I still remember the day I discovered Manuka honey. I was browsing through a quaint local health store when I came across a jar with an intriguing label. Intrigued, I purchased it and decided to give it a try. To my delight, not only did it taste delicious, but it also helped me recover from a stubborn cold that had been lingering for weeks. That experience cemented my love for Manuka honey and sparked my curiosity to explore its different forms.
When I learned about Manuka honey lozenges, I knew I had to try them. The idea of combining the powerful benefits of Manuka honey with the convenience of a lozenge seemed like a match made in heaven. As someone who’s always on the go, I was excited to find a portable and effective way to enjoy my favorite natural remedy.
With numerous brands and varieties competing for our attention, I knew I had a mission: to embark on a journey to find the ultimate Manuka honey lozenge that would not only satisfy my taste buds but also provide the health benefits I’ve come to cherish.
I’ve spent countless hours researching, tasting, and comparing these delightful treats, all to provide you with a comprehensive and honest roundup of the best options available in the market.
1. Comvita Soothing Manuka Honey Lozenges
In my personal experience, Comvita Manuka honey lozenges have been my go-to choice among all the brands I’ve tried. The lozenges are about the size and shape of a LifeSavers hard candy but without the hole in the middle. One thing I particularly love about them is that they don’t leave an unpleasant aftertaste like some other brands I’ve tried.
The Comvita lozenges are made with certified UMF 10+ mānuka honey, which ensures their high quality. The company, Comvita Ltd., holds UMF license #1019 for both honey and lozenges. They offer a variety of flavors, including Aniseed, Coolmint, Lemon, and Olive Leaf Extract. Personally, I find them perfect for head colds, dry throats, or just to freshen up my mouth.
I’ve found that these lozenges tend to disappear quickly in my household, as they’re great for soothing my children’s sore throats as well. Their compact size makes them easy to carry with me, wherever I go, and they’ve been especially helpful during international travel.
Each lozenge weighs 4.5g and they’re available in packs of 12, 40, and 100 lozenges. I’ve found that putting them in the refrigerator adds a nice cooling effect. However, the price can be a bit steep – for example, a pack of 40 lozenges costs $29. But considering Comvita’s reputation as a premium brand in the manuka honey market, I believe it’s worth the investment.
These lozenges are definitely of high quality and I always make sure to have them on hand during cold and flu season. However, it’s important to note that Comvita lozenges contain Propolis, which can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. If you experience irritation or swelling of the mouth or throat, it’s best to discontinue use and seek medical attention.
2. BeePower Manuka Honey Lozenges
If you’re someone who appreciates freshness in your lozenges, BeePower Manuka Honey lozenges are individually packed and sealed to ensure they stay fresh. With a mild honey flavor and soothing effect, they have quickly become my second favorite brand after Comvita.
I love the fact that these lozenges are made from bees collected on Australia’s east coast, but I wish they had a less sweet taste. Their smooth shape makes them easy to dissolve in your mouth though!
BeePower offers three flavors: Black Elderberry, Ginger & Lemon, and Lemon. My personal favorite is the Ginger & Lemon version. When I’ve used these lozenges in the past, particularly during winter, the initial taste is sweet, followed by the ginger flavor and a subtle hint of heat from the ginger at the back of my throat. The combination of ginger, lemon, and honey makes a wonderful treat.
Although BeePower doesn’t have a UMF license, they do follow the MGO grading system. According to the manufacturer, the grade is MGO 500+, which shows a high level of Methylglyoxal – a substance in manuka honey known for its antibacterial properties. I even have a friend who used these lozenges for relief from mucous congestion.
The lozenges come in packs of 40, and at $19.99, I think they’re reasonably priced. One thing to note is that they contain menthol, which was a bit of a surprise and adds a slightly medicinal flavor. Overall, I believe BeePower Manuka Honey lozenges offer great value and are a tasty, soothing option for those looking for a high-quality lozenge.
3. Manuka Health Manuka Honey Lozenges
I first discovered Manuka Health Manuka Honey lozenges during a trip to New Zealand, where they are quite popular for soothing sore throats. These lozenges have a smooth, Creme Savers-like shape, which makes them easy to dissolve in your mouth and enjoy their delicious taste.
Manuka Health offers four flavors: Blackcurrant, Lemon, Propolis, and Lemon & Ginger. My personal favorite is Blackcurrant, which has a light grape taste that I find incredibly soothing for my throat. The Lemon & Ginger flavor is quite strong and gives me a burning sensation similar to eating something spicy, which I assume comes from the ginger.
These lozenges feature high-grade MGO 400+ Manuka honey, which signifies a good amount of Methylglyoxal. Although Manuka Health’s honey is UMF certified, their lozenges aren’t, but they still work wonders for calming and soothing a dry, scratchy throat, providing instant relief.
Available in packs of 15 and 58, the price of $16.99 for 58 lozenges might seem a bit steep. However, the individually sealed packaging, as opposed to simple paper wrapping, adds value by keeping the lozenges fresh and preventing them from becoming a sticky mess or attracting ants in a bag or cabinet. I even managed to snag them on sale at T.J.Maxx for just a third of their regular price.
The production process for these lozenges involves heat, which can change the composition of honey. This is important to keep in mind when purchasing any lozenges—as it may impact their antibacterial properties.
4. PRI Manuka Honey Lozenges
While searching for an alternative to traditional over-the-counter lozenges, I discovered PRI Manuka Honey Lozenges. Their distinctive look, bearing a striking resemblance to tiny butterscotch candies, captured my attention. Furthermore, the individual wrapping guarantees that they stay clean and fresh.
PRI offers three delightful flavors: Aniseed and Honey, Strawberry and Honey, and Lemon and Honey. My personal favorite is Lemon and Honey, which provides a soothing and satisfying feel on my throat and tongue while delivering a pleasant combination of honey and lemon flavors.
The texture of these lozenges is smooth and they dissolve slowly, taking around 20 minutes for a complete dissolve, which I find quite enjoyable. They don’t have a strong menthol taste like other lozenges I’ve tried, but they do offer a refreshing cooling effect.
Each 4g lozenge contains propolis, a material made by bees to build their hives. Propolis is believed to support immune function and have anti-inflammatory effects. However, those with known bee allergies should avoid these lozenges, as they might cause irritation.
You can find the lozenges in packs of 16 and 20, with the 16-count pack priced at $6.99. If you choose the Subscribe & Save option, you’ll enjoy a 10% discount, lowering the price to $6.29. Although they’re a bit pricier than other lozenges, I think the superior quality and enticing flavors justify the cost.
I’m also pleased that these lozenges are relatively low in sugar, containing just 3g per piece, and they’re free from artificial colors, flavors, and corn syrup. This makes me feel more confident in using them as a natural remedy for my sore throat.
5. Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Drops
My experience with Wedderspoon manuka honey drops has been nothing short of amazing! The whole family enjoys them, too. What caught my attention initially was the faint hint of caramel in the flavor, which was quite enjoyable. The drop lasts a good amount of time if you let it dissolve slowly in your mouth.
I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of flavors available, including Elderberry, Eucalyptus with Bee Propolis, Fennel & Cinnamon, Ginger with Echinacea, Honey with Echinacea, Lemon with Bee Propolis, Lemon Ginger, and Cool Mint.
I personally gave the Lemon with Bee Propolis flavor a try and was impressed by its delicious taste. The lemon flavor was gentle yet tasty, beautifully balancing the Manuka honey’s sweetness. The bee propolis brought an added bonus of immune support, which I found very beneficial.
These honey drops are so delectable that I even dissolve one in my tea occasionally! They don’t have menthol, so you won’t experience that cold feeling in your throat like you would with some cough drops. Instead, they provide a comforting sensation that helps ease my coughs, all without any medicinal aftertaste.
The package comes with 20 drops, and they’re conveniently sized for carrying in my bag or pocket. It’s important to note that each drop contains 4g of sugar, and the price is nearly $10 for 20 drops, making them a somewhat expensive option. However, I believe their delicious flavor and soothing effects justify the cost.
It’s worth noting that Wedderspoon is not a member of the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). Instead, they developed their own grading system called “Kfactor.” As a result, there’s no information on the label about what type or grade of honey is used in these drops.
6. Berringa Manuka Honey Lozenges
I recently had the pleasure of trying Berringa Manuka Honey Lozenges, and I must say, they were quite a treat! The taste was a pleasant mix of zesty lemon and cooling menthol, which I found to be incredibly comforting for my throat. The texture was smooth and slightly sticky, just as you would expect from a honey-based lozenge.
As for the appearance, these lozenges were a lovely golden amber color, reminiscent of the Australian Manuka honey they’re made from. The only flavor they produce is lemon with menthol, but I found it to be a refreshing and soothing combination.
Regarding the grade of these lozenges, I found that Berringa uses high-quality Australian MGO 900+ manuka honey for these lozenges, which is more potent than other brands. This means the product contains a higher level of antibacterial properties and can therefore be used as an effective treatment for sore throats or dry coughs.
Each lozenge was just the right size, weighing 5g per piece, fitting comfortably in my mouth, and dissolving slowly to provide long-lasting relief. The pack contained 30 lozenges, which I found to be perfect for maintaining winter wellness on the go. I found the price to be reasonable, at around $10, especially considering the high-quality ingredients and the overall effectiveness of the lozenges.
7. PURITI Manuka Honey Lozenges
When I first tried PURITI Manuka honey lozenges, I was immediately impressed by their unique flavor and texture, and I was delighted by the way they melted in my mouth. They have a rough texture, reminiscent of honeycomb toffee candy. This roughness ensures that the lozenge stays in place in your mouth, whether it’s under your tongue or in your cheek, without posing a choking hazard like smoother lozenges might.
The taste is unique, with a pleasant non-sweet flavor that effectively soothes coughs and sore throats. The honey used in these lozenges is harvested in New Zealand, and the company claims that they have a minimum level of MGO 400+.
As for the appearance, these lozenges are about 3/4 inches in diameter and take a while to dissolve, making them a long-lasting treat. They come in only one version, with no other flavors available. You can purchase them in packs of either 8 or 16 lozenges, making them ideal for keeping in your bag, cupboard, or while traveling for a quick and easy natural energy boost or soothing relief.
My husband has noticed a medicinal aftertaste, but I haven’t tasted it myself. These lozenges have a shelf life of around 2 years and cost $15.99 for 16 tablets. Because PURITI Manuka honey lozenges are so expensive, I don’t use them often. However, they can be very beneficial in some situations.
8. Tahi Manuka Honey Lozenges
Unlike other lozenges I’ve tried, these are made with 100% Manuka honey, which is quite rare to find. Most other brands use glucose/syrup and only a small amount of Manuka honey, but not Tahi!
The taste of these lozenges is fantastic. They have a rich, sweet flavor that comes from the premium UMF 15+ (MGO 514+) manuka honey, sourced directly from New Zealand. I also appreciate that there’s not much added sugar, and there are no additives or preservatives in these lozenges.
The lozenges are a decent size, each weighing 2.8 grams, and they come in a cute, well-designed package that contains eight lozenges. I think they make a great gift during the winter season when colds are common.
Now, let’s talk about the price. At $16.99, they might seem a bit expensive, but considering the high quality and the fact that they’re made with 100% certified Manuka honey, I think it’s well worth the investment. Plus, Tahi Estate Limited has nearly 20 years of experience and is a UMF-certified brand (License #2035), so you know you’re getting a reliable product.
9. Egmont Honey Manuka Honey Lozenges
I recently purchased Egmont Honey manuka honey lozenges for my mother, and I must say, I was quite impressed with their effectiveness. The lozenges were golden white in color, which was visually appealing. As for the taste, there was only one version or flavor available—but I enjoyed it!
These lozenges are produced in New Zealand and come from a UMF-certified brand (Licence #1888), ensuring their high quality. The specific grade of manuka honey used in these lozenges is UMF 15+, which means that the honey has a good amount of anti-bacterial properties.
The size of the lozenges was just right – not too small that they would dissolve too quickly, but also not too large that they would be uncomfortable to hold in my mouth. At a price of $25.00 for a pack of 8 lozenges, I believe they offer a good value for the quality and effectiveness they provide.
These lozenges are also perfect for travel, as they can help soothe a cough or sore throat within minutes. Furthermore, Egmont Honey also offers UMF 10+ lollipops specifically designed for children, making it a versatile option for the entire family.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, after extensively testing and comparing various manuka honey lozenges, it became evident that each product possesses distinct characteristics. Some truly shined in terms of taste and texture, while others were notable for their exceptional manuka honey grade or budget-friendly pricing.
I highly recommend starting with my top three selections to experience firsthand the relief and comfort they can provide during cold and flu season. However, keep in mind that personal preferences differ, so feel free to explore additional options as well.
I sincerely appreciate you accompanying me on this quest to discover the finest manuka honey lozenges available. I hope that you found this review both insightful and valuable. I would be delighted to learn about your personal experiences or suggestions, so don’t hesitate to share them in the comments section below.
