It has earned the nickname ‘liquid gold’ due to its claimed health benefitsNews
Kerri-Ann Roper and Nisha Mal
06:00, 11 May 2025
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ITV’s Dr Hilary Jones has previously spoken about the health benefits of Manuka honey (Image: Getty)
Honey has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits for centuries, from bolstering immune systems to alleviating various ailments and soothing sore throats. A spoonful of honey remains a trusted home remedy, yet not all honey is created equal.
Manuka honey has earned the nickname ‘liquid gold’ due to its claimed health benefits. Sourced from the nectar of New Zealand’s native Manuka bush, this honey has a significant concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties – though securing an authentic supply can be challenging.
A brand called Manuka Doctor offers several genuine products on its website, such as a 100MGO dual pack priced at £8.50, slashed from £54 (an 84% discount), and a three-pack for £12.50, reduced from £81, reports the Mirror. ITV’s health expert, Dr Hilary Jones, has spoken about the benefit: “Manuka honey contains special ingredients including methylglyoxal, or MGO for short.
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“This value indicates the strength of Manuka honey’s health benefits. The higher the MGO content, the more valuable it is for us and the higher the price.”
Manuka Doctor is the largest independent Manuka enterprise in New Zealand and is endorsed by a host of medical professionals and nutritionists, including Dr. Hilary Jones. The honey is harvested and packaged in New Zealand and subjected to independent laboratory testing, so consumers can rest assured they are purchasing the genuine article.
It also adheres to the stringent export regulations set by the NZ Government, and consumers can track a specific batch of honey directly back to the original beehives. Depending on the purchase, the brand offers Manuka Honey jars with MGO levels ranging from 30, all the way to a rare 1300 MGO edition.
Manuka Doctor
£84
£12.50
Manuka Doctor
A spoonful of this honey has manifold advantages; it aids in alleviating colds and coughs, promotes digestion, and provides a natural energy surge. Dr Hilary Jones advises: “Consuming at least ten grams of honey daily is extremely beneficial from a nutritional and medical perspective and is therefore recommended.”
He continues: “Twenty grams daily can also be helpful for boosting the immune system. Long-term daily consumption of high-quality Manuka honey is essential.”
Whilst some brands may not always sell genuine Manuka honey, there are trusted alternatives. Lookfantastic, for instance, offers Manuka Health MGO 400+ Pure Monofloral Manuka Honey at £63.99 – it has a rich and robust blend with no less than 400mg/kg of methylglyoxal, sourced directly from New Zealand.
Manuka Doctor is the only brand of Manuka honey endorsed by TV GP Dr Hilary Jones (Image: Manuka Doctor )
Alternatively, Nisbets features the Rowse Manuka Honey 100+ MGO 225g for £11.99, known for its uniquely sweet, full-bodied and herbal flavour. Years of observation have disclosed that honey, especially Manuka honey, ranks amongst the most frequently adulterated food items globally.
Instead of pure nectar, consumers are often sold bogus honey; an EU inspection report from 2023, entitled ‘From The Hives’, unveiled that nearly half of the tested honey was substantially watered down with inferior sugar syrup. The report scrutinised 320 samples and determined that 46 percent were not authentic honey.
Adding to the concern, DNA analysis results obtained by the Beekeepers’ Association at the close of 2024 indicated that out of 25 jars of honey sourced from prominent UK retailers, 24 raised suspicions – clearly not emblematic of top bee craftsmanship. Consumers have expressed positive feedback about Doctor Manuka.
Bruce, a customer who had previously been duped by imitation products, wrote: “The honeys are certified, so you can be sure they’re genuine. The difference compared to the other products was very significant: After just a few days, I felt much more energetic, focused, and positive.”
Additionally, another review highlighted experiences with the 70 MGO Manuka Honey from Manuka Doctor, noting: “I am a New Zealander who grew up with Manuka honey before it was marketed for its well being qualities. As such I am very taste sensitive when it comes to honey. . . and this is a good one!
“I was shopping around to see if I could find a cheaper and equally good alternative to my normal brand and happily came across Manuka Doctor. I am super impressed by the quality, taste and sale prices which have made this honey really great value. Tried the 40 55 and 70 – all really great value.”
However, not all feedback was glowing, with one customer remarking: “It was too strong for me.”
Another shopper commented: “Lovely honey, very soothing on the stomach. Bought in sale so the price was a bargain.
“More balanced than sugar, very nice added to hot water and fresh lemon juice. Help with recovery of my sore throat.”
The Manuka Doctor honey is available for purchase on the official website.