Jarrah or Manuka Honey: Which Is the Better Superfood?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

Recent studies have shown that some Australian eucalypt honeys, including Jarrah, possess higher average antimicrobial activity than New Zealand Manuka honey. This sparks a significant debate for consumers, forcing them to consider what is better, jarrah or Manuka honey, for their specific health and wellness goals.

Quick Summary

A detailed comparison of Jarrah honey from Western Australia and Manuka honey from New Zealand, examining their distinct antibacterial mechanisms, antioxidant levels, taste, and therapeutic benefits. Understand how their different grading systems, TA for Jarrah and UMF/MGO for Manuka, indicate their medicinal potency.

Key Points

Antibacterial mechanisms differ: Jarrah honey's potency comes from hydrogen peroxide (peroxide activity, PA), while Manuka's is mainly from methylglyoxal (non-peroxide activity, NPA).
Grading systems reflect potency: Jarrah is rated by Total Activity (TA), measuring both PA and NPA. Manuka is rated by UMF or MGO, focusing primarily on NPA.
Jarrah often has higher antioxidants: Research suggests Jarrah honey contains significantly higher levels of antioxidants compared to Manuka.
Taste profiles are distinct: Jarrah has a smooth, mild, caramel-like flavor, while Manuka is known for its strong, earthy, and sometimes bitter taste.
Low GI for blood sugar management: Jarrah honey has a lower glycemic index due to its high fructose content, making it a better option for those monitoring blood sugar levels.
Both are excellent for wound healing: Both honeys are proven to be effective for topical wound care, promoting healing and preventing infection.

Comparing the Medicinal Mechanisms: TA vs. UMF/MGO

Both Jarrah and Manuka honeys are celebrated for their powerful antibacterial properties, but they achieve this through different active compounds. This difference in mechanism is key to understanding their respective strengths and how their potencies are rated.

Jarrah Honey: The Hydrogen Peroxide Powerhouse

Jarrah honey's antimicrobial properties come from glucose oxidase, an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide when diluted. This activity contributes to its high 'Total Activity' (TA) rating, which measures its overall antibacterial effect. High TA ratings, like 35+ or 50+, signify strong medicinal potency. Jarrah honey is effective against various microbes, including bacteria and fungi.

Manuka Honey: The Methylglyoxal Marvel

Manuka honey's potency stems from methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that provides non-peroxide activity (NPA). Its strength is measured by UMF or MGO ratings, with higher numbers indicating greater potency. Manuka is particularly known for its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA and is used in medical wound care.

Health and Therapeutic Benefits

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Both honeys contain antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Some research suggests Jarrah honey may have significantly higher antioxidant levels than Manuka. Both can help soothe sore throats and support immune function.

Wound Healing and Skin Care

Both are effective for topical use on wounds, burns, and skin infections. They promote healing by providing an antibacterial barrier. Jarrah's antifungal properties are beneficial for infections like athlete's foot, while Manuka is well-known for its use in medical-grade wound products.

Digestive Health and Glycemic Impact

Manuka honey is recognized for supporting gut health and may help with issues like H. pylori. Jarrah honey also acts as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut bacteria. Importantly, Jarrah honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than Manuka due to its higher fructose content, leading to a slower energy release and making it suitable for those watching blood sugar.

A Comparative Look: Jarrah vs. Manuka


Feature	Jarrah Honey	Manuka Honey
Origin	Western Australia	New Zealand & Australia
Key Antibacterial Agent	Hydrogen Peroxide (Peroxide Activity)	Methylglyoxal (Non-Peroxide Activity)
Grading System	Total Activity (TA)	Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) or MGO
Antimicrobial Strength	Often cited as having higher overall antimicrobial power (TA35+ can be equivalent to high MGO/UMF)	Potent, especially for antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Antioxidant Content	Very high, possibly up to 3x more than Manuka	High
Taste Profile	Smooth, caramel-like with nutty undertones; milder and sweeter	Strong, earthy, slightly medicinal or bitter
Glycemic Index	Low GI (due to high fructose)	Moderate GI
Texture	Thicker than regular honey, but often smoother than Manuka	Very thick, almost fudge-like consistency
Versatility	Excellent for culinary uses due to milder taste	Bold flavor suits specific uses; more widely recognized

The Final Word: How to Choose

The choice between Jarrah and Manuka honey depends on your needs. Both are potent medicinal honeys with distinct advantages.

Jarrah honey is often preferred for its high antibacterial strength (TA), lower glycemic index, milder taste, and potentially higher antioxidant content. It's excellent for daily wellness and blood sugar management.

Manuka honey, with its UMF/MGO ratings, is recognized globally for targeted medicinal uses, particularly in medical wound care and fighting specific bacterial infections due to its strong non-peroxide activity. It has a more robust, earthy flavor.

Ultimately, they serve different purposes. Jarrah is a great daily wellness honey with broad antimicrobial action and a lower GI. Manuka excels in targeted therapeutic applications, especially wound care. Consider your health goals and taste preference when choosing, and ensure you buy from reputable sources for quality and authenticity.

For more information on the therapeutic properties of honey, including Australian varieties, consult reports like the one published by the RIRDC.

Reference: RIRDC Report An Investigation into the Therapeutic Properties of Honey

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Jarrah honey has strong antibacterial properties due to its production of natural hydrogen peroxide, which provides a high Total Activity (TA) rating.

Jarrah honey can often be more expensive than Manuka honey because Jarrah trees flower only every two years, making it rarer and limiting the harvest.

Manuka honey is particularly noted for its effectiveness against specific types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA, and is used in medical-grade wound care.

Both honeys are excellent for soothing a sore throat due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The choice may come down to taste preference, as Jarrah has a milder flavor.

Yes, both are effective for treating minor wounds and infections. They maintain a moist wound environment, prevent infection, and accelerate healing.

For gut health, both offer benefits. Jarrah acts as a prebiotic, while Manuka is studied for its effects on specific gut bacteria. For those concerned about blood sugar, Jarrah's lower GI might be preferable.

Jarrah honey resists crystallization due to its naturally higher fructose-to-glucose ratio. This keeps it in a smooth, liquid state for longer.

TA (Total Activity) measures Jarrah's antibacterial strength. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) and MGO (Methylglyoxal) are Manuka ratings measuring non-peroxide activity; a higher number indicates greater potency for all three systems.