When it comes to superfoods with natural healing potential, Manuka honey has earned a serious reputation—especially when it’s sourced directly from New Zealand, its native origin. I’ve always been intrigued by the buzz around Manuka honey, particularly those with UMF certification. So, I decided to try Nature Nate’s New Zealand Manuka Honey, specifically the UMF 10+ (MGO 263+) variant. After incorporating it into my routine over a few weeks—using it for everything from wellness to sweetening tea—here’s my honest, firsthand experience.
Taste and Appearance
From the first spoonful, I could tell this honey was different. It has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor with deep caramel undertones and a somewhat smoky finish. The taste is more complex and intense than traditional honey, which might not appeal to everyone. Personally, I found it rich and unique, though my husband noted a faint chemical aftertaste. I didn’t get that myself—instead, I noticed a clean, mellow finish that grew on me over time.
In terms of texture, it’s thicker and darker than regular honey. There’s a slight graininess, but nothing that felt crystallized or unpleasant. I also liked that it held up well in warm weather without separating or becoming too runny. It spread easily over toast and was perfect for drizzling into warm drinks.
Grades Available
Nature Nate’s offers several UMF-certified grades, making it easy to choose the right one for your needs. I opted for the UMF 10+ (MGO 263+), which is often recommended for immune support. Other available grades include UMF 5+, 7+, and 15+. Each level indicates increasing potency, and they’re all independently verified by the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA).
I appreciated the brand’s guidance on usage based on strength: the lower grades are ideal for everyday wellness, while the higher grades can be used during illness or for targeted support. It made the selection process feel more intentional rather than just a guess.
Purity and Authenticity
What really impressed me was the brand’s commitment to transparency and authenticity. The jars proudly display the UMF logo, and to double-check, I visited the official UMF Honey Association website. Sure enough, Nature Nate’s (under North Dallas Honey Company LLC) is listed with UMF license #3108—a reassuring stamp of credibility.
The honey is sourced and bottled entirely in New Zealand, the only country where authentic Manuka honey originates. While batch-specific lab reports aren’t readily accessible to consumers, the jars do include batch numbers for traceability, and every batch is tested to ensure purity. The honey is also raw and unfiltered, which is ideal if you prefer it in its most natural state. On top of that, it’s gluten-free, non-GMO, Kosher, and Halal, catering to a wide range of dietary needs.
Effectiveness
As someone who leans toward natural wellness remedies, I was especially curious about how this honey would perform. I used it daily—either by the spoonful or mixed into warm lemon water—especially when I felt a sore throat coming on. I can’t say it performed miracles, but I did feel that my throat irritation cleared up faster than usual, and it became a comforting part of my morning routine.
It also worked beautifully in smoothies and yogurt bowls, offering a slight sweetness with added health benefits. While I haven’t tried it for skincare or wound healing yet, I’m aware that Manuka honey is widely recognized for its antibacterial and healing properties, and I plan to explore that next.
A note of caution: it contains about 15–17 grams of natural sugar per serving, which is something to keep in mind if you’re monitoring your sugar intake.
Brand Reputation
Nature Nate’s has been in the honey business since 1972 and is well-regarded for its raw, unfiltered honey. Their classic honey line has even won a ChefsBest® Excellence Award. As for the Manuka variety, most customer feedback leans positive, with many praising its quality and purity. A few reviews mention issues with packaging or price, but the brand’s transparency and testing practices go a long way in building trust.
I also found their website very informative, with resources explaining UMF and MGO ratings, as well as wellness tips and recipe ideas that feature honey. This kind of customer education adds value, especially for first-time Manuka buyers.
Packaging and Size
The honey is available in both jars and squeeze bottles, and in common sizes like 13.2 oz and 17.6 oz. I used the squeeze bottle, which was convenient and mess-free, especially for drizzling. Labels clearly show the UMF and MGO ratings, origin, and usage instructions. There was also a tamper-evident seal, which gave me confidence that it hadn’t been tampered with.
Some online reviewers mentioned issues with cracked lids during shipping, though my bottle arrived safely. Still, this could be an area where Nature Nate’s might improve packaging durability.
Price and Value
Manuka honey is expensive—and Nature Nate’s is no exception. I paid around $25 for a 13.2 oz bottle of the UMF 10+ grade, which aligns with industry pricing. Higher grades like UMF 15+ can cost over $55 for the same size.
That said, I used it sparingly and with purpose, so the bottle lasted longer than I expected. If you’re buying for general health and appreciate certified quality, I think the price is justified. But if you just want a daily sweetener, Nature Nate’s regular raw honey might be a better value.
Overall Rating
I’m giving Nature Nate’s New Zealand Manuka Honey a confident 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s the real deal—authentic, thoughtfully sourced, and effective for everyday wellness. The flavor is bold and might not be for everyone, and the price is definitely a splurge. But if you’re looking for trusted, certified Manuka honey, this is a product worth investing in. For me, it has become a pantry staple—especially during cold and flu season.
