What honey is just as good as Manuka honey?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

While Manuka honey commands a high price tag, research published in Food Chemistry found that buckwheat honey has higher phenolic and comparable antibacterial content. This means that finding what honey is just as good as Manuka honey is more achievable and affordable than you might think.

Quick Summary

This article explores robust alternatives to Manuka honey, detailing options like Buckwheat, Jarrah, Kanuka, and Heather honeys. It compares their health benefits, antibacterial strength, and flavor profiles to help you find a high-quality, effective, and often more affordable option.

Key Points

Buckwheat Honey: Possesses comparable antibacterial power and often higher antioxidant content than Manuka, offering a rich, robust flavor.
Jarrah Honey: A Western Australian honey with potent peroxide-based antimicrobial activity and a lower glycemic index, making it a standout for wound healing and blood sugar management.
Kanuka Honey: A close New Zealand relative of Manuka that offers strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, with promising results for treating skin conditions at a more affordable price.
Heather Honey: A dark European honey rich in polyphenols and potent antibacterial activity, rivaling Manuka and particularly effective against certain bacteria.
Raw and Local Honeys: Unprocessed honeys retain natural enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen, providing general health benefits and potentially helping with seasonal allergies.
Consider the 'Why': When choosing, evaluate your specific health goal. Some honeys, like Buckwheat for coughs or Jarrah for wounds, may be a better fit than Manuka for your needs.
Beyond price: High cost doesn't always equal best. Cheaper, equally effective alternatives exist that also support more sustainable, local beekeeping practices.

Why seek an alternative to Manuka honey?

Manuka honey has long been heralded for its potent medicinal properties, particularly its high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), an antibacterial compound. However, several factors lead many consumers to seek out alternatives. The primary reasons include its high cost, the significant environmental footprint of transport from its New Zealand and Australian origins, and the potential for counterfeit products.

Fortunately, a growing body of research shows that many other honey varieties offer similar, and in some cases, superior, health benefits. These alternatives can be more accessible, more affordable, and support local beekeepers. By understanding the unique properties of different types of honey, you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs and budget.

Top honey varieties comparable to Manuka

Buckwheat Honey

This robust, dark honey is produced from the nectar of buckwheat flowers and is a true powerhouse of nutrients. Studies have shown that buckwheat honey rivals Manuka in terms of its antibacterial activity.

Antioxidant-rich: Its dark color is a testament to its high polyphenol content, powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Cough suppressant: For centuries, buckwheat honey has been a go-to natural remedy for soothing coughs and sore throats.
Flavor profile: It features a bold, rich, and malty taste with notes of molasses, making it an excellent pairing for hearty foods.

Jarrah Honey

Hailing from Western Australia, Jarrah honey is another contender known for its potent medicinal qualities. Its activity is based on a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, providing powerful antimicrobial effects.

Antimicrobial powerhouse: Research indicates that Jarrah honey can have a higher Total Activity (TA) rating than many Manuka varieties, making it highly effective for wound healing and topical use.
Lower glycemic index: With higher fructose and lower glucose content, Jarrah honey has a lower glycemic index, making it a better option for those monitoring their blood sugar.
Resistant to crystallization: Its composition also makes it very resistant to crystallization, retaining its liquid state for longer.

Kanuka Honey

A close relative to Manuka, Kanuka honey comes from the Kanuka tree, also native to New Zealand. While less famous, scientists are increasingly recognizing its therapeutic potential.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Beyond its antibacterial effects, Kanuka honey shows promising results as a topical treatment for skin conditions like rosacea and acne due to its anti-inflammatory action.
More affordable: Generally speaking, Kanuka honey is considerably cheaper than Manuka, offering a cost-effective alternative for similar applications.
Silky texture: It has a lighter, silky floral taste compared to Manuka's earthier profile.

Heather Honey

Primarily found in Europe, heather honey is a dark, enzyme-rich variety with a distinctive jelly-like consistency and a strong, pungent flavor. Recent studies have highlighted its potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Potent antibacterial: Research suggests that heather honey's antibacterial strength is comparable to, or even stronger than, Manuka's, particularly against certain bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Rich in antioxidants: Like other dark honeys, heather honey is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids.
Rheumatic relief: It has been traditionally used to aid rheumatic pain and gout.

Honey comparison: Manuka vs. its top rivals


Feature	Manuka Honey	Buckwheat Honey	Jarrah Honey	Kanuka Honey	Heather Honey
Origin	New Zealand, Australia	North America, Europe	Western Australia	New Zealand	Europe
Key Active Compound	Methylglyoxal (MGO)	Hydrogen peroxide, high polyphenols	Hydrogen peroxide	Complex mix, including some MGO	Hydrogen peroxide, high polyphenols
Antibacterial Activity	High, non-peroxide	High, comparable to Manuka	Very High, peroxide-based	High, effective for skin	High, potent against some bacteria
Antioxidant Content	High	Very High	Very High	High	Very High
Taste	Earthy, medicinal, sometimes bitter	Rich, malty, molasses-like	Smooth, caramel-like	Lighter, silky, floral	Pungent, slightly bitter
Price	Very High	Moderate	Moderate to High	Moderate	Moderate
Key Use	Wound healing, digestive health	Coughs, immune support	Wound care, lower GI	Skin conditions, acne	Respiratory issues, rheumatism

Choosing a high-quality alternative

When selecting a honey, especially for medicinal purposes, ensure you're getting a quality product. Look for raw, unfiltered honey, as processing can destroy beneficial enzymes and nutrients. Source from reputable beekeepers who prioritize sustainable practices and the health of their bees. Local raw honey can be particularly beneficial for those with seasonal allergies, as it contains local pollen that may help desensitize the body. Always check labels for transparency regarding origin and processing.

Conclusion

While Manuka honey has rightfully earned its reputation, it is not the only high-performing honey on the market. Powerful, nutrient-rich alternatives like Buckwheat, Jarrah, Kanuka, and Heather honeys offer comparable—and in some aspects, superior—health benefits. From potent antimicrobial activity to high antioxidant levels, these varieties prove that you don't need to overspend to get a therapeutic honey. By considering your specific needs, taste preferences, and budget, you can find a honey just as good as Manuka to support your health and wellness goals. Remember to prioritize raw, ethically sourced products to maximize their benefits and support sustainable practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manuka honey's uniqueness stems from its high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound with strong, stable antibacterial properties not found in most other honeys. This special composition is measured by the UMF grading system.

Buckwheat honey is often cited as the most effective honey for soothing coughs, with some studies showing it to be more effective than over-the-counter cough syrups for nighttime relief in children.

No, a high UMF rating is specific to Manuka honey's non-peroxide activity. Other honeys, like Jarrah, are rated by Total Activity (TA) and possess equally, or even more, potent antimicrobial effects based on peroxide activity.

For general wellness, soothing sore throats, and potentially alleviating seasonal allergies, locally sourced raw honey can be an excellent and more sustainable alternative. It contains a diverse range of pollen and enzymes beneficial for overall health.

Jarrah honey offers a wider range of benefits, including potentially stronger antimicrobial activity and a lower glycemic index. Whether it is 'better' depends on your specific needs, but it is certainly a potent, often more affordable alternative.

To ensure quality, look for honey that is raw and unfiltered. Check the label for information on its floral source and origin. If purchasing Manuka, ensure it has a certified UMF or MGO rating. For any honey, considering the producer's reputation is also wise.

While all honeys possess some level of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to low moisture and pH, Manuka, Jarrah, Buckwheat, and Kanuka are known for higher levels of specific active compounds that give them more pronounced medicinal effects.