My Sincere Review of Biosota Organics Manuka Honey (2025 Edition)

As a frequent consumer of manuka honey, I am perpetually seeking new and intriguing brands to sample. In this review, I will be sharing my transparent opinions on BIOSOTA Organics Manuka Honey, a brand that particularly piqued my interest due to its Australian origins, a distinction from the majority of manuka honeys which typically hail from New Zealand. By the end of this review, you’ll have a better idea of whether this product is right for you.

Taste and Appearance

Upon opening the jar, there’s a rich aroma that greets the senses. The honey boasts a velvety texture, which spreads effortlessly on toast or dissolves smoothly in tea. Its unique flavor profile includes herbal notes and a mild bitter taste. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I think the taste is decent enough, and it complements beverages like coffee and tea quite well.

This manuka honey hails from Australia, although some from New Zealand might disagree with the name. BIOSOTA claims it derives from the jellybush, but it’s worth mentioning that the jellybush of Australia is not equal to the New Zealand manuka bush. Compared to the New Zealand honey I’ve tried before, this Australian variety has a darker color and includes small crystals, as opposed to the lighter and creamier texture of other manuka honey I’ve had.

Grades Available

When it comes to grading manuka honey, I’m a fan of the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) system. However, BIOSOTA does not use UMF. Instead, they go with the Methylglyoxal (MGO) rating system. Their manuka honey is available in several MGO strengths, ranging from 260+ to 2100+.

Personally, I’m not a fan of the MGO grading system, as it doesn’t show the actual authenticity of manuka honey in the same way the UMF system does. Measuring MGO alone doesn’t assure the authenticity or quality of manuka honey, and there are other compounds within manuka honey that also influence its antibacterial properties.

Purity and Authenticity

BIOSOTA’s manuka honey is multifloral and not monofloral like some New Zealand varieties. It’s HACCP-approved, non-GMO, and kosher-certified. The honey is packed in their facility in Queensland, Australia, and is a member of the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA). The product is also Australian Certified Organic with certification number 12528. No pesticides or chemicals are used within a 5km radius of their hives.

It’s important to note that this product is not a New Zealand brand, and therefore does not carry the UMF seal on the packaging or have UMFHA (UMF Honey Association) membership. As a result, its effectiveness as a remedy remains somewhat questionable. However, I bought this honey for my dog’s dental health and noticed an improvement in his breath after consistently applying small amounts following brushing.

Brand Reputation

BIOSOTA Organics has decent online reviews and appears to be a legitimate business. They’re a family-owned Australian company with a history dating back to 1999. The official website is www.biosota.com.au, and they offer several other manuka products, including sticks, cough drops, and lozenges. The brand has a presence in both the United States and Australia.

Packaging and Size

The packaging is reliable, with my jar arriving properly sealed and without any leaks. The honey came in a full jar, which is always a plus! It’s good to know that this product has an expiration date of 5 years, giving you plenty of time to consume it at your own pace. The honey is encased in a BPA-free plastic jar that includes a security tape on the lid, providing peace of mind regarding its quality and safety. It came bubble-wrapped and packed in a sturdy cardboard box, ensuring it won’t get damaged in transit.

BIOSOTA’s manuka honey comes in two versatile sizes: a convenient 250g (or 8.8 oz) size, and a larger 500g (or 1.1 lb) size, catering to different consumer needs.

Price and Value

BIOSOTA’s Manuka honey’s price depends on the MGO strength. The MGO 550+ costs approximately $40.00 for the 250g jar, while the MGO 1717+ is priced higher at $135.00 for the same amount. Given the pricing of many UMF brands, the cost seems reasonable.

However, given that BIOSOTA uses the MGO system, some might question its quality and strength due to the lack of readily available independent laboratory tests to verify the brand’s claims. If your main concern lies in MGO levels, without taking other manuka markers such as Leptosperin or HMF into consideration, then this could be a suitable choice.

Regrettably, BIOSOTA’s website does not provide a “Subscribe & Save” option. However, they do offer occasional coupon deals, which could enhance the cost-value proposition.

Pros & Cons

Let’s summarise my thoughts on BIOSOTA’s manuka honey by listing its pros and cons.

Overall Rating

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I would give BIOSOTA Organics Manuka honey a 5.8. While it ticks many boxes in terms of flavor, packaging, and ethical company practices, the reliance on the MGO system over UMF grading and lack of monofloral variety might be considerable cons for the discerning manuka honey fan. However, the importance of these factors may vary from one individual to another.

The BIOSOTA Manuka honey may still be a potential choice for consumers interested in high MGO levels, especially for those who are keen on maintaining their dietary preferences as organic and kosher.

However, remember that this perspective is based on my personal experience, and everyone’s journey with honey can indeed be unique. Thus, I encourage you to taste and experiment, to find out whether this Australian interpretation of a beloved New Zealand product can become a staple in your pantry.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 15
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carb: 4g
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Protein: 0g

*Serving size: 20g

* After publishing the review, I was contacted by a representative of the company who added a few additional points to my article. You can find those in the comment sections below.