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- Dr Isaac Flitta
- Feb 20, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
The golden nectar of the bees is a sweet treat enjoyed for millennia. But not all honey is created equal.
While the familiar sweetness unites them, a world of difference exists between regular honey, Australian "Manuka" honey, and the gold standard: New Zealand Manuka honey.
This article helps unpack the differences of each, highlighting what makes New Zealand Manuka honey stand out.
Regular Honey:
The Humble Hero, Regular honey, produced from various nectar sources, offers a delightful sweetness and a range of potential health benefits. These benefits vary depending on the floral source of the nectar.
For instance, clover honey is often praised for its mild flavour and potential soothing properties. In contrast, Rewarewa Honey is a rare honey in New Zealand. It comes from the nectar of the Rewarewa tree, which is endemic to the low-elevation and valley forests of the North Island and Marlborough Sounds.
Renowned for its rich, caramel-like flavor, Rewarewa honey has a deep amber hue, thicker texture, and creamier consistency than most other honey types. For an inviting sweet taste, you can spread it on toast, drizzle it over your pancakes, or add it to your tea.
These honey contain various antioxidants and enzymes, contributing to their overall health-promoting properties. However, the unique bioactive compounds found in Manuka honey are mainly absent. Regular honey's consistency, colour, and flavour are highly variable, depending on the floral source and beekeeping practices. It's a versatile sweetener, a culinary ingredient, and a traditional remedy for minor ailments. While beneficial, it lacks the specific markers that set Manuka honey apart.
Australian "Manuka?" Honey: A Contender?
The term "Manuka" is often loosely applied, leading to some confusion. It is a New Zealand Maori Name. While Australia produces honey from the Leptospermum plant species, the crucial difference lies in the specific species and the resulting honey's chemical composition.
Australian Leptospermum honey may share some similarities with New Zealand Manuka honey. Still, it generally lacks high levels of unique compounds, particularly methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which are responsible for Manuka honey's renowned properties.
The Australian "Manuka" honey debate often concerns the lack of stringent quality control and standardised testing. While some Australian honey exhibits some of the beneficial properties associated with Manuka honey, it typically falls short in potency, consistency, and regulations. The absence of a robust regulatory framework makes it challenging to guarantee the quality and authenticity of Australian "Manuka" honey.
New Zealand Manuka Honey: The Gold Standard
New Zealand Manuka honey, produced from the Leptospermum scoparium plant, stands out for its unique chemical composition and rigorous quality control.
The unique terroir of New Zealand, combined with the specific Manuka bush species, contributes to the honey's exceptional properties.
This is where the magic happens. The key differentiating factor is the high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA). These compounds are potent antioxidants and possess remarkable antimicrobial properties.
The MGO rating, often displayed on New Zealand Manuka honey labels, indicates the concentration of MGO and directly correlates with the honey's potency. The higher the MGO rating, the greater the antimicrobial activity.
New Zealand's strict regulatory framework ensures authenticity and quality. Independent testing and certification bodies, such as those that certify Totika Health Manuka honey, verify the honey's origin, purity, and MGO rating.
This provides consumers with confidence in the product's quality and efficacy. The benefits of New Zealand Manuka honey are widely studied and documented.
Its potent antimicrobial properties make it effective in wound healing, soothing sore throats, and supporting gut health. Its antioxidant properties contribute to overall well-being. The rich, complex flavour profile, ranging from subtly sweet to intensely robust, adds to its appeal.
Choosing Your Honey: It is a Matter of Quality
The choice between regular honey, Australian "Manuka" honey, and New Zealand honey ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.
Regular honey offers a versatile and affordable option. In contrast, Australian "Manuka" honey provides a potential alternative, although its quality and potency can be inconsistent.
However, New Zealand Manuka honey reigns supreme for those seeking the highest concentration of unique bioactive compounds and the assurance of quality and authenticity.
To ensure you select the highest-quality Manuka honey, look for products with independent certification and clearly stated MGO ratings from Product of New Zealand.
Consider exploring the range of New Zealand Manuka honey available, each offering a unique flavour profile and potency.
Remember to look for brands committed to sustainability and ethical beekeeping practices.
Understanding the differences between these honeys empowers you to make informed choices about your health and well-being.
Researching reputable brands and understanding the grading systems will help you find the perfect honey to suit your needs. Discover the difference that quality makes.
Dr Isaac Flitta
Quick Facts: Comparing Honey Types
Feature | Regular Honey | Australian "Manuka" | NZ Manuka Honey |
Floral Source | Various (Clover, etc.) | Leptospermum species | Leptospermum scoparium |
Main Benefit | Natural Sweetener | Mild Bioactivity | Medicinal Grade / Potent |
MGO Content | Negligible | Variable / Lower | High & Certified |
Regulation | Basic Food Standards | Inconsistent | Strict Government Export Laws |
Primary Use | Culinary / General | General Health | Therapeutic / Wound Care |
Origin | Worldwide | Australia | New Zealand Only |
Key Takeaways for the Conscious Consumer
The MGO Factor: Always look for a certified MGO rating. In New Zealand, this is independently tested to ensure the honey actually contains the antimicrobial power claimed on the label.
The "Manuka" Name: "Manuka" is a New Zealand Māori name. While other regions use the name, the specific chemical profile of New Zealand’s Leptospermum scoparium defines the "Gold Standard."
Trust the Source: Totika Health Manuka honey undergoes rigorous testing to verify purity and origin, ensuring you receive the unique bioactive compounds (MGO and DHA) that distinguish therapeutic honey from a simple kitchen sweetener.
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