Can You Put Manuka Honey in Hot Tea? The Ultimate Guide for Preserving Potency

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Research shows that Manuka honey's key antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), is surprisingly resilient to the temperatures of hot tea. So, can you put Manuka honey in hot tea and still reap its unique benefits? Yes, with a simple, temperature-conscious technique, you can enjoy its flavor and wellness properties while avoiding excessive heat.

Quick Summary

Adding Manuka honey to warm beverages is perfectly acceptable, but high heat can diminish certain beneficial enzymes. Wait a few minutes for your tea to cool before stirring in the honey to best preserve its unique compounds and flavor.

Key Points

Temperature Matters: Adding Manuka honey to warm, not boiling, tea preserves its most beneficial compounds, including MGO.
MGO is Heat-Stable: The primary antibacterial agent, methylglyoxal (MGO), is resilient at typical tea-drinking temperatures and won't be destroyed.
Enzymes Are Sensitive: Some heat-sensitive enzymes in the honey may be affected by high heat, but this is less critical for internal consumption.
Immune and Gut Support: Consuming Manuka honey in warm tea can provide immune-boosting antioxidants and prebiotics for better gut health.
Avoid Extreme Heating: Methods like microwaving or adding to boiling liquids should be avoided to prevent significant loss of nutrients and a change in texture.

The Science Behind Manuka Honey and Heat

Manuka honey is prized for its unique health-promoting properties, which come from its distinct composition. While all honey has beneficial qualities, Manuka contains a high concentration of specific compounds, most notably methylglyoxal (MGO). Understanding how heat affects these components is key to maximizing its benefits.

Most people's primary concern is that high temperatures will destroy the beneficial compounds in Manuka honey. While this is true for some heat-sensitive elements, the most important ones are surprisingly robust. The MGO in Manuka honey is highly stable and retains its strength at typical tea-drinking temperatures, usually around 140–150°F (60–65°C).

However, other elements are more delicate. Enzymes like glucose oxidase, which also contribute to honey's antibacterial action, are more sensitive to high heat and may be compromised. The good news is that these enzymes are typically broken down by stomach acid during digestion anyway, so for internal health benefits, their degradation is a lesser concern than for topical use.

Additionally, Manuka honey contains heat-resistant polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress in the body. These compounds remain intact even when exposed to warm temperatures. Therefore, adding Manuka honey to a warm beverage, rather than a boiling one, allows you to enjoy its key health benefits with minimal loss.

How Does Heating Affect Manuka Honey's Profile?

Different cooking and preparation methods expose honey to varying degrees of heat, leading to different effects on its nutritional profile. Below is a comparison to help you understand the impact.


Cooking Method	Temperature	Impact on Beneficial Nutrients
Raw Consumption	No Heat	Retains full enzymatic and MGO potency.
Warm Beverages	120–140°F (49–60°C)	Key compounds like MGO are mostly preserved. Some enzymes may be reduced.
Microwaving	Up to 212°F (100°C)	Can cause rapid degradation of enzymes and nutrients. Not recommended.
Cooking/Baking	Over 160°F (71°C)	Significant nutrient loss, especially over prolonged periods. Reserve high-grade honey for other uses.

The Right Way to Enjoy Manuka Honey in Tea

Adding Manuka honey to tea is a wonderful way to naturally sweeten your drink while enjoying its unique properties. The key is to use a mindful approach to preserve the honey's integrity.

Start with boiled water: Bring your water to a full boil to prepare your tea base.
Allow it to cool: Wait for 1–2 minutes after boiling before adding honey. The ideal temperature for maximum benefit is warm, not scalding. A good rule of thumb is to wait until you can comfortably hold the warm mug in your hands.
Steep your tea: While the water is cooling, add your tea bag or loose-leaf tea and let it steep to your desired strength.
Stir in the honey: Once the tea has cooled slightly, add a teaspoon of Manuka honey. Stir gently until it has fully dissolved.
Enjoy immediately: Sip and savor the rich, distinct flavor while reaping the wellness benefits. This method ensures that the potent compounds in the honey are not compromised by excessive heat.

More Than Just a Sweetener: The Benefits

Manuka honey is celebrated for a variety of potential health benefits, especially when consumed properly:

Soothes Cold Symptoms: Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can provide relief for sore throats and coughs. A warm cup of Manuka honey tea is a popular remedy.
Supports Gut Health: The prebiotics in Manuka honey promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, helping to maintain a balanced and healthy digestive system.
Boosts Immunity: Packed with antioxidants and unique bio-active compounds, Manuka honey offers support for the immune system, helping your body defend against illness.
Natural Energy Source: Manuka honey provides a clean, natural energy source. It offers steady, sustained energy without the rapid sugar spikes associated with refined sugar, making it a good choice for athletes and active individuals.
Promotes Oral Health: Studies suggest that Manuka honey can help reduce plaque buildup and inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for gingivitis.

Alternative Ways to Enjoy Manuka Honey

While adding it to tea is a fantastic option, here are other ways to incorporate Manuka honey into your diet and daily routine to ensure you get all of its raw, unheated goodness:

By the Spoonful: The simplest method is to take a spoonful directly from the jar, which is a popular practice for those seeking maximum benefits.
In Smoothies: Blend a teaspoon of Manuka honey into your morning smoothie for a nutrient boost and natural sweetness.
Over Yogurt or Oatmeal: Drizzle it over plain yogurt, granola, or warm oatmeal (not boiling) after it has been cooked.
As a Topping: Use it to top toast, pancakes, or fresh fruit for a delicious and healthy snack.

Conclusion

So, can you put Manuka honey in hot tea? Yes, absolutely, but be mindful of the temperature to preserve its potent wellness benefits. By letting your tea cool slightly before adding the honey, you can ensure that its powerful compounds, like MGO and antioxidants, remain intact. This simple practice allows you to enjoy the full flavor and health-boosting properties of Manuka honey, making your daily cup of tea a mindful and nourishing experience. For more on the unique science behind this special honey, check out research findings from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manuka honey does not lose all its potency in hot tea. Its primary antibacterial compound, MGO, is heat-stable and remains effective at tea-drinking temperatures. However, excessive or prolonged heat can degrade some of its enzymes, so letting your tea cool slightly before adding honey is recommended.

The ideal temperature for adding Manuka honey to tea is when the liquid is pleasantly warm, not scalding hot. Waiting 1-2 minutes after boiling, allowing the temperature to drop to around 140-150°F (60-65°C), is best for preserving its active compounds.

It is not recommended to microwave Manuka honey. Microwaving creates uneven and intense heat that can destroy its delicate enzymes and alter its texture. It's better to heat the water separately and add the honey after it has cooled slightly.

Manuka honey is different due to its unique compound, MGO, which provides powerful and heat-stable antibacterial effects not found in regular honey. While both act as natural sweeteners, Manuka offers more potent and specific wellness benefits when added to warm tea.

Adding Manuka honey to boiling water may compromise some of its beneficial nutrients and enzymes. While it will not become toxic, it will lose some of the specific qualities you are paying for. It is better to wait for the water to cool to a drinkable temperature.

Yes, Manuka honey is excellent for soothing a sore throat when added to a warm drink, like a lemon and ginger infusion. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can provide significant relief.

For most healthy adults, consuming Manuka honey in tea daily is safe and beneficial in moderation. As with all honey, it is still a form of sugar. Those with specific health conditions like diabetes should consult their doctor.