Why You Shouldn’t Put Mānuka Honey in Hot Water (And What to Do Instea

You shouldn’t put Mānuka honey in hot water because high heat can destroy the enzymes and active compounds - like methylglyoxal (MGO) - that give it its unique health benefits. Once the temperature goes above ~40°C, its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties start to break down.

What Actually Happens When Mānuka Honey Gets Too Hot?

Mānuka honey is more than just a natural sweetener. It's prized for its therapeutic compounds, especially MGO, which is responsible for its antibacterial activity. When you add it to boiling or very hot water:

MGO starts to degrade.
Enzymes (like glucose oxidase) become inactive.
Beneficial phenols and antioxidants are reduced.

What you’re left with is still delicious - but no longer as medicinal.

How Hot Is Too Hot?

The magic temperature threshold to remember is:

40°C - That’s when beneficial enzymes and compounds start to degrade.

This is roughly body temperature. If water feels hotter than your skin, it’s probably too hot for Mānuka honey.

Boiling water (100°C)? That’s a definite no if you're hoping to preserve its benefits.

The Best Way to Take Mānuka Honey in Warm Drinks

You can still enjoy Mānuka honey in tea, lemon water, or tonics - just let the water cool a little first.

✅ Ideal method:

Boil your water.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it feels warm but not hot.
Add your Mānuka honey and stir gently.
Enjoy the flavour and the benefits.

This simple adjustment preserves the good stuff and makes your drink more palatable.

Why It Matters: The Benefits You Might Be Losing

Here’s what you could miss out on by adding Mānuka honey to hot water too soon:

🔬 MGO (Methylglyoxal)

Core antibacterial compound.
Heat-sensitive above 40°C.
Key to Mānuka’s healing power.

🧪 Enzymes

Support digestion and antioxidant activity.
Inactivated by heat.

🛡️ Phenols and Antioxidants

Help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
Diminished with prolonged heat exposure.

If you’re paying a premium for high-MGO honey, it makes sense to protect those benefits.

Can You Ever Cook with Mānuka Honey?

Yes - but use it for flavour, not function. If you're baking, roasting, or glazing with Mānuka, know that:

The taste and caramelization will shine.
The health benefits won't survive high temperatures.

For a win-win, you can always add a drizzle after cooking for both flavour and function. You can read more about baking with Mānuka honey here.

Best Practices: How to Use Mānuka Honey Without Losing Its Power

Use Case	Best Practice
Tea or warm drinks	Let water cool to < 40°C before stirring in honey
Morning tonic or lemon water	Add honey last, once liquid is sippable but not hot
Baking or roasting	Use for flavour only - or drizzle on after cooking
Cold uses	Ideal for smoothies, yogurt, raw desserts, or on toast

🙋Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I put Mānuka honey in hot water?

Hot water (above 40°C) destroys key compounds like MGO and enzymes, which reduces its medicinal value.

Can I still add it to tea?

Yes - but let your tea cool for 5-10 minutes first. Warm, not hot, is best to preserve the benefits.

Is it safe to cook with Mānuka honey?

Yes, it’s safe - but the therapeutic benefits will be lost at high heat. Use it for flavour in baking or add it raw after cooking.

How can I tell if my water is cool enough for honey?

If it feels warm but doesn’t burn your skin or mouth, it’s likely under 40°C and safe for Mānuka honey.

Does boiling destroy all the goodness in Mānuka honey?

Boiling won’t make it harmful, but it will neutralize the enzymes and reduce its unique health effects.

Final Thoughts

Mānuka honey and hot water don’t mix - at least not if you're looking to preserve its natural benefits. Heat it too much, and you lose the enzymes, MGO, and antioxidants that make it special.

But with a little patience (just a few minutes of cooling), you can still enjoy your warm lemon honey drink and get all the wellness perks. It's a simple tweak with a sweet payoff.

💡 You Might Also Like…

⏳ How Long Does Mānuka Honey Last? (Hint: It Only Gets Better)
Wondering if your honey expires? Find out why properly stored Mānuka honey can actually become more potent over time.

🍪 Can You Bake with Mānuka Honey? What to Know Before You Turn Up the Heat
Yes, you can bake with it - but here’s what to know about heat, flavour, and preserving those precious benefits.