Manuka honey has long been celebrated for its unique taste and potential health benefits, and finding a brand that delivers both quality and value can be a challenge. Recently, I had the opportunity to try Me Today Manuka Honey, a New Zealand-sourced honey that boasts UMF certification and high MGO ratings. With so many brands available, I wanted to see if this one truly stands out. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on its taste, quality, effectiveness, and overall value to help you decide if it’s worth trying.
Taste and Appearance
The first thing I noticed about Me Today Manuka Honey was its deep caramel color and rich consistency. Unlike some thicker Manuka honeys, this one is slightly runny and lightly creamed, making it incredibly smooth and easy to spread or mix into drinks.
As for taste, it has the distinctive bittersweet Manuka flavor with a subtle smoky undertone and mild floral notes. The balance between sweetness and bitterness adds to its complexity, making it an enjoyable honey for both medicinal and culinary use. I personally found it delicious, though if you prefer a milder honey, this may take some getting used to. However, many users appreciate it as a good-tasting alternative to more expensive brands.
Grades Available
Me Today offers a range of UMF-certified Manuka honey, including UMF 5+, UMF 10+, UMF 13+, UMF 15+ and UMF 20+. Each grade corresponds to a specific MGO (Methylglyoxal) rating, which indicates its antibacterial potency. For example, UMF 15+ contains MGO 512+, making it a stronger option for those seeking therapeutic benefits.
I personally chose UMF 15+, which I found to be a great balance between effectiveness and value. No matter which grade you choose, all options are independently tested and verified by the UMF Association, ensuring authenticity and quality.
Purity and Authenticity
One of the most important aspects of Manuka honey is ensuring it is genuine and unadulterated. Me Today provides assurance through its UMFHA certification, with a UMF license number (UMFHA 2037) clearly displayed on the packaging.
Additionally, the honey is:
- Raw and unpasteurized, preserving its natural properties.
- Sourced from wild Manuka flowers native to New Zealand.
- Traceable through batch numbers, allowing customers to verify its origin and quality.
- Compliant with New Zealand’s MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) standards.
This level of transparency reassured me that I was getting a genuine, high-quality product, not a diluted or mislabeled alternative.
Effectiveness
One of the main reasons people buy Manuka honey is for its health benefits. I tested this honey in different ways to see how well it worked:
- Daily Wellness: Taking a spoonful each morning helped me feel energized.
- Sore Throat Relief: A warm honey tea provided soothing relief when I felt a scratchy throat coming on.
- Pre-Workout Energy Boost: A spoonful before exercise gave me a natural energy kick.
- Skincare: The brand suggests using it as a hydrating facial mask, and I found it left my skin feeling soft and nourished.
- Seasonal Allergies: While not a medical cure, I did notice some relief from hay fever symptoms after using it consistently.
Overall, I was impressed by its versatility and effectiveness for both internal and external use. While results can vary, I can see why so many people turn to Manuka honey as a natural remedy.
Brand Reputation
Me Today is a brand known for offering natural New Zealand products, and their Manuka honey aligns with their commitment to quality. The brand has generally positive reviews online, with many customers praising the taste and effectiveness of the honey.
A few highlights about the brand:
- Consistent product quality across batches.
- Transparency in product testing through UMF and MGO certification.
- Ethical harvesting practices, ensuring bee health and sustainability.
- Environmentally responsible packaging, using recycled PET jars.
While not as widely known as some other Manuka brands, Me Today has built a trustworthy reputation in the health and wellness space.
Packaging and Size
The honey comes in BPA-free jars made from recycled PET, which I appreciate from an environmental standpoint. The packaging itself is minimal but visually appealing.
- Tamper-evident Lift ‘n’ Peel™ seal ensures safety and prevents leaks.
- UV-protective black jars help preserve the honey’s potency.
- Available in 4.4 oz (125g) and 8.8 oz (250g) jars.
- No squeeze bottles or single-serve packets are available, which could be a downside for those who prefer convenience.
Overall, the packaging is functional and sustainable, though a squeeze bottle option would have been a nice addition.
Price and Value
For a genuine UMF-certified Manuka honey, Me Today is reasonably priced compared to premium brands. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- 4.4 oz (125g) UMF 5+: Around $9.99 – $10.99 USD.
- 8.8 oz (250g) UMF 5+: Around $16.99 – $18.99 USD.
- Higher UMF grades (13+ and 15+): Priced higher, as expected.
When compared to competitors, it falls in the mid-range price category, making it a great option for those seeking quality without overspending. Occasional discounts and bundle options add to its value.
One key downside is that bulk size options are limited, so if you consume Manuka honey frequently, you may need to repurchase often.
Overall Rating
After thoroughly testing Me Today Manuka Honey, I can confidently say that it is a high-quality, great-tasting, and effective Manuka honey. While it may not be the most well-known brand, its certification, purity, and reasonable pricing make it a solid choice for both first-time and regular Manuka honey consumers.
Would I buy it again? Yes! While I wish there were more size options, the quality and effectiveness make it worth every penny. If you’re looking for an authentic, reasonably priced, and delicious Manuka honey, Me Today is definitely worth considering.
