Which honey is as good as Manuka honey? Unpacking its powerful alternatives

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 study published in Food Chemistry, buckwheat honey exhibited comparable antibacterial effects to Manuka honey against certain bacteria. This research highlights a key question for consumers and health enthusiasts: Which honey is as good as Manuka honey? The answer lies beyond New Zealand's famous export, with several other potent, and often more affordable, options available.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey is renowned for its healing properties, but several other honey varieties like Buckwheat, Honeydew, Kanuka, and Tualang offer comparable, or in some cases superior, health benefits. A comparison of these alternatives reveals that high antioxidant and antibacterial properties are not exclusive to Manuka, providing consumers with effective and often more affordable choices.

Key Points

Buckwheat Honey as an Alternative: Dark and rich buckwheat honey is a more affordable alternative to Manuka, with comparable or superior antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Honeydew Honey's Unique Profile: Honeydew honey is not made from flower nectar and contains higher antioxidant levels and prebiotics that aid gut health, surpassing Manuka in these aspects.
Kanuka: Manuka's Affordable Cousin: Native to New Zealand, Kanuka honey is a close relative of Manuka, offering similar anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties at a more accessible price point, particularly for skin conditions.
Raw Honey is Key: Choosing raw, unfiltered honey of any variety ensures the preservation of natural enzymes, vitamins, and phytonutrients that are lost during pasteurization.
Look Beyond MGO: While Manuka is graded for its MGO content, other honeys derive their potency from a wider array of beneficial compounds, making them effective health allies in their own right.
Consider Cost and Benefits: The high price of Manuka is not always justified for its benefits; other honeys can offer comparable therapeutic value for a fraction of the cost.
Local Sourcing: Sourcing raw, local honey can offer the added benefit of desensitization to local allergens, supporting beekeepers and reducing your carbon footprint.

Manuka honey has long been celebrated as a "superfood" due to its potent antibacterial and healing properties, which are largely attributed to the compound methylglyoxal (MGO). However, its high price point and specific sourcing from New Zealand's Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) have led many to seek out effective alternatives. The good news is that several other raw and natural honeys offer comparable, and in some cases even more powerful, health benefits.

Why Manuka Honey is Prized (And Expensive)

Manuka honey's fame stems from its unique non-peroxide antibacterial activity, which remains stable and effective even after processing. This potency is rated using systems like UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) or MGO, certifying its quality and strength. While its medicinal benefits, particularly for wound care, have been scientifically validated, the limited geographical source and certification process contribute to its high cost.

Potent Honeys as Good as Manuka

For those seeking a more accessible alternative, several honey varieties stand out for their nutritional profiles and health benefits.

Buckwheat Honey

One of the darkest honeys available, buckwheat honey is a nutritional powerhouse produced in North America and Europe. Its deep color signifies a high concentration of antioxidants, often surpassing that of Manuka honey.

High in Antioxidants: Buckwheat honey is rich in polyphenols, which combat oxidative stress in the body.
Powerful Antibacterial Effects: Studies have shown buckwheat honey can have comparable or even stronger antibacterial effects against specific bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Soothes Respiratory Issues: Its properties make it particularly effective for soothing coughs and sore throats.

Honeydew Honey

Also known as beechwood honey in New Zealand, this unique honey is not made from flower nectar but from the sugary secretions of aphids on certain trees. The bees then collect this honeydew and process it.

Superior Antioxidant Activity: Research shows that honeydew honey can have significantly higher levels of antioxidants than floral honeys, including Manuka.
Prebiotic Benefits: It is rich in oligosaccharides, complex sugars that act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting digestive health.
Impressive Antimicrobial Action: Comparative studies have shown honeydew honey can rival Manuka in inhibiting bacterial growth.

Kanuka Honey

Another honey variety native to New Zealand, Kanuka is a close relative of Manuka. Historically overshadowed by its cousin, Kanuka is gaining attention for its potent and affordable benefits.

Comparable Healing Properties: Kanuka honey shares many of Manuka's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Effective for Skin Conditions: Research suggests Kanuka honey is an effective topical treatment for cold sores, rosacea, and acne.
Stronger Antibacterial Potential: Some studies indicate certain Kanuka honeys might have even higher levels of MGO-related compounds than some Manuka honey, though an official grading system like UMF does not yet exist for Kanuka.

Tualang Honey

A wild, multi-floral honey from the tropical rainforests of Malaysia, Tualang honey is collected by bees nesting in giant Tualang trees. It is a rare and often expensive variety.

High Phenolic Content: Like Manuka, it contains MGO, but it has been shown to have a higher overall phenolic compound content.
Anti-Cancer Properties: Studies have explored Tualang honey's potential to combat leukemia cells.
Neuroprotective Benefits: It is also studied for its ability to boost cognition and protect against UV radiation.

Why Raw Honey is Crucial

Regardless of the floral source, raw honey is a superior choice to commercially processed honey. Raw honey is not pasteurized or heavily filtered, which preserves its natural enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Heating honey can destroy these beneficial compounds, turning it into little more than a high-fructose sweetener. Choosing local and raw honey can also expose you to local pollen, which some believe can help desensitize the body and reduce seasonal allergy symptoms over time.

Comparison of Honey Varieties


Feature	Manuka Honey	Buckwheat Honey	Honeydew Honey	Kanuka Honey	Tualang Honey
Origin	New Zealand	North America, Europe	New Zealand, Europe	New Zealand	Malaysia
Key Compounds	Methylglyoxal (MGO)	Antioxidants, Phenolics	Antioxidants, Prebiotics	Similar to Manuka, potentially high MGO	MGO, high Phenolics
Primary Benefit	Antibacterial, wound healing	Antioxidant, cough relief, antibacterial	Antioxidant, gut health, antibacterial	Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, skin health	Antioxidant, neuroprotective
Cost	Very High	Lower	Moderate to High	Lower to Moderate	Very High
Flavor Profile	Earthy, rich, slightly bitter	Rich, malty, molasses-like	Complex, woodsy, less sweet	Smooth, silky, floral	Complex, wild, varied

Conclusion

While Manuka honey holds a well-deserved reputation, it is far from the only potent honey available. Varieties like buckwheat, honeydew, and Kanuka honey offer comparable, and in some cases, superior benefits for antibacterial action, antioxidant power, and digestive health. For those looking to maximize nutrition while being mindful of budget, focusing on raw, dark, and locally-sourced honey is an excellent strategy. By broadening your horizons beyond the Manuka brand name, you can find a whole world of nature's liquid gold waiting to be discovered and appreciated for its unique properties. For further reading on the therapeutic benefits of different honeys, resources like the National Institutes of Health provide detailed information on their medicinal applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manuka honey is known for its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound responsible for its stable and potent non-peroxide antibacterial activity. While other honeys have antimicrobial effects, they often rely on hydrogen peroxide, which can be less stable.

While raw buckwheat honey has strong antibacterial properties comparable to Manuka against certain bacteria, specific medical-grade Manuka products are sterilized for wound care. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any honey for serious medical treatment, especially if the wound is deep or infected.

Generally, darker honeys like buckwheat and honeydew tend to have a higher antioxidant content compared to lighter-colored honeys. The flavor also tends to be stronger and richer in darker varieties.

Kanuka honey shares many of the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of its close relative, Manuka, and is sometimes suggested to have an even higher potency of MGO-related compounds. It is particularly effective as a topical treatment for various skin conditions.

Honeydew honey is noted for its high antioxidant content, often exceeding Manuka's. It also contains prebiotic compounds that support a healthy gut microbiome. Its antibacterial action is also quite potent.

Raw honey is unpasteurized and retains its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are often destroyed by the heat of commercial processing. This makes raw honey a more nutritionally dense and beneficial product.

While many honeys have beneficial properties, they are not a substitute for prescribed medication. Medical-grade honeys, including Manuka, are sterilized for clinical use. For dietary benefits and minor ailments like coughs or sore throats, consuming raw, high-quality honey can be helpful.