If you’re into health-conscious sweeteners, you’ve probably heard of Manuka honey—the golden nectar from New Zealand that’s prized for its potential benefits. With so many brands on the market, I decided to try Manuka Hunters Manuka Honey to see if it lives up to the hype. After using it for a while, I can confidently say there’s a lot to love about it, but also a few things to consider before buying. In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with its taste, quality, effectiveness, and overall value, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Taste and Appearance
One of the first things I noticed was its rich, creamy texture and golden hue—almost like scooping up liquid sunshine. Unlike regular honey, this one has a more complex sweetness, with deep floral notes and a slightly medicinal undertone. While this might be off-putting to some, it’s actually a sign of high-grade Manuka honey. The sweetness is natural but not overwhelming, making it enjoyable on its own or mixed into foods and drinks. Personally, I found the taste quite unique and pleasant, though it does take a little getting used to if you’ve never had Manuka honey before.
Grades Available
One thing I appreciate about Manuka Hunters is their clear grading system. They offer both monofloral and multifloral varieties, with monofloral being the more potent and pure option. Their UMF-certified grades range from UMF 5+ to UMF 26+, with corresponding MGO ratings that indicate potency. I opted for UMF 15+ (MGO 514+), which I found to be a great balance between effectiveness and affordability. If you’re looking for something mild, a lower UMF grade would work, whereas higher grades are better suited for medicinal use.
Another great aspect is the UMF certification logo on the packaging, ensuring authenticity. I even checked their UMF license number (#3038), which confirmed that this brand meets New Zealand’s strict Manuka honey standards.
Purity and Authenticity
Purity is a major concern when buying Manuka honey, and Manuka Hunters checks all the right boxes. Their honey is UMFHA-certified, meaning it undergoes strict testing by MPI-recognized laboratories. Each jar comes with a batch number for traceability, so you know exactly where it was sourced.
Additionally, the honey is raw and unprocessed, preserving its natural enzymes and nutrients. While their product descriptions online mention gluten-free, dairy-free, Kosher, and Halal certifications, I didn’t see these listed directly on the label, which would have been reassuring.
The honey is sourced from the North Island of New Zealand, a well-known region for high-quality Manuka production. Given its certifications and traceability, I feel confident that I’m getting a pure and authentic product.
Effectiveness
Now, onto the real question: Does it work?
I initially bought this honey to help with a sore throat, and I have to say—it was incredibly soothing. A spoonful before bed noticeably reduced discomfort. Over time, I also used it for immune support, particularly during the colder months, and I believe it helped me feel healthier overall.
Besides internal use, I also tried it on my skin for minor cuts and blemishes, and while I didn’t see instant results, it did seem to aid in healing. Some people swear by Manuka honey for skincare, and I can see why.
Beyond its medicinal benefits, I found it versatile for daily use—I drizzled it over toast, oatmeal, and yogurt, stirred it into tea and coffee, and even added it to smoothies. However, for baking or high-heat cooking, I’d recommend using a lower-grade honey to avoid degrading its beneficial properties.
Overall, Manuka Hunters Manuka Honey proved to be an effective natural remedy and a great addition to my wellness routine. That said, individual results may vary, especially depending on the UMF grade you choose.
Brand Reputation
Manuka Hunters is a family-owned New Zealand company (Central Honey NZ Ltd) that has been in business since 2012. They emphasize high-quality production and are transparent about their UMF and MGO ratings, which adds to their credibility. The brand claims to use a unique aging and maturing process to ensure the honey develops fully before packaging, which could explain its consistently high quality.
Customer reviews across platforms like Amazon are generally positive, with buyers praising the honey’s authenticity, taste, and effectiveness. The company also highlights its close relationships with beekeepers, which ensures ethical and sustainable practices. Additionally, Manuka Hunters emphasizes environmental responsibility, including sustainable beekeeping and eco-friendly packaging materials.
Packaging and Size
The honey is packaged in BPA-free plastic jars, which are durable but may not be the most premium choice compared to glass jars. I do appreciate the black jar design, which provides some UV protection to help preserve the honey’s beneficial properties.
The labeling is clear, displaying UMF and MGO ratings, batch details, and origin information. The jars come in two main sizes: 8.8oz (250g) and 1.1lb (500g). Unfortunately, there are no squeeze bottles or single-serve packets, which would have been convenient for travel.
Price and Value
Manuka honey is known for being expensive, and Manuka Hunters is no exception. Here are the approximate prices for the 8.8oz (250g) size:
- UMF 10+ (MGO 263+): ~$12.99
- UMF 15+ (MGO 514+): ~$34.00
- UMF 20+ (MGO 830+): ~$55.00
- UMF 24+ (MGO 1120+): ~$80.00
- UMF 26+ (MGO 1280+): ~$130.00
Compared to other Manuka honey brands, Manuka Hunters offers a fair balance of quality and price. While not the cheapest option, it is reasonably priced given its certifications and quality control. The value you get depends on the UMF grade you choose—higher grades cost more but offer stronger benefits.
Overall Rating
After using Manuka Hunters Manuka Honey, I can confidently say it’s a high-quality, authentic product that delivers on taste, purity, and effectiveness. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as packaging and taste preferences, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Final Rating: 4.5/5.
If you’re looking for a reliable Manuka honey brand that offers transparency and value, this is a great choice. Whether you’re using it for health benefits, skincare, or as a natural sweetener, Manuka Hunters delivers a premium experience.
