Navigating the world of New Zealand Manuka honey can feel complex. With terms like MGO, monofloral and raw appearing on labels, it’s easy to feel unsure about which jar is the right choice for your family’s wellness routine. Are you looking for daily immune support, a natural way to soothe a sore throat or simply a healthier alternative to processed sugar?
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you understand these distinctions. This guide will break down the key factors to consider when you buy manuka honey, helping you select a product that genuinely aligns with your health goals and budget.
How to Choose the Right Manuka Honey
Before looking at specific products, understanding a few key terms will empower you to make a more informed decision. Here are the essential points to consider.
1. Understanding Potency: MGO Certification
The most reliable indicator of a Manuka honey's unique properties is its MGO certified manuka honey rating. MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in high concentrations in genuine Manuka honey. The MGO number (e.g., 70+, 100+, 250+) represents the minimum milligrams of Methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey.
- Lower MGO (e.g., 70+ to 100+): Ideal for daily use, such as a natural sweetener in drinks, on toast or in smoothies to support general well-being.
- Higher MGO (e.g., 250+ and above): Often chosen for more targeted needs, such as providing seasonal manuka honey for immune support or for soothing a dry, scratchy throat.
2. Monofloral vs. Multifloral
This distinction tells you about the nectar sources the bees used.
- Monofloral manuka honey: The nectar comes predominantly from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). This results in a honey with a higher concentration of Manuka's signature compounds, a darker colour and a more potent, earthy flavour.
- Multifloral manuka honey: The bees have foraged on a variety of New Zealand flora, including Manuka. This honey has a milder flavour and a creamier texture, making it a more versatile option for everyday enjoyment.
3. The Importance of 'Raw'
When you see raw manuka honey on a label, it means the honey has not been pasteurised (heated to high temperatures) and has been minimally filtered. This process helps to preserve the naturally occurring enzymes, pollen and other beneficial compounds that can be damaged or removed by excessive processing.
Our Top Recommendations for New Zealand Manuka Honey in 2026
Based on these quality markers, here are a few recommendations from the Egmont Honey range, a brand known for its pure, traceable New Zealand honey.
1. EGMONT HONEY New Zealand Manuka Honey MGO 100+ Multifloral
- Why It Stands Out: This honey strikes an excellent balance between daily usability and beneficial properties. The MGO 100+ rating provides a good level of support for everyday wellness, while its multifloral nature gives it a smooth, creamy texture and a pleasant, caramel-like flavour that isn't overpowering.
- Pros:
- Certified to contain at least 100mg/kg of Methylglyoxal.
- A balanced, multifloral blend with a milder taste.
- Raw and unpasteurised to preserve natural goodness.
- Versatile for use in drinks, on food or straight from the spoon.
- Who is it for? Individuals and families looking for a reliable, medium-strength Manuka honey for daily immune and digestive support. It's a perfect starting point for those new to Manuka.
2. EGMONT HONEY New Zealand Manuka Honey MGO 70+ Multifloral (500g)
- Why It Stands Out: This larger 500g jar offers great value for those who wish to incorporate Manuka honey into their daily diet. With a certified MGO 70+ rating, it serves as a fantastic, health-conscious replacement for refined sugars in your tea, porridge or yoghurt.
- Pros:
- Economical 500g size for regular use.
- Certified MGO 70+ for daily wellness maintenance.
- Rich, creamy texture and complex multifloral flavour.
- Sustainably harvested and minimally processed.
- Who is it for? Health-conscious households seeking a high-quality, natural sweetener to use generously in their daily meals and drinks, while still getting the foundational benefits of Manuka.
3. EGMONT HONEY New Zealand Monofloral Manuka Honey MGO 250+
- Why It Stands Out: As a monofloral manuka honey with a high-strength MGO 250+ rating, this product is designed for those seeking more potent support. Its nectar is sourced almost exclusively from the Manuka bush, delivering a concentrated profile of the compounds Manuka is famous for.
- Pros:
- High-potency, certified to contain at least 250mg/kg of Methylglyoxal.
- Pure monofloral source for a more concentrated effect.
- Rich, velvety texture with a bold, earthy flavour.
- Ideal for targeted use during the winter months or for digestive support.
- Who is it for? Users who are already familiar with Manuka honey and are looking for a more powerful option to support their immune system or soothe a throat during seasonal changes.
Looking for Other Options?
If these specific strengths don't quite match your needs, or if you're curious about other varieties, there is a wider selection to explore.
️ Discover our full collection of natural honey to find the perfect fit for your wellness routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between MGO and UMF? MGO (Methylglyoxal) is a direct measurement of the key active compound in Manuka honey. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a comprehensive grading system that measures MGO as well as other signature markers (like Leptosperin and DHA) to certify the honey's authenticity and purity. Both are reliable indicators of quality.
2. How should I use Manuka honey for a sore throat? Many people find taking one or two teaspoons of raw manuka honey straight from the spoon to be soothing. You can also stir it into a cup of warm (not boiling) water or herbal tea with lemon. Using boiling water can degrade some of the honey's natural properties.
3. Is Manuka honey safe for everyone? Manuka honey is a natural food product, but it is not recommended for infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism. Individuals with bee or pollen allergies should exercise caution. If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, or are pregnant or nursing, it is always wise to consult your doctor before adding a new supplement to your diet.
