In-Depth New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey Review (2025 Edition)

If you’re like me and have a soft spot for honey, you know there’s nothing quite as satisfying as discovering a product that combines taste, quality, and wellness benefits. That’s exactly what I found in New Zealand Honey Co.’s Manuka Honey. This brand has quickly become a staple in my pantry, with its vibrant jars housing some of the finest honey I’ve ever tasted.

In this post, I’ll share my personal experience with New Zealand Honey Co.’s manuka honey—from its rich flavor and luxurious texture to its impressive health benefits and overall value. Whether you’re already a manuka honey fan or just curious about what makes it so special, this review will help you decide if it’s worth trying.

My Review of New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey

For this review, I’m focusing on the UMF™ 15+ variety, one of their most popular options. Spoiler alert: it’s absolutely delicious.

Taste and Appearance: A Golden Delight

The first time I dipped a spoon into New Zealand Honey Co.’s manuka honey, I knew I was in for a treat. The honey’s rich, creamy consistency is perfectly paired with its golden hue—it’s as if you’re scooping up liquid sunshine. But what really won me over was the flavor. It’s a harmonious blend of sweetness with a hint of toasted caramel and earthy undertones, making it a true standout among other honeys I’ve tried.

My favorite way to enjoy it? Drizzled over a warm bowl of oatmeal. The honey melts into the oats, creating a luxurious, slightly nutty sweetness that’s both comforting and energizing. It’s also become my go-to sweetener for morning tea or a mid-afternoon snack straight from the jar (no judgment, right?).

I’ve also had the pleasure of trying their UMF™ 20+ variety, which carries a slightly deeper, more pronounced flavor profile. While I didn’t notice a dramatic difference in taste, it felt like an elevated experience—something I’d reserve for special occasions or when I’m feeling indulgent.

Beyond the flavor, this honey has become a part of my wellness journey. Its distinctive tea tree essence hints at its medicinal properties, which are a hallmark of genuine manuka honey. While I can’t definitively say it’s the sole reason my post-viral symptoms have improved, it’s undoubtedly been a delicious and comforting addition to my health routine.

Grades Available: A Jar for Every Need

One thing I appreciate about New Zealand Honey Co. is the variety of UMF™ grades they offer. It’s like they’ve thought of every possible reason someone might want manuka honey. Let me walk you through the options and share a few personal insights.

• UMF™ 5+: This is the everyday honey you’ll want to drizzle on toast, stir into tea, or use in recipes. It’s mild yet retains the unique properties of manuka honey.
• UMF™ 10+: A step up in potency, this is perfect for general wellness. I’ve used it when I’ve felt a cold coming on, and it’s been a soothing addition to my arsenal.
• UMF™ 15+: Now we’re getting serious. I personally use this grade the most. It strikes the perfect balance between potency and price, and a little goes a long way. A close friend of mine swears by it for her husband’s esophagitis, and I’ve found it works wonders for a sore throat.
• UMF™ 20+: For those looking to go all-in on the health benefits, this grade packs a powerful punch. If budget isn’t a concern, this is an excellent choice.
• UMF™ 24+ and 26+: These rare, high-potency honeys are incredible for specific health concerns, like ulcers. I haven’t tried these yet, but they’re on my wishlist.
• UMF™ 28+: The crown jewel. This grade is so pure and potent it’s produced in very limited quantities. If you’re looking for the ultimate manuka honey experience, this is it.

Whether you’re soothing a sore throat, treating insect bites, or supporting your pet’s health (yes, I’ve used it for my dogs too!), there’s a grade for you. The versatility of manuka honey never ceases to amaze me.

Purity and Authenticity: Trust in Every Jar

As someone who loves honey, I’ve learned to appreciate the effort that goes into ensuring quality and authenticity. New Zealand Honey Co. excels in this area. Their honey is sourced directly from bees in New Zealand and packaged right there on-site to maintain its integrity.

What really stands out to me is the rigorous testing their products undergo. Each jar is tested for agrichemicals, glyphosate residue, and other impurities, which is incredibly reassuring. They’re also certified by the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), and their license number (#2060) is proudly displayed.

One feature I find particularly cool is the QR code on each jar. Scanning it provides access to the UMF™ certificate and even pinpoints the region in New Zealand where the honey was harvested. Talk about transparency! As a consumer, knowing exactly where my honey comes from builds a lot of trust.

For those with dietary restrictions, the honey is also non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and certified Kosher and Halal. It’s clear that this brand goes above and beyond to cater to everyone.

Brand Reputation: A Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

When I first started exploring New Zealand Honey Co., I was curious about the brand’s backstory and philosophy. What I discovered made me an even bigger fan. Instead of owning their own hives, they collaborate with some of the best beekeepers across New Zealand. This approach allows them to source honey from the most abundant and pristine regions, from the sun-drenched fields of Northland to the rugged beauty of Otago in the South Island.

Their commitment to sustainability is another reason I admire this brand. Around 95% of their packaging is made from recycled materials, and they’re constantly innovating to further reduce their environmental footprint. Knowing that the brand aligns with my values as an eco-conscious consumer adds a layer of satisfaction to every jar I use.

Another standout feature? The sheer number of glowing reviews they’ve accumulated. With over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s clear that New Zealand Honey Co. has built a strong, loyal customer base. People rave about the quality, taste, and health benefits of their honey—and I’m happy to say I’m one of them.

Packaging and Size: Practical and Thoughtful Design

Packaging might not be the first thing you think about when buying honey, but New Zealand Honey Co. has put serious thought into it. Their jars are made from rPET plastic, a material derived from recycled plastics, which makes them lightweight, shatter-proof, and thermo-stable. This is a huge plus if you’re like me and always nervous about glass jars breaking during shipping.

The design is sleek and vibrant, featuring color-coded labels that make it easy to distinguish between the various UMF™ grades. Additionally, the Lift ‘n’ Peel™ seal ensures package integrity, prevents leaks, and makes the jar easy to open for the first time without any spillage.

I also love the variety of jar sizes they offer. Whether you’re looking for a small 4.4oz jar to test the waters or a large 17.6oz jar for regular use, they’ve got you covered. Personally, I started with the medium-sized 8.8oz jar and found it to be the perfect balance between affordability and quantity. Now that I’m hooked, I’ll probably upgrade to the larger size next time.

As a bonus, the jars are BPA-free and plasticizer-free, adding an extra layer of safety and quality. It’s clear that the company’s partnership with PharmaPac—a specialist in medical-grade packaging—ensures their honey is stored in containers that meet the highest standards.

Price and Value: Worth Every Penny

Manuka honey isn’t cheap, and for good reason. Its production is labor-intensive, and its health benefits are unparalleled. That said, New Zealand Honey Co. stands out for offering competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

For example, I paid $38.88 for an 8.8oz jar of UMF™ 15+, which is a fantastic deal compared to similar products from other brands. Higher grades, like UMF™ 24+ and 26+, are understandably pricier, with UMF™ 26+ costing $198.88 and the ultra-rare UMF™ 28+ priced at $298.88. While these numbers might seem steep, you’re investing in a product that delivers tangible benefits and adheres to the highest standards of purity and authenticity.

What sweetens the deal (pun intended) is their Subscribe & Save program. Signing up for recurring deliveries knocks 10% off the price, and with free shipping on orders over $50, you’re getting excellent value for your money.

When I compared prices with other brands offering similar UMF™ grades, I found that New Zealand Honey Co. consistently came out on top. For instance, the UMF™ 15+ grade saves you around $10 per jar compared to competitors. It’s rare to find a brand that combines premium quality with affordability, but New Zealand Honey Co. has nailed it.

Pros & Cons

Overall Rating: A Honey Lover’s Verdict

After weeks of using New Zealand Honey Co.’s manuka honey in everything from oatmeal to skincare, I can confidently say it’s one of the best I’ve ever tried.

Overall, I’d rate it a solid 8.1/10.

Whether you’re a seasoned manuka honey enthusiast or a curious first-timer, New Zealand Honey Co. offers a product that’s hard to beat. It’s a small indulgence that’s just as good for your health as it is for your taste buds—and that’s something I can wholeheartedly get behind.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 65
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carb: 16g
• Total Sugars: 16g
• Sodium: 2.8mg
• Protein: 0g