Manuka honey is known for its health benefits, but it’s important to only buy the genuine articleThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Dr Hilary Jones, pictured here with Dee Thresher in 2022, has previously spoken about the health benefits of Manuka honey.(Image: (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images))
Honey has long been celebrated for its myriad health benefits, from bolstering immune systems to soothing sore throats and tackling various ailments. A spoonful of honey remains a trusted remedy, made popular through the ages despite advancements in modern medicine. But not all honey is created equal.
Among the many varieties of honey, Manuka honey stands out as a ‘liquid gold’, a term used by many to describe its value. Sourced from the nectar of New Zealand’s native Manuka bush, this honey boasts a high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Securing genuine Manuka honey, however, can be quite a challenge. The experts at Manuka Doctor offer several options on their website, including a 100MGO dual pack available for £8.50, a saving of 84% off the original price of £54, reports the Mirror.
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Celebrity GP, Dr Hilary, has also weighed in on the topic, saying: “Manuka honey contains special ingredients including methylglyoxal, or MGO for short. 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.”
The Manuka Doctor prides itself on being the largest independent Manuka company hailing from New Zealand, with endorsements from numerous doctors and nutritionists, including ITV’s Dr Hilary Jones. Their honey is harvested and packed directly in New Zealand and undergoes independent lab testing, ensuring customers receive nothing but the genuine article.
The honey also complies with the stringent export regulations set by the NZ Government, and customers can trace their purchased batch all the way back to the beehives where it was produced. Depending on what you choose from the brand’s offerings, you can get jars of Manuka Honey that range from 30 MGO right up to a limited edition 1300 MGO.
Manuka Doctor is the only brand of Manuka honey endorsed by TV GP Dr Hilary Jones.(Image: Manuka Doctor )
Taking a spoonful of this honey has several benefits, including helping with colds and coughs, supporting digestion and providing a natural energy boost. “Consuming at least ten grams of honey daily is extremely beneficial from a nutritional and medical perspective and is therefore recommended. Twenty grams daily can also be helpful for boosting the immune system. Long-term daily consumption of high-quality Manuka honey is essential,” Dr Hilary Jones added.
Over time though, it has sadly become clear that honey – specifically Manuka honey – is one of the most frequently counterfeited foods globally. Instead of genuine honey, consumers are reportedly being sold fake honey diluted heavily with cheap sugar syrup, as revealed by an EU inspection report in 2023 (titled From The Hives).
Almost half of the tested honey was not pure. The report discovered that out of the 320 samples tested, 46 percent were not pure honey.
Further DNA analysis commissioned by the Beekeepers’ Association at the end of 2024 showed that 24 out of 25 jars of honey from major UK retailers were suspicious, falling short of the expected quality. Fortunately, numerous brands offer authentic Manuka honey for those looking to explore alternatives.
Lookfantastic, for example, offers Manuka Health MGO 400+ Pure Monofloral Manuka Honey, a rich, full-bodied blend with at least 400mg/kg methylglyoxal. Sourced from New Zealand, shoppers can buy it for £63.99.
Another option is Rowse Manuka Honey 100+ MGO 225g from Nisbets, available at £11.99. This variant boasts a distinctly sweet, rich, and herbal taste.
The Manuka Doctor prides itself on being the largest independent Manuka company hailing from New Zealand(Image: Manuka Doctor)
Manuka Doctor has received plenty of glowing testimonials from customers, such as Bruce, who previously fell prey to counterfeit products. He praised the certified honey, assuring fellow shoppers of its authenticity, saying: “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.”
Another customer shared their thoughts on Manuka Doctor’s 70 MGO Manuka Honey, adding: “I am a New Zealander who grew up with Manuka honey before it was marketed for its wellbeing 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 unanimously positive. One customer remarked: “It was too strong for me.”
Another shared a more favourable review, saying: “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.”
For those interested in trying it themselves, the Manuka Doctor honey can be purchased directly from their website.