My Honest Review of Happy Valley Manuka Honey (2025)

As a devoted enthusiast of Manuka honey, I constantly seek out new brands to add a little zest to my collection. Happy Valley has caught my eye as a well-respected name in the Manuka honey market, acclaimed for its pure and exceptional quality offerings. In this review, I delve into my personal experience with their UMF 15+ Manuka honey, sharing my candid thoughts on everything from taste to packaging.

Taste and Appearance

When you first lay eyes on Happy Valley’s Manuka honey, its rich, golden brown hue is immediately striking. Resembling the deep color of caramel, this honey promises a treat for the senses. Its texture is creamy, making it a delightful spread on morning toast or a sweet roll. Yet, despite its inviting appearance, it’s not as thick as other Manuka honeys I’ve tried, which might be a slight letdown for those who prefer a denser consistency.

The flavor is intensely sweet, with a subtle medicinal quality that Manuka honey is renowned for. However, it’s less sweet compared to some variants, with a faint graininess that can be felt upon the palate. For me, this blend of textures and tastes makes it an interesting, albeit slightly mixed, culinary experience.

Grades Available

One of the aspects I appreciate about Happy Valley Manuka Honey is its commitment to purity, evident in its monofloral classification. This means that the honey predominantly contains pollen from manuka flowers. The brand offers a range of UMF grades, including UMF 5+, 10+, 15+, 20+, and even 24+. By verifying the UMFHA license number (#2024) on their website, I felt assured of its authenticity. However, it’s noteworthy that the lineup doesn’t extend to the even higher UMF grades like 25+, which some competitors do offer.

Purity and Authenticity

One of the standout features of Happy Valley Manuka honey is its traceability back to its New Zealand origins. The brand ensures a high standard of purity as they avoid using antibiotics on their bees. Each batch is traceable back to its hive, reassuring that what you get is genuine, raw Manuka honey.

I have embraced this honey in various aspects of my daily routine; from soothing my throat to calming esophagus discomfort, and even applying it as a moisturizing face mask. It rapidly melts into my hot herbal tea, although caution is advised against using boiling water, as it may degrade some beneficial properties.

Brand Reputation

Happy Valley’s reputation is solidified by its rigorous independent testing to ensure each batch meets New Zealand Government standards and retains the promised UMF purity levels. With a UMFHA license to their name, along with other credentials such as A Grade Food, RMP, SQF accreditation, and a FernMark Licence (100625), their commitment to maintaining quality and trust is evident.

They not only specialize in honey but also offer an array of bee-related products like bee pollen, bee venom, propolis, and royal jelly, catering to a wide range of health and dietary needs. This versatility speaks volumes about their expertise and commitment to the benefits of bee products.

Packaging and Size

The presentation of Happy Valley Manuka honey immediately signifies the preciousness of its contents. The packaging is secure, ensuring no leaks during transport, which speaks to the care and thought invested by the brand. Available in a variety of sizes—250g (8.8oz), 500g, and 1kg—there’s an option for every need, whether you’re a regular user or just trying it out for the first time. They also offer convenient honey sticks of 15g and squeeze bottles of 13oz for those on-the-go moments.

The honey is contained within a black plastic jar featuring a broad lid, which I found particularly functional for accessing those last bits of honey with ease. Beyond practicality, the packaging’s aesthetic, complete with a tight-sealing lid, the UMF seal, and clear labeling of essential information like the batch number and MGO level, enhances its appeal. It’s evident that considerable thought has gone into making the container not only user-friendly but also informative.

Price and Value

It’s no secret that high-quality Manuka Honey comes at a premium, and Happy Valley’s products are no exception. Admittedly, Happy Valley Manuka Honey commands a steep price tag, especially for higher UMF grades. The UMF 15+ variety, for instance, costs around $70.00 when purchased directly from their website. While the initial investment might seem high, it’s worth noting that new customers can avail themselves of a generous 50% discount, making it a more accessible option. Compared to other premium brands such as Comvita, it positions itself as a more reasonably priced choice without compromising on quality or benefits.

Additionally, the various applications of this honey—from dietary supplements with antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to skincare routines—justify the investment. The Subscribe & Save option available on their website is an added bonus for regular users, making it an excellent gift for loved ones who appreciate natural remedies.

Pros & Cons

Overall Rating

Integrating Happy Valley Manuka Honey into my daily routine has been a transformative experience, especially during the colder months when wellness is paramount. Its delicious taste and multitude of health benefits make it an indispensable part of my diet. Coupled with Happy Valley’s commitment to sustainability, purity, and consumer trust, this product is more than just honey—it’s a lifestyle choice for those who value quality and holistic health. Despite its premium pricing, the value it brings in terms of health and versatility is unmatched. If you’re someone who not only enjoys indulgent flavors but also values natural remedies and ethical sourcing, then Happy Valley Manuka honey is a match made in heaven for your culinary and healthful pursuits.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 64
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carb: 17g
• Total Sugars: 17g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Protein: 0.3g

*Serving size: 1 tbsp (21g)