Is Manuka Honey Any Better Than Regular Honey? A Full Scientific Breakdown

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2024 study highlighted that manuka honey's antibacterial methylglyoxal (MGO) content is naturally over 20 times higher than in regular honey, even before processing affects other types. This naturally leads to the question: is manuka honey any better than regular honey, or is it just an expensive alternative?

Quick Summary

A comparison of manuka and regular honey reveals distinct differences in origin, composition, and health benefits, particularly in antibacterial potency due to manuka’s high methylglyoxal (MGO) content.

Key Points

Origin and Composition: Manuka honey is monofloral, from the Manuka bush, which provides high levels of MGO, unlike multifloral regular honey.
Superior Antibacterial Action: Manuka honey's antibacterial properties are significantly stronger and more stable due to its high MGO content, while regular honey's effects are milder and can be lost through processing.
Medicinal Uses: Manuka honey is prized for therapeutic applications like wound healing, digestive health support, and skin care, which are benefits not found to the same degree in regular honey.
Authentication and Quality: High-quality manuka honey is rigorously tested and certified by systems like MGO and UMF, which regular honey lacks.
Cost vs. Benefit: Manuka honey is significantly more expensive due to its rarity and testing, making regular honey the better and more cost-effective choice for general culinary use.
Targeted vs. General Wellness: For specific health concerns, manuka honey is the superior investment; for everyday sweetening and general wellness, regular honey is sufficient and more economical.

The Science Behind Manuka Honey

While all honey has some level of antibacterial activity due to factors like its low pH and hydrogen peroxide content, manuka honey is in a league of its own. The key difference lies in the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO), a potent antibacterial compound that is found in significantly higher concentrations in manuka honey. This special compound is derived from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is abundant in the nectar of the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) native to New Zealand and parts of Australia.

Grading Systems: MGO and UMF Explained

To navigate the world of manuka honey, it's essential to understand its grading systems. The most common are MGO and UMF:

MGO (Methylglyoxal): This rating directly measures the concentration of MGO in the honey. For example, MGO 400+ means there are at least 400 milligrams of MGO per kilogram of honey. A higher number indicates a higher concentration of MGO and, therefore, stronger antibacterial activity.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor): This is a more comprehensive quality trademark that not only measures MGO but also other key compounds, like Leptosperin and DHA, to verify the honey's authenticity, purity, and potency. A UMF rating is considered a reliable stamp of quality, ensuring the product meets stringent New Zealand standards. Higher UMF ratings correspond to higher MGO levels.

Health Benefits: A Side-by-Side Look

Both manuka and regular honey offer health benefits, but their potency differs significantly. While regular honey provides general wellness support, manuka's unique composition offers more targeted therapeutic applications.

Manuka Honey Health Advantages

Superior Antibacterial Action: The high MGO content makes manuka honey exceptionally effective against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. This is particularly valuable for medicinal purposes like wound care and treating specific infections.
Digestive Health: Manuka honey contains prebiotics that can support beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestive health. Some research also suggests it can help manage conditions related to the H. pylori bacterium.
Skin Care: Its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make manuka honey a popular topical treatment for acne, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It can also help promote skin cell turnover for healing.
Wound Healing: Applied topically, medical-grade manuka honey is used to treat burns, wounds, and ulcers. It creates a moist healing environment, protects against infection, and promotes tissue regeneration.

Regular Honey Health Advantages

Antioxidants: Regular honey is a good source of antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help fight oxidative stress in the body. Darker varieties tend to have more antioxidants.
Cough Suppression: As a natural demulcent, honey is an effective cough suppressant and can soothe sore throats, even for children over one year old.
Natural Energy: With its natural sugars (fructose and glucose), regular honey offers a quick energy boost, though it may cause a more significant blood sugar spike than manuka.

Comparison Table: Manuka vs. Regular Honey


Feature	Manuka Honey	Regular Honey
Origin	Nectar of the native Manuka bush in New Zealand and Australia.	Nectar from various floral sources worldwide.
Key Compound	High levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO) and Leptosperin.	Primarily relies on hydrogen peroxide and low pH for antibacterial action.
Antibacterial Strength	Highly potent and stable; graded by MGO/UMF ratings.	Mild, with potency easily diminished by processing.
Taste & Texture	Strong, earthy, and often described as rich caramel; thick and creamy.	Varies widely from light and floral to robust; texture can be runny or creamy.
Cost	Significantly more expensive due to rarity and strict certification.	Generally affordable and widely available.
Best For	Medicinal uses, wound care, digestive support, and targeted skin conditions.	General consumption, sweetening, cough relief, and general wellness.

How to Choose the Right Honey for Your Needs

Deciding between manuka and regular honey ultimately comes down to your intended use and budget. For everyday consumption, such as sweetening tea, drizzling on toast, or baking, regular honey is a delicious and cost-effective choice. It still provides natural antioxidants and is a great alternative to refined sugar.

However, if you're seeking specific therapeutic or medicinal benefits, manuka honey is the superior option, provided you invest in a certified product. For targeted health issues, the extra cost of a high-grade, UMF-certified manuka honey may be worthwhile due to its scientifically-backed potency.

Conclusion: So, Is Manuka Honey Any Better?

The answer is complex but clear: yes, for specific medicinal applications, manuka honey is demonstrably better due to its unique, stable, and highly potent antibacterial properties driven by MGO. While regular honey is a healthy and affordable staple for general wellness and as a sweetener, it cannot replicate the targeted therapeutic effects of high-grade manuka honey. Consumers should consider their purpose and budget before choosing, with quality certification like UMF being a key indicator of genuine manuka potency.

Scientific evidence on Manuka honey's antibacterial activity

Frequently Asked Questions

Manuka honey is more expensive because it is a rare, monofloral honey from the manuka bush, which blooms for only a short time each year. It also undergoes rigorous testing and certification to prove its potency and authenticity, adding to the cost.

Yes, high-grade manuka honey is well-documented for its effectiveness in wound healing due to its potent, stable antibacterial properties. It is often used for treating burns, ulcers, and infections.

MGO measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, the key antibacterial compound. UMF is a more comprehensive quality trademark that measures MGO along with other markers to verify the honey's authenticity, purity, and potency.

Yes, regular honey is a source of antioxidants, can soothe sore throats, and acts as a natural energy booster. However, its antibacterial properties are milder and less stable than manuka honey's.

Look for a jar with a certified UMF or MGO rating. Authentic manuka honey will be packed in New Zealand and the label will clearly state its potency level.

Yes, you can substitute them for flavor and sweetness. However, if you are seeking the specific, potent medicinal benefits of manuka honey, regular honey is not a suitable substitute.

Honey, both manuka and regular, should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism. Individuals with diabetes should consume it in moderation and monitor their blood sugar.