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Joybuy Insights

Our Top Recommendations for New Zealand Manuka Honey in 2026

By Joybuy
Updated June 2026
5 Min Read

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 fit for your wellness routine. Many people are looking for a natural way to support their health, whether it's for daily immune support, soothing a sore throat, or simply finding a wholesome alternative to refined sugar.

As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you understand these products better. This guide is designed to cut through the marketing jargon, explain what those labels really mean and provide clear, practical advice to help you select a high-quality Manuka honey that suits your needs.

A Quick Guide to Choosing Manuka Honey

Before we look at specific products, let's clarify a few key terms you'll encounter. Understanding these will make your purchasing decision much simpler.

1. Understanding Potency: What is MGO?

The key to Manuka honey's unique properties is a naturally occurring compound called Methylglyoxal. The MGO Manuka Honey rating system measures the concentration of this compound in milligrams per kilogram. In simple terms: the higher the MGO number, the more potent the honey.

  • Lower MGO (e.g., 70+ to 100+): Ideal for daily use, such as a natural sweetener in drinks, on toast or in yoghurt. It offers general wellness support.
  • Higher MGO (e.g., 250+ and above): This honey is more concentrated and is often sought by those looking for more targeted support for their immune system or digestive health.

2. Monofloral vs. Multifloral

This distinction tells you about the nectar source of the honey.

  • Monofloral Manuka Honey: This means the honey is made predominantly from the nectar of the Manuka flower. This results in a higher concentration of Manuka's signature compounds and a more potent, distinctive flavour.
  • Multifloral Manuka Honey: This honey is a blend, where bees have foraged from the Manuka bush as well as other native New Zealand wildflowers. It typically has a milder, sweeter taste and is an excellent choice for everyday enjoyment.

3. The Value of Raw Honey

When you see Raw Manuka Honey on a label, it signifies that the honey has not been pasteurised (heated to high temperatures) and has been minimally filtered. This process helps to preserve the naturally occurring enzymes and beneficial bioactives that can be diminished by excessive heat and processing, ensuring you receive a product that is as close to its natural state as possible.

Our Top Recommendations for 2026

Here are our recommendations for high-quality pure New Zealand honey, each offering distinct characteristics to suit different preferences and wellness goals.

1. Egmont Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey MGO 100+

Egmont Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey MGO 100+ Multifloral Raw Honey

Egmont Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey MGO 100+ Multifloral Raw Honey - 250g

Why It Stands Out: This honey is a fantastic all-rounder. The multifloral blend gives it a smooth, creamy texture and a balanced, caramel-like flavour that isn't overpowering. With a certified MGO 100+ rating, it provides a good level of potency for daily Manuka honey for immune support and digestive wellness, making it a perfect starting point for those new to Manuka.

Pros:

  • Certified to contain at least 100mg/kg of Methylglyoxal.
  • A balanced multifloral blend with a pleasant, mild flavour.
  • Raw and unpasteurised to preserve natural enzymes.
  • Sourced from remote, pristine New Zealand forests.

Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for individuals and families looking for a versatile Manuka honey for daily use, whether stirred into tea, drizzled on porridge or taken straight from the spoon.

2. Egmont Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey MGO 70+

Egmont Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey MGO 70+ Multifloral Raw Honey

Egmont Honey New Zealand Manuka Honey MGO 70+ Multifloral Raw Honey - 500g

Why It Stands Out: Offering great value in a larger 500g jar, this MGO 70+ honey is a superb entry-level option. It delivers the wellness properties of Manuka in a rich, creamy multifloral blend that is perfect for culinary use. It serves as a wonderful, natural alternative to processed sugars in your daily diet.

Pros:

  • Certified MGO 70+ for everyday wellness support.
  • Rich, complex flavour from a blend of native wildflower nectars.
  • Raw and unpasteurised, retaining its natural properties.
  • Sustainably harvested and fully traceable from hive to jar.

Who is it for? Ideal for health-conscious families or individuals who use honey regularly and are looking for a high-quality, natural sweetener with added wellness benefits.

3. Egmont Honey New Zealand Monofloral Manuka Honey MGO 250+

Egmont Honey New Zealand Monofloral Manuka Honey MGO 250+

Egmont Honey New Zealand Monofloral Manuka Honey MGO 250+ Raw Honey - 250g

Why It Stands Out: For those seeking more potent support, this Monofloral Manuka Honey is an excellent option. With a certified MGO 250+ rating, it delivers a higher concentration of Manuka's active compounds. Its monofloral origin gives it a bolder, earthier flavour and a rich, velvety texture, reflecting its high potency.

Pros:

  • High-strength certified MGO 250+.
  • Monofloral quality, sourced predominantly from the Manuka bush.
  • Raw and unpasteurised to maintain bioactive integrity.
  • Traditionally used for targeted immune and digestive support.

Who is it for? This honey is suited for individuals looking for a high-potency natural supplement to support their immune system, aid digestive comfort or soothe a troublesome throat.

Looking for Other Options?

The world of natural honey is vast and varied. If you're interested in exploring a wider selection, from different floral varieties to other premium wellness products, we invite you to browse our full collection.

[Explore our complete range of raw honey here](https://www.joybuy.co.uk/explore/raw-honey/e5cRqBVo)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the MGO number on Manuka honey mean?

MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, the naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its unique properties. The MGO rating (e.g., MGO 100+) is a certification of the minimum amount of this compound present in the honey, measured in mg/kg. A higher MGO number indicates a higher concentration and therefore greater potency.

Can I use Manuka honey to soothe a sore throat?

Manuka honey is a popular choice for a honey for sore throat. Its thick, viscous texture helps to coat the throat, providing a soothing sensation. For this purpose, it can be taken directly from a spoon or stirred into a warm (not boiling) lemon and ginger drink.

What is the difference between Monofloral and Multifloral Manuka honey?

Monofloral Manuka Honey is derived primarily from the nectar of the Manuka plant, making it more potent and concentrated. Multifloral Manuka Honey is a blend of nectar from Manuka and other New Zealand wildflowers, which typically results in a milder flavour and is well-suited for general daily consumption.