How to Take Mānuka Honey

Enjoy Mānuka Honey’s beneficial properties with our comprehensive consumption guide

Mānuka Honey is loved for more than just its great taste. It’s unique for its natural compounds that contribute to its distinctive character, particularly MGO (Methylglyoxal).

At Comvita, we’ve been working with Mānuka Honey since 1974. And in that time, we’ve found that with this gift from nature comes some questions about how best to use it.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to consume Mānuka Honey daily, from selecting the right strength for your needs to understanding when and how to take it.

Who should avoid Mānuka Honey?

Although eating Mānuka Honey can be a nourishing addition to a balanced diet, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some important exceptions to be aware of:

• Infants under 12 months: Honey, including Mānuka Honey, should never be given to babies under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism. 
• People with diabetes: As honey has natural sugars, individuals with diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before consuming Mānuka Honey to ensure it’s safe for their blood sugar requirements.
• Allergic reactions and sensitivities: Those with allergies to honey, bee products, or pollen should exercise caution, as reactions can occur.
• Medication interactions: If you are taking medication or managing a health condition, it’s best to check with your doctor before introducing Mānuka Honey into your diet or using it topically.

Choosing the right Mānuka Honey for your needs

Part of Mānuka Honey’s beauty is that it’s not one-size-fits-all. To help customers navigate quality and authenticity, monofloral Mānuka Honey is rated with the UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) trademark — an independent, externally-tested quality assurance system.

UMF™ measures MGO levels and other key markers that determine authenticity, potency, and quality. Higher UMF™ ratings reflect a higher concentration of these quality markers, so you can choose a honey that suits your needs. Our guide to MGO and UMF covers which UMF™ rating is right for you.

When purchasing Mānuka Honey, always look for the UMF™ quality mark on the label. This guarantees that you’re getting genuine, monofloral Mānuka Honey that has been independently tested and verified.

How to take Mānuka Honey the right way

The best ways to consume Mānuka Honey

Incorporating Mānuka Honey into your day is easy. In fact, there are several ways it can slot right into your routine, without requiring significant changes. This includes:

• Stirred into your favourite tea or other warm drink (avoid boiling-hot water)
• Blended into your breakfast smoothies, or mixed with yoghurt for added flavour
• Drizzled on top of salmon, ham or roasted vegetables at dinnertime
• Straight from the spoon as part of your daily routine
• Used as a natural sweetener for dozens of delicious recipes
• Single-serve sachets for on-the-go treats 

Recommended daily dosage

Many people enjoy 1–2 teaspoons a day as part of their diet. It’s always best to start with a moderate Mānuka Honey dosage and adjust to your needs.

When to take it

Eat Mānuka Honey in the morning as a sugary treat, or enjoy it in the evening as part of a soothing routine. Consistency is more important than timing, so choose a moment that fits seamlessly into your life. 

Using Mānuka Honey topically

Eating Mānuka Honey isn’t the only way it’s traditionally been used. It has a long history of topical use as well. 

Medihoney™ for wounds and burns

Comvita’s Medihoney™ is made with medical-grade honey and is used in clinical and home care settings to support wound care. Medihoney’s™ thick consistency acts as a protective barrier, keeping bacteria out of the affected area. Additionally, it serves as a natural humectant, keeping the skin hydrated and supple.

Medihoney™ is a medical device. Always read the label and follow directions for use.

For skincare

There are so many ways you can incorporate Mānuka Honey into your skincare to boost your beauty routine. Its hydrating properties and rich texture make it a popular ingredient in DIY skincare routines.

Please note: Comvita’s Medihoney™ range is currently out of stock and will be returning in the future. In the meantime, explore our full range of Comvita Mānuka Honey products for everyday use.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Mānuka Honey daily?

Yes, most people can enjoy a daily spoonful or two of Mānuka Honey, whether in your tea, smoothie, or straight off the spoon. 

Can children over 1 year old have Mānuka Honey?

Children over 12 months can consume Mānuka Honey. Infants under 12 months should not be given Mānuka Honey due to the increased risk of botulism caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Is Mānuka Honey safe during pregnancy?

Mānuka Honey is commonly consumed as a food during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you have specific health concerns, consult your healthcare professional.

Which UMF™ strength should I choose?

UMF™ 5+ and 10+ honeys are ideal for everyday enjoyment. Higher UMF™ grades, such as 15+ or 20+, contain higher MGO levels and are often chosen by those seeking a stronger, more intense Mānuka experience.

Can you put Mānuka Honey in hot tea?

We recommend mixing Mānuka Honey with warm water to preserve its natural characteristics.

Choose authentic, high-quality Mānuka Honey

When is the best time to take Mānuka Honey? The answer depends on your needs and lifestyle. For most people, a daily dose or two of honey straight from the spoon, stirred into a warm herbal tea or smoothie, or included in sweet or savoury meals, is the best way to take it. 

For others, sachets and lozenges offer unmatched convenience when on the go. And beyond the kitchen, Comvita’s Medihoney™ range, made with medical-grade Mānuka Honey, is used in clinical and home care settings for wound care under appropriate clinical guidance.

Whatever the method, the most important part is choosing authentic Mānuka Honey with the UMF™ quality mark.

Explore our full range of Mānuka Honey online.