The Global Rise of Manuka Honey
In recent years, Manuka honey has taken the wellness world by storm. Known for its antibacterial strength, antioxidant properties, and healing potential, it has earned its place as a top natural superfood. But not all Manuka honey is created equal.
With rising popularity has come a surge in brands — some exceptional, others less so. Whether you’re looking for immune support, skincare remedies, or digestive aid, knowing the top rated Manuka honey brands ensures you’re getting high-quality, authentic honey worth your investment.
This guide breaks down the most trusted brands globally, their certifications, unique selling points, and where to buy them.
What Makes a Brand “Top Rated”?
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to define what “top rated” actually means in the world of Manuka honey. Here’s what we considered:
- UMF or MGO Certification: Verified lab-tested potency.
- Traceability & Origin: 100% authentic New Zealand or Australian origin.
- Purity & Processing: Minimal processing to retain enzymes and nutrients.
- Consumer Reviews: Consistent customer satisfaction across platforms.
- Industry Recognition: Awards, partnerships, and sustainability efforts.
1. Manuka Health (New Zealand)
Why It’s Top Rated:
Manuka Health is one of the most recognizable names in the industry. With products ranging from MGO 100+ to MGO 850+, it offers honey for both casual and medicinal use.
- Founded: 2006
- Certifications: MGO & UMF certified
- Strength: Wide potency range
- Known For: Scientific research and high-quality control
- Where to Buy: Amazon, official website, iHerb
2. Comvita (New Zealand)
Why It’s Top Rated:
Comvita is one of the oldest and most established Manuka honey producers, trusted by consumers worldwide. They maintain their own hives and control every step of production.
- Founded: 1974
- Certifications: UMF-certified, Non-GMO
- Strength: UMF 5+ to UMF 20+
- Known For: Medicinal-grade honey, sustainable harvesting
- Where to Buy: Comvita website, health stores, pharmacies
3. Egmont Honey (New Zealand)
Why It’s Top Rated:
A family-owned brand committed to sustainable beekeeping and high-quality exports. They provide raw, unpasteurized Manuka honey with UMF certification.
- Founded: 2008
- Certifications: UMF-certified
- Strength: UMF 5+ to UMF 20+
- Known For: Eco-friendly practices, transparent sourcing
- Where to Buy: Official site, NZ Honey Shop, Amazon
4. Wedderspoon (New Zealand & USA)
Why It’s Top Rated:
Although Wedderspoon uses its own KFactor rating instead of UMF or MGO, it’s a popular brand in the U.S. that emphasizes raw, non-GMO Manuka honey.
- Founded: 2005
- Certifications: Non-GMO, KFactor (origin traceability)
- Strength: Non-standardized, focused on raw purity
- Known For: Availability in U.S. health stores
- Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Amazon, Walmart
5. Steens Honey (New Zealand)
Why It’s Top Rated:
Steens specializes in raw, unprocessed Manuka honey with high MGO values. Their honey is minimally filtered and retains the natural “honeycomb bits.”
- Founded: 1982
- Certifications: UMF-certified
- Strength: UMF 5+ to UMF 24+
- Known For: Cold processing, full traceability
- Where to Buy: Steens website, Amazon, select grocers
6. Tahi Honey (New Zealand)
Why It’s Top Rated:
Tahi Honey blends premium Manuka with sustainability. They’ve transformed over 30 wetlands, planting hundreds of thousands of native trees.
- Founded: Early 2000s
- Certifications: UMF, Carbon neutral
- Strength: UMF 10+ to UMF 20+
- Known For: Eco-restoration and conservation efforts
- Where to Buy: TahiHoney.com, specialty online retailers
7. Happy Valley (New Zealand)
Why It’s Top Rated:
Happy Valley is praised for small-batch Manuka honey with high MGO ratings and intense flavor. Ideal for people looking for both culinary and medicinal uses.
- Founded: 1975
- Certifications: UMF, Halal
- Strength: UMF 10+ to UMF 20+
- Known For: Gourmet Manuka and bee-derived supplements
- Where to Buy: HappyValley.co.nz, export platforms
8. Superlife Co. (Australia)
Why It’s Top Rated:
Australia also produces high-grade Manuka honey. Superlife Co. focuses on MGO-rated Manuka harvested in wild regions of New South Wales.
- Founded: 2010s
- Certifications: MGO-certified, locally sourced
- Strength: MGO 100+ to MGO 850+
- Known For: Small batch production, high MGO values
- Where to Buy: Australian health food retailers, official site
How to Choose the Right Brand for You
Here’s how to pick a Manuka honey brand based on your needs:
| Use Case | Suggested Brand | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Immune Support | Comvita, Manuka Health | UMF 5+ or MGO 100+ |
| Sore Throat or Colds | Egmont Honey, Wedderspoon | UMF 10+ or MGO 250+ |
| Wound Healing/Skin Care | Steens, Superlife Co. | UMF 15+ or MGO 400+ |
| Raw/Pure Taste Preference | Steens, Happy Valley | Raw, minimally filtered |
| Sustainable Sourcing Priority | Tahi Honey | UMF 10+ and eco-verified |
Why Choose UMF or MGO Certified Brands?
Certification matters when you’re dealing with a premium natural product. Here’s why you should always choose brands that are either UMF or MGO certified:
- Purity: Assurance of no additives or sugar syrups
- Potency: Verifiable antibacterial strength
- Safety: Lab-tested for contaminants
- Transparency: Traceable from hive to jar
Final Thoughts: Trust Only the Best Manuka Honey Brands
With growing demand for Manuka honey, knowing which brands to trust is crucial. The top rated Manuka honey brands listed above not only provide superior quality but also ensure traceability, sustainability, and health efficacy.
Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or are already a Manuka enthusiast, investing in the right brand can make all the difference.
