Mānuka Honey UMF 25+

If ordinary honey tastes too mild or runs too easily, this New Zealand mānuka honey takes a more concentrated approach: it is described as very dark, thick and strongly flavoured. The listing gives it a UMF 25+ rating and at least 1200 mg/kg of methylglyoxal (MGO), so it is aimed at shoppers looking for a high-grade mānuka honey rather than a light everyday sweetener. It comes in a 250 g jar and is described as raw, unpasteurised and creamed for a smoother texture. That intensity is part of the appeal, but it also means the flavour may not suit everyone.

How to use it

The suggested use is straightforward: take a spoonful on its own, or stir it into warm lemon-and-honey water or warm water. For example, it could be kept by the kettle for a small spoonful in a warm drink when you want the honey’s richer caramel notes to come through. The product is creamed, so expect a thicker consistency than a runny squeeze-bottle honey, it may be less convenient if you want a quick drizzle over food.

Its strong taste and dark colour are worth considering before choosing it for daily use. Do you want a pronounced mānuka flavour, or a mild honey that blends into a drink without taking centre stage? The first preference fits this product better. The listing also describes it as monofloral and says it is non-GMO and free from glyphosate residue.

Pros

The main buying point is the stated UMF 25+ grade, alongside MGO 1200+. The UMF quality mark is described as independently certifying purity, freshness and shelf life, with the honey packed in New Zealand. The listing also says it is raw and unpasteurised, and uses a creaming process intended to make the honey smooth while retaining its rich caramel taste. It reports Supreme Honey Awards at New Zealand’s national honey awards for 2021, 2022 and 2023.

That mix of a strong grade and a creamy texture may appeal if you want a distinctive honey to take by the spoonful. It is a different choice from a lighter, more neutral honey bought mainly for sweetening tea or spreading thinly. Given how it is positioned, the higher grade and bold flavour are central to the choice, not guarantees of a particular wellness result.

Spec sheet

• Type: Raw, unpasteurised mānuka honey
• UMF: 25+
• MGO: 1200+, at least 1200 mg/kg, according to the listing
• Format: Creamed honey in a jar
• Size: 250 g
• Origin: New Zealand
• Other claims: Monofloral, non-GMO and glyphosate residue-free

What I’d decide

It suits you if you specifically want a dark, thick mānuka honey with a pronounced taste, a stated high UMF rating and independent UMF certification. It may also make sense if you prefer a spoonful or a rich addition to a warm drink over a mild, easy-pouring honey. It isn't for you if you want a subtle flavour, a runny texture or a general-purpose sweetener that disappears into recipes. The listing gives useful grading and origin details, but not a serving-size recommendation beyond suggesting a spoonful, so choose it for its honey characteristics rather than assuming a specific health effect.