An Honest Review of Arataki Manuka Honey (2025)

When it comes to Manuka honey, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of brands claiming to offer the best product. One brand that frequently pops up is Arataki, known for producing a range of honey products in New Zealand, including their well-loved Manuka honey. As someone who loves honey and appreciates the healing properties that come with it, I was eager to try Arataki Manuka Honey to see if it lives up to the hype.

In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with Arataki, covering its taste, quality, purity, and much more. If you’re thinking about giving this honey a try, you’ll want to know both the good and the bad. Let’s dive in!

Taste and Appearance

Let’s start with one of the most important factors: the taste. I found that Arataki Manuka honey has a rich, earthy flavor that’s distinct from regular honey, and that’s something I appreciate about Manuka honey in general. The taste is slightly less sweet than you might expect from other types of honey like clover or wildflower. There’s a herbal undertone with a hint of caramel, giving it a complex flavor profile that feels natural and authentic.

If you enjoy stronger, more robust honey, Arataki delivers on that front. However, if you prefer a lighter, milder sweetness, you might find the taste a bit overwhelming.

As for its appearance, the honey has a thick, creamy texture with a deep amber color. The viscosity is just right—not too runny but also not so thick that it’s hard to spread. This makes it versatile for use in different ways, whether you’re adding it to tea, spreading it on toast, or using it in homemade remedies. The color alone is a visual indicator of its richness and quality.

Grades Available

Manuka honey is graded using the UMF rating system, which measures its antibacterial potency, or the MGO (methylglyoxal) rating, another indicator of antibacterial strength. Arataki offers Manuka honey with varying UMF grades, ranging from UMF 5+ to UMF 18+. These grades are crucial because the higher the UMF or MGO, the stronger the potential health benefits.

For everyday use, I tried their UMF 10+ variety. I found this to be a good balance between taste and potency. It’s strong enough to offer the antibacterial benefits but not so high that it feels like overkill for daily consumption. That said, if you’re looking for a more medicinal grade to target specific health concerns, their UMF 15+ or UMF 18+ products would be a better fit.

However, keep in mind that as the UMF rating increases, so does the price, which can become quite steep with the higher-rated products.

Purity and Authenticity

One of the key concerns when buying Manuka honey is ensuring it’s pure and authentic. Given the high demand, the market has unfortunately been flooded with fake or diluted Manuka honey. Arataki Manuka honey proudly displays its UMF certification, which means it meets the strict guidelines set by the UMF Honey Association. According to the UMFHA website, Arataki has license number #1003 for its Manuka honey products.

In addition to the UMF certification, the company also includes its MGO rating on the label, giving you extra assurance of the honey’s potency. This transparency is essential, especially if you’re purchasing Manuka honey for its health benefits.

Brand Reputation

Arataki has been producing honey for over 75 years, and that experience is evident in the quality of their products. As a family-owned business, there’s something reassuring about their history and commitment to sustainable beekeeping practices. The company places a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, which is crucial given the role bees play in the ecosystem.

In addition to their renowned Manuka honey, Arataki also offers a variety of other honey products, such as propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, and throat sprays. They are not just limited to Manuka; they are also producers of other popular New Zealand honey varieties like Clover Honey, Pohutukawa Honey, Rata Honey, Rewarewa Honey, Thyme Honey, and Kamahi Honey. This wide range showcases their deep expertise in beekeeping and their ability to cater to different tastes and needs.

From what I’ve gathered, Arataki is highly regarded in New Zealand and has built a loyal customer base both locally and internationally. The consistent positive reviews about their honey reflect this reputation, which gives me more confidence in the product.

Packaging and Size

Arataki Manuka honey is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from small 250g jars to larger 500g containers. I opted for the 250g jar, which I found to be a practical size for regular use without taking up too much space in the pantry. The packaging is simple yet effective, featuring a plastic screw-top lid that seals well. Although I generally prefer glass jars for storing honey, I understand that plastic makes the product lighter and easier to ship, especially for international customers.

However, the packaging does feel somewhat basic. It’s not the most visually appealing option on the shelf, especially when compared to some of the more premium-looking brands. That said, it’s functional and does a good job of keeping the honey fresh. The labeling is clear and informative, displaying essential details such as the UMF rating, MGO content, and the honey’s origin prominently.

Price and Value

Manuka honey is notoriously expensive, and Arataki’s products are no exception. However, compared to other brands with similar UMF ratings, Arataki offers a relatively good deal. The price varies depending on the UMF rating and jar size, but overall, Arataki’s Manuka honey tends to be more affordable than some of the high-end competitors, especially those that focus heavily on luxury branding.

For the UMF 10+ jar I purchased, the price was around $29.00 NZD. Arataki’s website offers international shipping and occasionally provides discounts on multipacks, which can help bring the cost down further. While it’s not the cheapest honey on the market, I felt that I was getting good value for my money, particularly with the clear UMF certification and the rich flavor. If you’re budget-conscious but still want a quality product, Arataki strikes a nice balance.

Overall Rating

After using Arataki Manuka honey for several weeks, I’d give it an overall rating of 6.9 out of 10. The honey itself is excellent—rich in flavor, certified for purity, and available in a variety of UMF grades to suit different needs. It strikes a good balance between quality and affordability, making it accessible for those who want genuine Manuka honey without breaking the bank.

While the packaging and branding could be improved, these are relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of things. What matters most is what’s inside the jar, and Arataki delivers a product that feels authentic, tastes great, and offers the health benefits that make Manuka honey so special.