Manuka Honey in the UK, How to Choose the Right Jar (and Avoid the Hyp

Walk down the honey aisle of a UK supermarket or browse online, and you will quickly notice that Mānuka honey sits in a category of its own. Small jars. Big price tags. Bold numbers on the label. Plenty of claims, but not always much explanation.

For many UK shoppers, curiosity about Mānuka honey is matched by uncertainty. Why does one jar cost £15 and another £60? What do the numbers mean? Is all Mānuka honey the same, or is some of it just clever branding?

This guide is written for UK customers who want clarity, not marketing noise. The aim is to explain what Mānuka honey is, how it differs from other honeys on UK shelves, and how to read a label with confidence. No hype. No medical claims. Just practical information to help you choose the right jar for you.

Why Buying Mānuka Honey in the UK Can Feel Confusing

Mānuka honey is produced almost exclusively in New Zealand, yet much of what UK customers encounter is filtered through importers, brands, and retailers. By the time it reaches the UK, the honey may be described in very different ways depending on the market positioning.

Several factors contribute to the confusion:

Different grading systems used across markets
Wide price ranges with little obvious explanation
Lookalike products using the word “Mānuka” loosely
Scientific terms on labels that are rarely explained clearly

Unlike everyday honey, Mānuka honey is often sold as a premium product. That makes label clarity even more important for UK shoppers trying to understand what they are paying for.

Understanding the Different Types of Honey on UK Shelves

Before looking at Mānuka honey specifically, it helps to understand how it sits alongside other honeys commonly sold in the UK.

Regular Honey

Most honey sold in the UK falls into this category. It may be:

Blended from multiple floral sources
Sourced from the UK, EU, or outside the EU
Heat-treated and filtered for consistency

Regular honey is valued for taste, sweetness, and versatility. It is not graded by antibacterial markers or unique floral compounds, and prices typically range from a few pounds to around £10 per jar depending on origin and presentation.

“Mānuka-Style” Honey

“Mānuka-style” is not a protected or regulated term in the UK. It is often used to describe:

Honey made from the nectar of plants similar to Mānuka
Honey blended with small amounts of Mānuka honey
Honey marketed to resemble Mānuka in flavour or colour

These products may be perfectly good honey, but they are not the same as certified New Zealand Mānuka honey. For UK customers, the key point is that “Mānuka-style” does not guarantee origin, strength, or independent testing.

Certified New Zealand Mānuka Honey

True Mānuka honey comes from bees that forage on the Mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand. Certified New Zealand Mānuka honey is:

Harvested in New Zealand
Tested to confirm it meets Mānuka standards
Exported with traceability and documentation

This is the category most UK shoppers are thinking of when they hear “Mānuka honey”, and it is also the most strictly controlled.

What Is MGO and Why Does It Appear on Jars?

One of the most prominent features on Mānuka honey labels in the UK is a number followed by the letters MGO.

A Simple Explanation of MGO

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka honey. It develops from another compound in the nectar as the honey matures.

In simple terms:

Higher MGO numbers indicate a higher concentration of this compound
The number reflects measured content, not a marketing score

MGO is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). So a jar labelled MGO 300 contains around 300 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey.

Why MGO Is Used on UK Labels

UK shoppers are more likely to see MGO than other grading systems because:

It is a specific, lab-measured value
It is easier to standardise across markets
It aligns well with UK and EU labelling expectations

MGO gives UK customers a clear, comparable number that can be independently verified.

Why UK Shoppers See MGO More Often Than UMF

You may also come across another grading system called UMF. While both systems relate to Mānuka honey quality, they are not equally common in the UK.

UMF is a trademarked grading system used by certain New Zealand producers. It incorporates MGO alongside other markers, but it is:

Brand-licensed rather than universally applied
Less transparent unless explained in detail
Less commonly used on UK supermarket shelves

As a result, UK customers often encounter MGO because it is more straightforward, measurable, and widely recognised across imported products.

Buying Mānuka Honey in the UK: What to Look For

This is the most important section for UK shoppers who want to make an informed choice.

Clear Origin Information

Look for labels that state clearly:

Product of New Zealand
Packed in New Zealand or packed in the UK from New Zealand honey

Vague phrases such as “sourced globally” or “from multiple origins” should prompt caution.

An MGO Rating

A credible Mānuka honey will display an MGO number, typically ranging from:

MGO 100–150: entry level (low levels of Mānuka flower in the honey)
MGO 250–400: mid-range
MGO 550+: high strength

Prices usually rise with MGO rating. In the UK, this might look like £15–£25 for lower MGO and £40–£70 for higher grades, depending on jar size and brand.

Batch or Traceability Information

Many reputable brands include:

Batch numbers
QR codes
Harvest or testing references

These features help UK customers trace the honey back to its source.

Minimal Ingredients

Authentic Mānuka honey should contain one ingredient: honey. No additives, flavourings, or syrups.

Common Misconceptions Driven by Hype or Pricing

“The Most Expensive Jar Must Be the Best”

Higher prices often reflect higher MGO ratings, limited harvests, or branding costs. However, the “best” jar depends on what you want from the honey, not just the price.

“All Mānuka Honey Is the Same”

Mānuka honey varies by region, season, and strength. Treat it more like olive oil or wine than a uniform product.

“Darker Means Stronger”

Colour alone is not a reliable indicator. MGO content is determined by lab testing, not appearance.

UK-Specific Labelling and Consumer Expectations

In the UK, honey labelling must comply with food information regulations. This includes:

Clear country of origin
Accurate ingredient listing
No unsubstantiated health or disease claims

UK customers should be wary of language that promises cures or medical outcomes. Responsible brands focus on quality, origin, and transparency, not exaggerated claims.

Choosing the Right Jar for You

For many UK shoppers, Mānuka honey is not an everyday sweetener but something enjoyed more intentionally. Choosing the right jar means balancing:

Budget
Intended use
Preference for traceability and testing

A mid-range MGO jar may be perfectly suitable for daily use, while higher grades may be reserved for special occasions.

A Final Word for UK Customers Seeking Traceable New Zealand Mānuka Honey

If you are a UK customer looking for genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey, the most important things to prioritise are clarity and confidence. Look for transparent labelling, a clearly stated MGO rating, and information that allows you to trace where the honey comes from.

Ignore the hype. Take your time. When you understand what is on the label, Mānuka honey becomes far less mysterious and much easier to choose with confidence.