in producing authentic Mānuka honey also add to its value. 

Furthermore, the remote and often challenging terrain where Mānuka trees grow makes harvesting more difficult and costly - our beekeepers will sometimes use helicopters to access the hives in remote locations. This all contributes to its premium price point.

Quality, Award-Winning Mānuka Honey by PURITI - Your Next Purchase?

We hope this deep dive into Mānuka honey has answered some of your most pressing questions and helped demystify this incredible natural product. 

It's truly fascinating how nature provides us with such a powerful resource for wellbeing. Understanding the unique properties, the importance of MGO and UMF™ ratings, and how to identify authentic Mānuka honey is the best way to make an informed choice for yourself and your family. 

At PURITI, we’re committed to upholding the highest standards of purity and quality, ensuring that every jar of our quality Mānuka honey delivers the genuine benefits you expect. We believe in transparency and the power of nature, and our goal is to bring the very best of New Zealand's Mānuka to your home. 

In fact, just this year our UMF  10+ and  20+ jars of Mānuka honey  were recipients of Gold Awards at the prestigious 2025 London International Honey Awards, a competition in which PURITI also won Gold at the 2024 edition. This incredible success is the result of the incredible hard work of each team member responsible for delivering PURITI’s iconic honey products.

So go ahead, explore the wonders of award-winning Mānuka honey, and experience the PURITI difference for yourself – your journey to natural wellness starts here.