Why Does Comvita Mānuka Honey Have a Best Before Date if Honey Never Spoils?

Why a best-by date matters on Mānuka Honey

Did you know that honey is one of the few food products that doesn’t behave like most perishable foods? Thanks to its low water content and natural composition, honey can remain stable for long periods when stored properly. This delicious golden nectar, produced by bees from New Zealand's flowering Mānuka plants, is celebrated for its sweetness and beneficial properties.

So if honey doesn’t really go bad, why is the Mānuka Honey expiry date printed on the jar? And how long does Mānuka Honey last once you’ve opened it?  Let’s explore why Mānuka Honey’s shelf life matters and how storage conditions influence long-term quality.

Does Mānuka Honey go bad or expire?

Comvita Mānuka Honey is proudly sourced from New Zealand and produced in line with Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) standards, supporting purity and authenticity from hive to jar. In compliance with NZ food labelling regulations, every jar includes a best-before date rather than a strict use-by date.

So, can Mānuka Honey go bad? Well, not quite. While honey is remarkably stable and unlikely to spoil, it may undergo natural changes in quality factors such as flavour, taste, texture, and consistency. Mānuka Honey’s expiration date reflects its peak quality rather than product safety. 

Understanding the decline of MGO content in Mānuka Honey

For more than 20 years, Comvita scientists have studied how Mānuka Honey develops and matures. One of its key naturally occurring compounds, MGO (methylglyoxal), forms from DHA (dihydroxyacetone) as nectar collected by bees is transformed into honey.

Over time, MGO levels increase, stabilise, and gradually settle. This is a natural part of honey’s maturation process and one of the reasons careful timing and testing are so important before bottling.

The UMF™ Honey Association sets strict standards for minimum marker levels to verify authenticity, purity, and quality. These independent measures help ensure that the rating on your jar accurately reflects the honey’s verified composition at the time of packing.

While MGO and UMF™ ratings are not health claims, they are trusted quality indicators that help consumers understand the strength and characteristics of their Mānuka Honey.

Comvita 3-year quality guarantee

Comvita bottles its New Zealand Mānuka Honey at the optimal time, so the UMF™ rating shown on the label is maintained for up to three years when stored as directed.

Careful control of temperature and moisture helps preserve the verified UMF™ rating over time. When you purchase a jar, you can be confident the rating reflects stable, tested levels, not a temporary peak.

This focus on exceptional quality, freshness, and transparency is part of the Comvita difference.

Storage tips for Mānuka Honey to ensure optimal quality 

Proper storage helps maintain texture, flavour, and the quality of Mānuka’s verified UMF™ rating. Should Mānuka Honey be refrigerated, or can it be stored in the pantry?

Here’s how to store Mānuka Honey to maintain freshness and support maximum longevity:

• Store honey in its original container or a sealed glass container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep it at a stable room temperature and avoid excessive heat, which can accelerate natural changes.
• Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
• Always use a clean spoon (wood, not metal) to prevent contamination.

If your honey crystallises, this is perfectly natural. To return it to a smoother consistency, place the jar in warm water. 

So, how long does Mānuka Honey last once opened? When stored properly in a cool, dry place, it can maintain its quality for many years. Rather than spoiling, its texture and flavour may gradually evolve.

Experience the Comvita difference

Every jar of Comvita Mānuka Honey reflects over 50 years of expertise, care for bees, and commitment to purity and quality. From our hives to your home, our honey is harvested from NZ’s unique landscapes and handled with care to preserve freshness and taste. Shop Mānuka Honey today and enjoy its rich flavour with confidence in its verified UMF™ quality.