Discover What is a good substitute for Manuka honey? and its potent alternatives

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

While New Zealand's Manuka honey commands a premium price due to its unique methylglyoxal (MGO) content, research reveals that numerous other honey varieties offer comparable, and in some cases superior, health benefits. This guide delves into what is a good substitute for Manuka honey, detailing effective, affordable, and accessible options for your health and diet.

Quick Summary

Explore powerful and cost-effective alternatives to Manuka honey, such as buckwheat, honeydew, and raw local honeys. This overview compares their nutritional profiles, antibacterial properties, and best uses for wellness and cooking.

Key Points

Buckwheat Honey: Offers superior antioxidant levels and strong antibacterial effects against common pathogens at a lower cost than Manuka honey.
Honeydew Honey: Rich in antioxidants and contains prebiotics that support beneficial gut bacteria, with a lower glycemic index.
Heather Honey: A European variety with potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes showing superior action to Manuka.
Raw Local Honey: Unprocessed honey that retains natural enzymes and may help with seasonal allergies, with antioxidant levels varying by floral source.
Medical-Grade Alternatives: Specific sterilized honeys, including non-Manuka types, are available and effective for wound care, as confirmed by studies.

Manuka honey, harvested from the native Manuka bush in New Zealand and Australia, has gained a reputation as a health superfood due to its unique antibacterial properties, primarily attributed to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). However, this limited geographical origin and high demand contribute to its significant cost, making it an inaccessible luxury for many. The search for a more budget-friendly, sustainable, or locally sourced honey with similar benefits is a common goal for health-conscious consumers. Fortunately, the world of honey offers a rich diversity of options, many of which rival or even surpass Manuka honey in specific health attributes.

Understanding Manuka Honey’s Unique Properties

Manuka honey's fame comes from its high, stable, non-peroxide antibacterial activity, linked to MGO. Its potency is often measured by the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) or MGO rating, indicating the concentration of this active compound. Beyond MGO, Manuka also contains other bioactive compounds like leptosperin and polyphenols, but the unique MGO content is its key selling point. The high price is a direct result of its limited availability and high demand, making alternatives a practical choice for many purposes.

Exploring Potent Honey Alternatives

Buckwheat Honey: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

Often referred to as a "Canadian cousin" or "local hero," buckwheat honey is a strong contender against Manuka. It has a dark color, a rich, malty, and molasses-like flavor, and a dense nutritional profile.

High in Antioxidants: Studies have found that buckwheat honey has a higher total phenolic content and overall antioxidant activity than Manuka honey.
Strong Antibacterial Properties: Research shows it has antibacterial effects comparable to or stronger than Manuka against certain pathogens, like Staphylococcus aureus.
Immune and Respiratory Support: It's a traditional remedy for coughs and sore throats and helps boost the immune system.
Mineral Rich: Contains valuable minerals like iron, zinc, and manganese.

Honeydew Honey: The Prebiotic Champion

Honeydew honey, sometimes known as forest honey, comes from bees collecting honeydew (a sugary liquid excreted by sap-sucking insects) rather than flower nectar.

Higher Antioxidant Levels: A 2013 study found that honeydew honey has significantly higher levels of antioxidants than many blossom honeys, including Manuka.
Excellent Prebiotic Source: It contains a higher concentration of oligosaccharides, complex sugars that act as prebiotics to nourish beneficial gut bacteria and improve digestion.
Lower Glycemic Index: This makes it a better option for those concerned about blood sugar spikes.

Heather Honey: A European High-Performer

Sourced from the nectar of heather flowers, this honey is particularly popular in Europe and has been shown to be a potent alternative.

Robust Antibacterial Action: Some studies suggest heather honey is as effective as or even superior to Manuka against certain bacteria, especially Gram-negative strains.
Rich in Bioactives: It is packed with polyphenols, flavonoids, and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.
Unique Thixotropic Property: It has a jelly-like texture that makes it stand apart from other honeys.

Raw Local Honey: Accessible and Allergen-Friendly

Raw honey, in its unprocessed and unfiltered state, retains all the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are often destroyed by pasteurization. Sourcing it locally can also provide exposure to local pollens, which some believe helps to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties can vary widely depending on the floral source. As a general rule, darker raw honeys tend to have higher antioxidant levels.

Unprocessed Goodness: Retains a more comprehensive nutritional profile than pasteurized honey.
Affordable and Accessible: Much more readily available and less expensive than Manuka honey.
Supports Local Economy: Choosing local honey supports small-scale beekeepers and reduces environmental footprint.

Considerations for Medical Use

While many honeys have impressive antibacterial properties, it's crucial to distinguish between a food-grade product and a medical-grade product for treating wounds. For serious wound infections, a sterilized, medical-grade honey is recommended to avoid contamination. Studies have found that some high-quality, fresh raw honeys can be statistically comparable to Manuka honey against certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offering new possibilities for wound care. For instance, Surgihoney is a notable medical honey alternative. Always consult a healthcare professional for wound treatment.

Comparison of Manuka and Potent Alternatives


Feature	Manuka Honey	Buckwheat Honey	Honeydew Honey	Raw Local Honey
Origin	New Zealand / Australia	North America, Europe	Various forest regions	Various, sourced locally
Primary Active Compound	Methylglyoxal (MGO)	Phenolic compounds, antioxidants, Hydrogen Peroxide	Phenolic compounds, Oligosaccharides, Hydrogen Peroxide	Varies by floral source, Hydrogen Peroxide
Antioxidant Level	High	Very High	Very High	Varies, darker often higher
Prebiotic Content	Varies, can contain fructooligosaccharides	Present	High in Oligosaccharides	Varies
Antibacterial Mechanism	Non-peroxide (MGO) and peroxide activity	Peroxide and phenolic compounds	Peroxide and phenolic compounds	Peroxide activity
Cost	Very High	Moderate	Moderate to High	Low to Moderate
Taste Profile	Earthy, slightly bitter, medicinal	Rich, malty, robust, molasses-like	Dark, intense, less sweet	Varies widely by floral source
Best For	Targeted healing, serious infections	Daily wellness, antioxidants, coughs	Gut health, lower GI option	Culinary use, general wellness, allergy relief

Conclusion: The Best Substitute Depends on You

The notion that Manuka honey is the only potent honey available is a myth. For most daily uses—from sweetening your tea to boosting your immune system or soothing a sore throat—many excellent and affordable alternatives exist. Buckwheat and honeydew honey offer superior antioxidant content and specific benefits for gut and respiratory health, respectively. For general wellness and supporting local beekeepers, a jar of raw local honey is a great choice. When it comes to medicinal applications like wound care, consulting a medical professional and considering certified medical-grade options, including non-Manuka variants, is the safest route. Ultimately, the right substitute depends on your specific needs, budget, and taste preferences. Exploring beyond Manuka reveals a world of flavorful and equally powerful nectars. Learn more about different honey properties and uses.

Selecting Your Ideal Manuka Substitute

For maximum antioxidants: Choose buckwheat honey, which rivals or exceeds Manuka in phenolic compounds.
For a boost in gut health: Consider honeydew honey due to its high prebiotic content from oligosaccharides.
For respiratory ailments and sore throats: Eucalyptus honey offers well-documented medicinal properties.
For budget-conscious daily use: Raw local honey is an accessible and nutrient-rich option.
For targeted antibacterial action: Explore specific, high-quality dark honeys, which may offer potent activity comparable to Manuka.

Frequently Asked Questions

While all raw honeys contain beneficial compounds and have some antibacterial activity, their potency is highly variable. Darker honeys generally have higher antioxidant content, but specific varieties like buckwheat, honeydew, and heather have been scientifically shown to offer comparable medicinal benefits to Manuka.

Studies suggest that buckwheat honey can exhibit comparable or even stronger antibacterial effects against certain bacteria compared to Manuka honey, though the active mechanism differs. Manuka relies on MGO, while buckwheat's potency comes from a high concentration of phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide.

For a sore throat, buckwheat and eucalyptus honey are excellent and affordable substitutes. Their soothing properties, coupled with their natural antibacterial action, help to provide relief and fight infection.

Yes, for clinical applications, medical-grade honeys that have been sterilized are used. Alternatives include Surgihoney, Gelam, and Tualang honey. Research also shows some fresh, raw honeys have similar antibacterial efficacy to Manuka against certain wound infections.

Not necessarily. The term "better" is subjective and depends on the intended use. Manuka is renowned for its stable MGO antibacterial activity, but other honeys like buckwheat and honeydew can surpass it in antioxidant content. For general wellness and taste, many alternatives are equally or more beneficial and affordable.

Look for labels that indicate "raw" or "unpasteurized" to ensure the honey retains its beneficial enzymes and nutrients. Choosing darker-colored honeys is often a good indicator of higher antioxidant content, and buying from local beekeepers can ensure freshness and purity.

Yes, honeydew honey is rich in oligosaccharides, complex sugars that act as prebiotics. These compounds feed beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting a healthier digestive system.

Raw local honey and buckwheat honey are generally the most cost-effective alternatives. Their wide availability makes them much more affordable than the imported and high-demand Manuka honey.