How to Take Mānuka Honey

Enjoy Mānuka Honey’s beneficial properties with our comprehensive consumption guide 

Mānuka Honey is a rare and remarkable type of honey that originates in New Zealand, produced by bees that pollinate the native Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) bush. What makes it unique is its naturally occurring compounds, particularly MGO (Methylglyoxal), which contribute to its distinctive quality and character.

At Comvita, we’ve been sourcing and studying Mānuka Honey for decades, sharing our expertise so people around the world can enjoy and understand this extra special superfood. Naturally, we’ve found that with this golden gift from nature comes some questions about how best to utilise it.

This expert guide will walk you through how to enjoy Mānuka Honey as part of your daily routine, from selecting the right strength for your needs to understanding when and how to take it.

Who should avoid Mānuka Honey?

The first thing to note is that although Mānuka Honey can be a nourishing addition to a balanced diet, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some important exceptions to be aware of:

• Infants under 12 months: Honey, including Mānuka Honey, should never be given to babies under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.
• People with diabetes: As honey is a natural sweetener, individuals with diabetes should consult their medical professional before consuming Mānuka Honey to ensure it’s safe for their blood sugar requirements.
• Allergic reactions and sensitivities: Those with allergies to honey, bee products, or pollen should exercise caution, as reactions can occur.
• Medication interactions: If you are taking medication or managing a health condition, it’s best to check with your doctor before introducing Mānuka Honey into your diet or using it topically.

Choosing the right Mānuka Honey for your needs

Part of Mānuka Honey’s beauty is that it’s not one-size-fits-all. To help customers navigate quality and authenticity, genuine Mānuka Honey, like ours at Comvita, is rated using the UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) trademark, which measures MGO levels, as well as other key markers that determine authenticity, potency, and quality.

Different UMF™ or MGO ratings reflect varying levels of natural MGO and other quality markers, allowing you to choose a honey that suits your taste and intended use, whether for daily enjoyment or more concentrated grades.

When purchasing, always look for the UMF™ quality mark on the label. This guarantees that you’re actually getting Mānuka Honey from New Zealand that has been independently tested and verified.

How to take Mānuka Honey the right way

The best ways to consume Mānuka Honey

Incorporating Mānuka Honey into your day is easy. In fact, there are several ways it can slot right into your routine, without requiring significant changes. This includes:

• Stirred into your favourite tea or other warm drink (avoid boiling-hot water)
• Blended into your breakfast smoothies, or mixed with yoghurt for added flavour
• Drizzled on top of salmon, ham or roasted vegetables at dinnertime
• Straight from the spoon as part of your daily routine
• Countless delicious recipes, from wholesome salads to sweet treats
• Single-serve sachets and lozenges for on-the-go use
  

Recommended daily dosage

Many people enjoy 1–2 teaspoons a day as part of their diet, although you might prefer more or less, depending on your taste. It’s always best to start with a moderate amount and adjust to your needs.

When to take it

Eat Mānuka Honey in the morning to fuel your day, as a pre-workout energy boost, or enjoy it in the evening as part of a calming routine. Ultimately, consistency is more important than timing, so choose a moment that fits seamlessly into your life. 

Using Mānuka Honey topically

Eating Mānuka Honey isn’t the only way to benefit from it. It has a long history of topical use as well. 

Medihoney™ for wounds and burns

Comvita’s Medihoney™ is made with medical-grade Mānuka Honey and is trusted in clinical settings and at home to support the natural healing process.

Medihoney’s™ thick consistency acts as a protective barrier, keeping bacteria out of the affected area. Additionally, it serves as a natural humectant, keeping the skin hydrated and supple.

Medihoney™ is made with medical-grade Mānuka Honey and is a registered medical device in Australia (ARTG-listed). Always read the label and follow directions for use.

For skincare

There are so many ways you can incorporate Mānuka Honey into your skincare to boost your beauty routine. Its hydrating properties and rich texture and natural humectant qualities make it a popular ingredient in DIY skincare routines.

Please note: Comvita’s Medihoney™ range is currently out of stock and will be returning in the future. In the meantime, explore our full range of Comvita Mānuka Honey products for everyday use.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Mānuka Honey every day?

Yes! It’s totally safe to enjoy a daily spoonful or two of Mānuka Honey, whether in your tea, smoothie, or by the spoonful. 

Can children over 1 year old have Mānuka Honey?

Yes, Mānuka Honey is safe for children over 12 months. However, babies under 12 months are not allowed Mānuka Honey due to the risks of botulism, a life-threatening illness caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Infants under 12 months are at risk because they don’t have a strong enough immune system to prevent this bacterium from turning toxic in the gut. By 12 months, this risk has dropped significantly, and it becomes safe for consumption.

Is Mānuka Honey safe during pregnancy?

Yes, Mānuka Honey is generally considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women as mature digestive systems normally neutralise any Clostridium botulinum bacteria found in honey. If you have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or have concerns, check with your healthcare provider first. 

Which UMF™ strength should I choose?

UMF™ 5+ and 10+ honeys are ideal for everyday enjoyment. Higher UMF™ grades, such as 15+ or 20+, contain higher MGO levels and are often chosen by those seeking a stronger, more intense Mānuka experience.

Can you put Mānuka Honey in hot tea?

We recommend mixing Mānuka Honey with warm water to preserve its goodness.

Choose authentic, high-quality Mānuka Honey

So, how should you take Mānuka Honey?

The answer depends on your needs and lifestyle. For most people, a daily dose or two of honey straight from the spoon, stirred into a warm herbal tea or smoothie, or included in sweet or savoury meals, is the best way to take it.

For others, sachets and lozenges offer unmatched convenience when you’re on the go. And beyond the kitchen, Comvita’s Medihoney™ range, made with medical-grade Mānuka Honey, is used in many settings to help support wound management.

Whatever the method, the most important part is choosing authentic, high-quality Mānuka Honey with the UMF™ quality mark, like ours at Comvita. Remember, lower UMF™ is great for general ongoing use, while higher UMF™ honeys offer a more potent option for targeted use.

Ready to begin your Manuka Honey journey with the trusted global authority?

Explore our full range of Mānuka Honey online.