What is Mānuka Honey?

Authentic New Zealand Mānuka Honey is made by bees that pollinate New Zealand’s native Mānuka tree. Manuka is a unique honey, containing high levels of Methyglyoxal (MGO), giving it unique properties that make like no other honey. Mānuka honey is dark in color and has a unique flavor and thick texture. It contains high amounts of polyphenols and flavonoid compounds which are loaded with antioxidants believed to have great nutritional and health properties.

Our Mānuka honey comes from small-batch beekeepers on the remote area of New Zealand’s south Island. Hokitika is located on the “wild west coast”, an area known for its rich natural beauty and way of life that seeks to preserve and live in harmony with nature.

MGO and UMF are ways to rate the Methylglyoxal content of the honey. This is the main antibacterial, naturally occuring compound in Mānuka honey. It can vary from batch to batch and from season to season.

MGO = Methylglyoxal

This a key property when it comes to health benefits of the honey. The higher the MGO, the higher the potency. Our MGO rating is thouroughly tested by labs in both New Zealand and the United States.

UMF = Unique Mānuka Factor

Another rating you might see on Mānuka honey is UMF, a testing process developed by the UMF honey Association in New Zealand. It takes into account MGO as well as other compounds unique to Mānuka honey – Leptosperin and DHA (or dihydroxyacetone). The UMF number is based on the amount of MGO (see our chart for MGO to UMF conversion). Mānuka honey does not need to be UMF certified to be authentic, and our reliance on MGO over UMF allows us to bring you pure, authentic Mānuka honey at the best price possible.