Why Does Comvita Mānuka Honey Have a Best Before Date if Honey Never Spoils?

Why a Best-By Date Matters on Mānuka Honey

Did you know that honey is one of the few foods that never truly spoils? This golden nectar, celebrated for its sweetness, natural qualities, and unique properties can remain stable for decades when stored properly.

So if honey doesn’t really go bad, why is the Mānuka Honey expiry date printed on the jar? And how long does Mānuka Honey last once you’ve opened it? Let’s explore the unique properties of Mānuka Honey and why proper storage plays such an important role in maintaining its quality over time.

Does Mānuka Honey Go Bad or Expire?

Comvita Mānuka Honey is proudly sourced from New Zealand, ensuring authenticity from hive to table. In compliance with New Zealand and Australian food labelling requirements, a Mānuka Honey expiration date is added to help you gauge freshness and quality.

While virtually all honey products remain safe to consume past their suggested best-before date, the natural compounds in Mānuka Honey can change over time. This date simply reflects its peak quality.

So can Mānuka Honey go bad? Not in the sense of becoming unsafe to eat. However, the potency of its key compounds can shift. This is particularly important for Mānuka Honey, because the strength associated with its unique, natural properties is measured through Methylglyoxal (MGO) levels.

So, how long is Mānuka Honey good for past its best-by-date? Generally, honey remains safe well beyond this date. But to enjoy the strength and quality you're expecting, it’s best to use it within the suggested timeframe.

Understanding the Decline of MGO Content in Mānuka Honey

For more than 20 years, Comvita scientists have studied Mānuka Honey to understand how its compounds undergo natural changes. A key marker, Methylglyoxal (MGO), is formed from Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the honey matures.

MGO levels rise, then stabilise, and eventually decline. This is a natural process that can affect Mānuka Honey shelf life when it comes to potency. If tested at the wrong time, the MGO content may look higher than it is, creating confusion about strength.  

The UMF™ Honey Association sets other markers and minimum levels to ensure consistency and authenticity. This system protects consumers and confirms that your Mānuka Honey contains the beneficial compounds you’re paying for.  

Comvita 3-year Quality Guarantee

Comvita bottles our New Zealand Mānuka Honey at the optimal time to guarantee the UMF™ rating shown on the label for three years. This means you can trust the strength listed on your jar throughout its intended Mānuka Honey shelf life. This is the Comvita difference — and currently, no other Mānuka Honey brand in the world does this.

Storage Tips for Mānuka Honey to Ensure Optimal Quality  

Proper honey storage is essential for maintaining your honey’s quality, flavour, texture, and beneficial properties. So, does Mānuka Honey need to be refrigerated or can it be stored in the pantry? Here’s how to store Mānuka Honey:

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.  
• Keep the jar tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption, which may affect honey’s texture.
• Always use clean utensils (wood, not metal)—avoid double dipping and use a clean spoon to scoop honey.
• If your honey crystallises, don’t worry — it’s natural. Simply place the jar in a warm water bath to easily soften honey without affecting its natural quality.  

So, how long does Mānuka Honey last once opened? As long as you follow the storage guidelines, it can remain stable for years. It doesn’t go off or spoil — its potency just gradually changes over time.

Experience the Comvita Difference  

You can trust Comvita to provide quality honey products that balance nature, science, and care for our bees. Every jar of our authentic New Zealand Mānuka Honey reflects over 50 years of expertise and a commitment to excellence. Stored correctly, you’ll enjoy the natural qualities and rich taste this extraordinary honey has to offer.