Manuka honey has gained global attention for its incredible health benefits, from fighting bacteria to soothing sore throats and improving digestive wellness. But with shelves crowded with different brands and price points, how do you know which one offers the best quality—and more importantly, how do you find the manuka honey best brand without overspending?
In this article, we'll guide you through what makes manuka honey special, how to identify the top brands, and where to find the best manuka honey deals to make your wellness investment go further.
What Makes Manuka Honey Different?
Unlike regular honey, manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the Leptospermum scoparium bush, native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. What sets it apart is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO)—a naturally occurring compound that gives manuka its powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
This medicinal-grade honey is used not only for sweetening foods but also as a natural remedy for:
- Sore throats and coughs
- Skin conditions and wounds
- Digestive issues
- Immune support
Due to its therapeutic qualities, manuka honey is graded and priced according to strength and purity, making brand choice and value essential.
What to Look for in the Manuka Honey Best Brand
Choosing the best brand of manuka honey involves more than just picking the prettiest label. Here are the main factors that matter:
1. Certification and Potency Ratings
The most important part of choosing a trustworthy brand is understanding its certification. Two of the most recognized systems include:
- UMF (Unique Manuka Factor): Found on honey from New Zealand, this rating measures the concentration of MGO, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), and leptosperin. A UMF rating of 10+ or higher indicates strong medicinal value.
- MGO Rating: Directly measures the amount of methylglyoxal in the honey. Higher numbers (MGO 250+, 400+, 550+) reflect more potent antibacterial properties.
Brands that display these certifications are typically lab-tested and genuine.
2. Origin and Purity
Always choose honey that is monofloral and harvested from New Zealand or Australia. Monofloral means it’s primarily sourced from manuka blossoms, making it purer and more effective. Also, the country of origin matters for authenticity—New Zealand in particular has strict quality standards.
3. Packaging and Traceability
Top brands ensure their packaging protects the honey from heat and light. Look for BPA-free plastic or dark glass jars. Many reputable companies also include batch numbers or QR codes for full traceability, offering transparency in the harvesting and production process.
Top 5 Manuka Honey Brands to Trust
Here’s a look at some of the manuka honey best brands based on quality, certifications, consumer reviews, and value for money.
1. Comvita
Why it’s great:
Comvita is one of the most established names in manuka honey, with over 50 years in the industry. They offer a wide range of UMF-certified products and partner with trusted New Zealand beekeepers.
- UMF Certified: Yes
- Strength Range: UMF 5+ to UMF 20+
- Price Range: $$–$$$
- Great for: Overall quality and medical use
2. Manuka Health
Why it’s great:
Known for its MGO rating system, Manuka Health offers clear, science-based labeling. Their honey is tested in accredited labs, and their jars are easy to read and trustworthy.
- MGO Certified: Yes
- Strength Range: MGO 100+ to 550+
- Price Range: $$
- Great for: Transparent labeling and value
3. Berringa (Australia)
Why it’s great:
This Australian brand focuses on high MGO content and sustainability. Berringa is one of the few brands offering extremely potent manuka with MGO levels above 800+.
- MGO Certified: Yes
- Strength Range: MGO 220+ to 900+
- Price Range: $$$
- Great for: Potency and ethical sourcing
4. Wedderspoon
Why it’s great:
Wedderspoon uses a unique KFactor rating system and offers raw, non-GMO manuka honey. It’s popular in North America for people looking for everyday-use honey with mild strength.
- KFactor Rated
- Strength Range: Milder (not MGO/UMF rated)
- Price Range: $–$$
- Great for: Beginners and everyday use
5. Happy Valley
Why it’s great:
This boutique brand from New Zealand offers premium-quality, small-batch honey with a strong focus on purity. It’s not the cheapest, but the quality is undeniable.
- UMF Certified: Yes
- Strength Range: UMF 10+ to UMF 20+
- Price Range: $$$
- Great for: Purity and taste
How to Find the Best Manuka Honey Deals
Premium quality usually comes with a premium price, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Here’s how to get top-tier honey for less:
1. Buy Direct from Brand Websites
Many of the manuka honey best brands offer manuka honey deals directly through their online stores. You’ll often find:
- First-time buyer discounts
- Bulk discounts or bundles
- Seasonal sales (e.g., New Year, Black Friday)
2. Subscribe and Save
Several companies now offer subscription services. Signing up for monthly or bi-monthly deliveries often saves 10–20% per jar and ensures you never run out.
3. Look for Manuka Bundles
Buying a manuka honey bundle—a set of two or more jars—often brings the cost per gram down. These bundles are especially great if you’re using manuka for more than one purpose (e.g., one for tea, one for skincare).
4. Use Trusted Retailers
Websites like Amazon, iHerb, and HealthPost often run rotating discounts and coupons. Just make sure the product is shipped by the brand or a certified distributor to avoid counterfeits.
Using Manuka Honey Effectively
Once you’ve scored one of the manuka honey best brands—hopefully with a great deal—you’ll want to use it wisely:
- Daily immune boost: 1–2 teaspoons in the morning
- For digestion: Mix with warm (not hot) water before meals
- For skincare: Apply a small amount to acne or cuts
- For sore throat: Let a teaspoon dissolve slowly in the mouth
Store your honey in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.
Final Thoughts
With its proven health benefits and rich, earthy flavor, manuka honey is more than just a superfood—it’s a natural remedy rooted in centuries of use. Choosing the manuka honey best brand ensures you're getting the quality and potency you need for effective results.
If you're looking to make the most of your money, keep an eye out for manuka honey deals on reputable websites and brand stores. Buying bundles or signing up for a subscription can make premium honey a more affordable part of your daily wellness routine.
In a crowded marketplace, knowledge is power. With the tips above, you’re well on your way to finding a high-quality manuka honey brand you can trust—without paying more than you should.
