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Discover where Manuka honey comes from and hear about its unique natural benefits, as well as how to work out which Manuka honey is best to buy – including an honest comparison of Manuka Doctor’s multifloral (55MGO) and monofloral (740 MGO) Manuka honey.
Long before it became a global wellness staple, Manuka honey was a natural remedy cherished by New Zealand’s indigenous Māori communities. Sourced from the Manuka bush – a wild, scrubby plant that blooms for just a few fleeting weeks each year – the leaves and bark were traditionally brewed or applied to treat everything from fevers to dandruff.
It wasn’t until European settlers introduced honey bees to New Zealand in the 19th century that Manuka honey itself began to emerge as a health aid. Today, it’s earned a worldwide reputation – not just for its deep, earthy flavour, but for its powerful natural properties.
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What’s so special about Manuka honey?
So, what makes Manuka honey so special? Unlike ordinary honey, MGO Manuka honey contains a unique form of antimicrobial activity called non-peroxide activity. Studies show this gives it significant antibacterial effects, while further research highlights its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, often linked to a range of wellbeing benefits.
Its rarity only adds to its allure. Manuka honey can only be produced when bees collect nectar from Manuka blossoms, which appear for a short time each year in the wild landscapes of New Zealand. Each jar is a snapshot of that brief blooming season – potent, pure, and packed with goodness.
Does the NHS use Manuka honey?
Yes, medical-grade Manuka honey is used within the NHS across the UK including England, Wales, and Scotland – primarily in wound care. It’s incorporated into specialist dressings to help treat burns, ulcers, and surgical wounds, thanks to its antibacterial and healing properties. The honey used is sterilised for clinical use and differs from the type sold for eating.
What’s the best way to enjoy Manuka honey?
Just 21g is all it takes to get your recommended daily dose of Manuka Honey – that’s just under 1.5 tablespoons!
A spoonful of Manuka honey is always appealing, but it also makes a great addition to salad dressing and smoothies, or drizzled over everything from porridge and overnight oats, to my sesame-crusted Cypriot halloumi. However, as heating Manuka honey can destroy its health-boosting properties and alter its taste, it’s not recommended for cooking.
Which Manuka honey is best in the UK?
Delivering from hive to doorstep, Manuka Doctor is a leading independent producer of premium, genuine Manuka honey based in New Zealand – a country rich in Manuka bushes. With over 50,000 five-star reviews from UK customers and endorsements from doctors, nutritionists and athletes, the brand is recognised as a trusted global leader.
With 60,000 beehives across New Zealand’s North and South Islands and a strong commitment to traceability, every jar of Manuka Doctor honey can be tracked from hive to home. Once harvested in New Zealand, the honey is independently lab-tested, certified as raw, and checked for compliance with New Zealand’s strict export regulations. It’s then shipped to Manuka Doctor’s UK base in Leicestershire for distribution.
And it’s not just the health benefits that get people talking – Manuka Doctor’s honey tastes great, too. Don’t just take my word for it: their 740 MGO, 540 MGO, 100 MGO, and 55 MGO honeys have all scooped Great Taste Awards.
What is MGO in Manuka honey?
Ever noticed a number next to “MGO” on your jar of Manuka honey and wondered what it means? MGO stands for methylglyoxal – the natural compound responsible for Manuka’s famous antibacterial powers, derived from the dihydroxyacetone (DHA) found in the nectar of the Manuka bush. The number tells you how much of it is packed into the honey. So, a jar labelled 340 MGO has 340mg of methylglyoxal per kilo. The higher the number, the stronger the honey’s bacteria-fighting potential.
Multifloral vs monofloral Manuka honey: what’s the difference?
Just as Manuka honey is graded by its MGO rating, it’s also classified into two main types: multifloral and monofloral.
Multifloral Manuka honey is made using nectar from a variety of flowers, including some from the Manuka bush. Monofloral Manuka honey, meanwhile, is produced mostly from nectar gathered specifically from Manuka blossoms. This makes it purer and typically more potent in its unique natural properties. Usually, monofloral Manuka honey has a higher MGO (methylglyoxal) content than multifloral varieties.
To determine whether Manuka honey is monofloral or multifloral, scientists look at five key markers. Four of these are chemical compounds known as phenolic acids: 3-phenyllactic acid (3-PLA), 2-methoxyacetophenone (2-MAP), 2-methoxybenzoic acid, and 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid. The fifth marker is a DNA test used to confirm the presence of Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium) pollen in the honey.
For honey to be classed as monofloral, it must contain at least 400mg/kg of 3-PLA and 5mg/kg of 2-MAP, along with a minimum of 1mg/kg of the other two acids, plus a positive DNA result. Multifloral Manuka honey contains between 20 and 400mg/kg of 3-PLA, at least 1mg/kg of each of the other three compounds, and a positive DNA result indicating some Manuka content, though at a lower level.
Manuka Doctor: 55 MGO vs 740 MG compared
Manuka Doctor produces a variety of manuka honey ranging from 30MGO to 1300 MGO, including both monofloral and multifloral varieties. In this post, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on Manuka Doctor’s signature 55MGO Manuka Honey and premium quality 740MGO Manuka Honey.
55 MGO Manuka honey (multifloral)
Offering an accessible entry point into the world of Manuka honey, the 55 MGO Manuka Honey is ideal for daily use.
Packaging: The honey comes in a sleek black plastic jar with a ribbed lid for easy opening. The label includes certification marks confirming the honey’s authenticity, along with detailed information on its chemical composition. On top of the lid, you’ll find numbers representing the five key markers used to determine whether Manuka honey is monofloral or multifloral: 3-phenyllactic acid (3-PLA), 2-methoxyacetophenone (2-MAP), 2-methoxybenzoic acid (2-MBA), 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (4-HPLA), and DNA.
According to the label, this jar contains ≥20 but <400mg/kg of 3-PLA, and ≤1mg/kg each of 2-MAP, 2-MBA, and 4-HPLA. This falls below the thresholds required for monofloral classification – specifically, 400mg/kg of 3-PLA and 5mg/kg of 2-MAP – confirming that this is a multifloral Manuka honey.
Appearance and consistency: This honey has a rich amber hue and a smooth, velvety texture, setting it apart from the lighter colour and thinner consistency of many everyday table honeys.
Taste: It offers a well-balanced flavour with mild sweetness and gentle earthy notes, making it a versatile choice for everything from toast to tea.
Cost comparison: At £34.00 for a 500g jar, this honey costs considerably more than your typical jar of table honey, yet in line with many entry-level Manuka honeys on the market. Prices for 55 MGO products can vary significantly depending on factors like sourcing practices, independent testing, and product certification. While some lower-cost options are available, they may not offer the same level of traceability or brand assurance.
Value: While it’s more expensive than everyday honey, Manuka Doctor’s 55 MGO is competitively priced for a certified multifloral Manuka product. With full traceability from hive to jar and a reputation backed by thousands of five-star reviews, it’s a solid choice for those looking to try genuine Manuka honey without jumping straight to higher-strength, higher-cost options.
740 MGO Manuka honey (monofloral)
For those seeking a high-strength Manuka honey, Manuka Doctor’s 740 MGO boasts potent antibacterial properties, making it suitable for targeted wellness applications.
Packaging: Like the 55 MGO Manuka honey, the 740 MGO Manuka honey is presented in a sleek black plastic jar that’s easy to open. However, the label used for this honey is black as opposed to white, signalling that this belongs to Manuka Doctor’s premium range. The label prominently displays certification marks that verify the honey’s authenticity and purity, ensuring consumers of its authenticity and origin. Containing at least 400mg/kg of 3-PLA, 5 mg/kg of 2-MAP and 1mg/kg each of 2-MBA and 4-HPLA, this is genuine monofloral Manuka Honey.
Appearance and consistency: The honey exhibits a deep amber hue, indicative of its rich concentration of Manuka nectar. Its texture is thick and creamy, offering a luxurious mouthfeel that distinguishes it from standard table honeys.
Taste: Renowned for its complex flavour profile, this honey balances a robust sweetness with earthy and slightly medicinal undertones. In 2024, it received a 3-Star Great Taste Award, underscoring its exceptional quality and taste.
Cost comparison: Priced at £136.00 for a 500g jar, this premium Manuka honey certainly isn’t cheap. However, its cost is a reflection of its high MGO rating and monofloral certification. While it commands a higher price point than lower MGO or multifloral varieties, it remains competitively priced within the premium Manuka honey market, where prices are influenced by factors such as potency, purity, and brand reputation.
Value: Manuka Doctor’s 740 MGO Manuka Honey offers substantial value for those seeking a high-strength, authentic Manuka honey. Its verified monofloral status, rigorous testing for purity, and award-winning taste profile make it a worthwhile investment for consumers prioritising quality and efficacy in their Manuka honey selection.
Summing up: which Manuka honey is best?
Manuka Doctor’s 55 MGO is a great entry point for anyone new to Manuka honey. It’s ideal for daily use and offers quality and authenticity, without the premium price tag of higher-strength options.
If you’re looking to tap into the full health-supporting potential of Manuka honey, however – especially for immune support – the 740 MGO monofloral variety offers maximum strength and proven antimicrobial activity, making it well worth the investment.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and budget. For something in between, the 400 MGO Manuka Honey – currently priced at £80 for 500g – strikes a balance between strength and value.
You can order Manuka Doctor’s full range direct from their website, often with the best available prices and offers.
Do you eat Manuka honey, and which type of Manuka honey do you prefer? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.
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