What Is Manuka Honey? Benefits, MGO Ratings & How to Use It

This is our most frequently asked question — and for good reason. Manuka honey looks like regular honey, but what's happening inside the jar is something else entirely. Here's everything you need to know about what it is, why it works, and how to make it part of your daily routine.

What is Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is a rare type of honey produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which grows natively in New Zealand. What makes it extraordinary starts with the plant itself — the nectar of the Manuka bush contains a compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When bees pollinate the Manuka bush and collect its nectar, enzymes in their saliva convert the DHA into methylglyoxal — known as MGO.

MGO is the key. It's the primary active compound responsible for Manuka honey's exceptional antibacterial and antimicrobial properties — properties that regular honey simply does not have at the same level. A study published in the AIMS Microbiology journal in 2018 confirmed that the antibacterial activity of manuka honey is directly correlated with its MGO concentration. The higher the MGO, the more potent the honey.

Because the Manuka bush only flowers for a short 2–6 week window each year, and only in specific regions of New Zealand, genuine high-grade manuka honey is both rare and limited in supply. We source ours directly from New Zealand, where it is lab tested and certified as pure manuka honey before it ever reaches you.

Manuka honey vs regular honey: what's the difference?

All honey has some natural antibacterial properties, primarily from hydrogen peroxide produced during its creation. But hydrogen peroxide breaks down quickly — especially when exposed to heat, light, or the enzymes naturally present in body tissue. This means regular honey's antibacterial activity is unstable and short-lived.

Manuka honey is different. Its antibacterial power comes primarily from MGO, which is stable. It doesn't break down when exposed to heat, light, or enzymes. This is what researchers call "non-peroxide activity" — and it's what makes manuka honey genuinely therapeutic rather than just nutritious.

Beyond MGO, manuka honey also contains:

• Up to four times the nutritional content of regular honey
• A richer concentration of antioxidants
• Natural prebiotic compounds that support gut microbiome health
• Leptosperin — a naturally occurring chemical unique to manuka honey that is used to verify its authenticity

What do MGO ratings mean — and which one should you choose?

When you see a number like MGO 250+ or MGO 800+ on a manuka honey label, it refers to the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey. The higher the number, the more potent the honey.

Here's a practical guide to help you choose:

• MGO 100–250 — great for everyday use, general wellness, and as a daily dietary addition. A good starting point if you're new to manuka honey.
• MGO 250–500 — stronger immune support, digestive health, and daily use during cold and flu season.
• MGO 500–800 — therapeutic-level use. Ideal for sore throats, upper respiratory support, gut health, and wound care.
• MGO 800+ — high-potency medicinal use. The highest concentration of antibacterial and antimicrobial activity available.

For most people, a daily maintenance dose of MGO 250–500 is an excellent place to start. If you're using it for a specific health concern, a higher MGO product delivers more targeted support.

What are the benefits of manuka honey?

Immune support

Manuka honey's MGO content gives it broad-spectrum antiviral and antibacterial properties that support the body's natural defenses. It's particularly well-suited for daily immune maintenance and as a first response at the first sign of illness — a scratchy throat, a tickle in the chest, or exposure during cold and flu season.

Sore throat and respiratory relief

One of the most popular uses of manuka honey is for sore throat relief. Its thick consistency coats the throat while its antimicrobial compounds work directly on the bacteria causing irritation. A spoonful at the first sign of throat discomfort — or stirred into warm (not boiling) water with lemon — is a time-tested natural remedy backed by genuine science.

Gut health and digestive balance

Manuka honey contains natural prebiotic compounds that help nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Research has shown it may help with digestive discomfort, support a balanced microbiome, and even assist with conditions like gastritis and acid reflux. A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy immune system — and manuka honey supports both simultaneously.

Oral health

Despite being a sugar, manuka honey's antimicrobial properties actually make it beneficial for oral health. Studies have found it can help reduce harmful oral bacteria, support gum health, and inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with tooth decay and plaque — making it a genuinely unique food.

Wound and skin support

Manuka honey has been used topically for wound care for centuries, and modern research backs it up. Its antimicrobial properties, low pH, and ability to create a moist healing environment make it effective for minor wounds, burns, and skin infections. Medical-grade manuka honey products are now used in clinical settings around the world.

Energy and daily vitality

Rich in natural enzymes, antioxidants, and micronutrients, manuka honey supports sustained energy and overall vitality when used as part of a daily wellness routine. Unlike refined sugar, its complex nutritional profile means it nourishes rather than just fuels.

How to use manuka honey every day

One of the best things about manuka honey is how easy it is to build into a daily routine. Here are some of our favorite ways:

• Take a spoonful straight — the simplest and most direct method, especially effective for sore throats and immune support
• Stir into warm tea — let your drink cool slightly before adding (high heat above 40°C/104°F can reduce some of the beneficial enzymes)
• Add to smoothies or wellness tonics — a natural sweetener that earns its place
• Drizzle over yogurt, oats, or toast — a delicious daily ritual
• Take it as part of a honey blend — our honeyblends make it even easier to get the benefits of manuka honey alongside other powerful ingredients like medicinal mushrooms, propolis, and turmeric

How much should you take? Most people start with 1 teaspoon (5–7g) per day. You can increase to 1 tablespoon for more targeted support. Consistency matters more than quantity — a small daily amount over time delivers more benefit than occasional large doses.

Manuka honey for kids

Manuka honey is a fantastic way to support kids' immunity — and the naturally rich, sweet flavor means they actually want to take it. We hear from parents all the time that their kids ask for their "honey" every morning. A small daily spoonful, stirred into warm water or drizzled over breakfast, is an easy way to build immune resilience in little ones.

Note: honey of any kind should not be given to children under 12 months old.

Manuka honey and Manuka Mana were our daughter's first two-word phrases — so you could say we are a family fan of this golden goodness. 🍯😊

How to store Manuka honey

Manuka honey has an extraordinarily long shelf life when stored correctly. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — a pantry or cupboard is ideal. Avoid refrigerating it as this can cause crystallization. Keep the lid tightly sealed and use a clean, dry spoon each time to prevent introducing moisture. Stored properly, it can last for years without spoiling, thanks to its low moisture content, acidic pH, and natural antimicrobial properties.

Is Manuka honey worth it?

Yes — if you're buying genuine, high-MGO manuka honey from a trusted, transparent source. The price reflects the limited harvest window, the remote New Zealand terrain, and the rigorous testing required to certify MGO levels and authenticity. Cheaper products on the market often have very low MGO ratings or are blended with regular honey, which dramatically reduces their effectiveness.

At Manuka Mana, Manuka honey is the foundation of everything we make. We use it as the base of all our tinctures, honeyblends, and sprays — not just as a sweetener, but as a functional ingredient in its own right. Every batch is lab tested and certified before it reaches you.

How Manuka Mana uses Manuka honey

Manuka honey is the base of every product we create. We chose it not just for its remarkable health properties, but because its natural sweetness makes even our most powerful medicinal blends genuinely delicious — something the whole family will actually look forward to taking.

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it with our products:

• Superfood Honeyblend — Manuka honey blended with propolis, chaga, reishi, and turmeric for daily immunity and antioxidant support. Stir into your morning drink or eat straight off the spoon.
• Propolis DEFEND Honey Spray — Manuka honey combined with propolis and our mushroom trilogy in a convenient daily spray. Perfect for travel, kids, and on-the-go immunity.
• Mushroom TRILOGY Honey Tincture — our triple-extracted lion's mane, reishi, and chaga tincture, infused with manuka honey for a smooth, powerful daily dose.
  

Frequently asked questions about manuka honey

Does Manuka honey help with sore throats?

Yes — Manuka honey is one of the most effective natural remedies for sore throat relief. Its thick texture coats and soothes the throat while its MGO content works antimicrobially on the bacteria causing irritation. Take a spoonful straight or dissolve in warm water at the first sign of throat discomfort.

Can I cook with Manuka honey?

You can, but it's best used raw or added to warm (not boiling) foods and drinks. High heat above 40°C (104°F) can degrade some of the beneficial enzymes and reduce its MGO activity. For therapeutic benefits, take it raw or stirred into drinks that have cooled slightly.

Is Manuka honey good for gut health?

Yes — Manuka honey's prebiotic compounds help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, and its antimicrobial properties may help reduce harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. Many people find it supportive for bloating, digestive discomfort, and overall gut balance.

How is manuka honey different from raw honey?

Raw honey is unprocessed and retains natural enzymes and antioxidants — which is good. But its antibacterial properties come from hydrogen peroxide, which is unstable and breaks down quickly. Manuka honey's antibacterial power comes from stable MGO, making it far more potent and durable than even the best raw honey.

Can children take manuka honey?

Yes — Manuka honey is safe and beneficial for children over 12 months old. It's particularly popular with parents for daily immune support. The rich, naturally sweet flavor means most kids love it. Do not give any honey to infants under 12 months.

Want to learn more? Read our related articles:

• Bee Propolis Benefits: Nature's Most Powerful Immunity Booster
• Mushroom Tincture vs Capsules vs Powder: Which Is Best for Absorption?
• Unlock the Power of Adaptogens: Your Guide to Stress Relief

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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