Manuka honey is something very special. It is appreciated for its health benefits, exceptional taste, and natural healing properties, and has definitely earned its place as one of the most desired honey varieties in the world. However, there are so many brands and different types that it is almost impossible to figure out which one is the best Australian-certified manuka honey for you.
If you’ve found yourself asking where to buy manuka honey in Australia, or you’re simply curious about what makes the best Australian varieties stand out, then this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about manuka honey, from its impressive health benefits to a breakdown of where you can get the finest Australian manuka honey for yourself.
What Makes Australian Manuka Honey So Special?
Manuka honey is found in New Zealand and Australia, but the best Australian manuka honey is very special. It comes from nectar produced from Leptospermum Scoparium, a bush found in Australia, and this honey is known for its strong health benefits. The uniqueness of manuka honey of other types comes with its content of methylglyoxal (MGO), and it’s the compound responsible for the honey’s unique antibacterial nature; the higher the concentration of MGO, the more potent the honey becomes, and the more it likely gives therapeutic benefits.
Also, included in Manuka honey are dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Leptosperin, the two most important markers of quality. The taste gives a rich, earthy taste, and there are more benefits that make it shine. For example, if you are looking to soothe a sore throat, boost your immunity, or improve your skin, Manuka honey is much more than just a treat.
What is so good about Australian Manuka Honey?
Inarguably, Australian Manuka honey is some of the very finest found in the world. What makes it so different?
Purity and Potency: The large and pristine landscapes in Australia are the ideal habitats for the Leptospermum Scoparium plant. The above ground conditions help strengthen some conditions by which Australian manuka honey really is pure, potent, and highly packed compounds.
- MGO and UMF Ratings: The MGO and UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) ratings are essential in determining the quality and strength of the honey. When you’re looking for the best Australian manuka honey, always check for these certifications. High MGO or UMF ratings indicate stronger antibacterial and medicinal properties, so you’ll want to pick a honey with a rating that fits your needs.
- Sustainability: Many Australian manuka honey producers are committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that the environment is protected, and bees are treated well. This means you’re not only buying a high-quality product but one that’s ethically produced.
- Distinctive Flavor: The taste of Australian manuka honey is slightly more mild and less intense than its New Zealand counterparts, offering a smooth, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with many foods. Whether you enjoy it on toast, in tea, or as part of your skincare routine, its distinct taste makes it a favorite among honey lovers.
Health Benefits of Australian Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is more than just a sweet addition to your pantry—it’s also a natural remedy with several impressive health benefits:
- Antibacterial Power: Thanks to its high MGO content, Australian manuka honey is known for its powerful antibacterial properties. It’s often used to treat minor wounds, burns, and infections, as well as to combat harmful bacteria in the digestive system.
- Digestive Health: Consuming manuka honey may help promote a healthy gut by supporting the growth of good bacteria and reducing inflammation. It can be especially beneficial for those dealing with gut issues like acid reflux or IBS.
- Soothes Sore Throats: If you’re feeling under the weather, a spoonful of manuka honey can help soothe a sore throat, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Skin Care: Due to its healing abilities, Australian manuka honey is a common ingredient in skincare products. It helps to reduce acne, hydrate the skin, and even accelerate the healing of wounds.
- Immune Support: Regularly consuming manuka honey can help boost your immune system, making it a great option during flu season or as part of your daily health routine.
Where can one find Manuka Honey in Australia?
After learning precisely how beneficial the best Australian manuka honey is for any health condition, you must be wondering: where to buy manuka honey in Australia? There are many places where one could find some reliable source for high-quality honey. Here are a few contenders.
- Health Food Stores
So many local health food stores sell Australian manuka honey in different grades. These health food stores usually want to sell organic and natural products, making such shops a fine option to fetch your honey personally. You could also ask the staff for recommendations or information on products.
- Online Vendors
Buying Manuka honey online could be a very handy method, especially if you are looking for certain brands or MGO ratings. Amazon, eBay, and specialized health product vendors routinely stock a variety of choices where manuka honey is concerned. Just do ensure to check the MGO and UMF certifications, and also look for reviews, to be sure you are getting the real deal.
- Speciality Producers
Buying from a specialty manuka honey producer is a great way to get a delicious honey that is as pure and potent as possible. Comvita, Manuka Health, and The True Honey Co. sell honey from their websites, so you can rest assured knowing that you are buying high quality honey from an ethical source. These companies also tend to give MGO and UMF ratings for their honey in a lot of detail.
- Supermarkets
Big Australian supermarket chains, such as Woolworths and Coles, will usually have some places selling manuka honey; vigilance is vital in this case. Indeed, you may find cheaper alternatives here, but it is equally likely that their potency or genuineness does not match the best Australian manuka honey known to the specialty retailers. Always check for certification before you buy.
Best Australian Manuka Honey Brands
To facilitate your choices, here is a list of top-rated suggested brands for Australian manuka honey:
- Comvita
Comvita are premier manufacturers of pure MGO honey. Most if not all of their honey products are UMF-certified and have different MGO grades for any intended purpose.
- The True Honey Co.
This Australian-based company follows quality and sustainability. When it comes to the highest grades of Australian manuka honey, The True Honey Co. harvests it ethically from remote bushland areas.
- Manuka Health
Manuka Health is another one of the top brands that provides UMF-certified honey. The products are sourced from the unspoiled areas of Australia and New Zealand, thus guaranteeing that the manuka honey provided to you is of the highest quality.
- MediHoney
MediHoney is a name that has, for the most part, come to be synonymous with medical-grade honey. MediHoney is often suggested for wound, burn, and infection treatments due to its honey’s unique antibacterial properties.
Conclusion:
Finding the best Australian manuka honey depends on what you’re looking for in the first place and where to buy it from. Whether you want it for its health benefits or just to enjoy the honey’s rich and distinctive flavor, Australia probably has some of the finest options you can get. From health food stores to online and specialty honey manufacturers, there are many places where you can find manuka honey all across Australia. Choose a reputable brand that understands quality, purity, and transparency to capture all the benefits of this exceptional superfood. Next time that someone wonders where to buy manuka honey in Australia, count some of those suggested names as your top options, and indulge in the best honey nature has to offer.
