Which vitamins does Manuka honey have? A comprehensive look at its nutritional profile

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

While not considered a primary vitamin source, Manuka honey contains trace amounts of several B vitamins and vitamin C. This unique honey, known primarily for its high concentration of antibacterial compound methylglyoxal (MGO), also offers a complex nutritional composition that distinguishes it from standard honey.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey contains small but beneficial amounts of B vitamins and vitamin C, alongside numerous minerals and potent antioxidants. Its nutritional composition differs from regular honey, contributing to its distinct health-promoting properties. The honey's primary health benefits, however, stem from its unique compounds like MGO rather than its vitamin content.

Key Points

B-Vitamins Present: Manuka honey contains trace amounts of several B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6.
Low Vitamin C Content: While it contains some vitamin C, the concentration is low and not a primary source for daily intake.
Rich in Minerals: Manuka honey is higher in mineral content than regular honey, including elements like calcium, copper, iron, and zinc.
Antioxidant Power: Its darker color and high levels of phenolic compounds provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Not a Primary Vitamin Source: Due to its high sugar content and trace vitamin amounts, Manuka honey should not be relied upon as a main source of vitamins.
Therapeutic Uses: The primary health benefits are linked to its unique compounds like MGO, not its vitamin content.
Superior to Regular Honey: Manuka honey is considered more nutritionally dense and potent than regular honey due to its unique composition.

Unpacking the Nutritional Composition of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey has garnered a reputation as a health powerhouse, often touted for its superior antibacterial properties. While its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content is well-documented, many wonder about its vitamin and mineral profile. It is important to understand that honey, including Manuka, is predominantly composed of natural sugars, and its micronutrient content is not significant enough to replace a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. However, it does contain a variety of vitamins and minerals in trace amounts, which contribute to its overall value as a wholesome natural product.

The B-Vitamin Complex

Among the vitamins found in Manuka honey, the B-vitamin complex is the most notable. These water-soluble vitamins play crucial roles in cellular metabolism and energy production, even in the minute quantities found in honey. The B vitamins identified in Manuka honey include:

Thiamin (B1): Essential for converting food into energy and for nerve function.
Riboflavin (B2): Helps the body break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy.
Niacin (B3): Supports the nervous and digestive systems.
Pantothenic Acid (B5): Aids in fatty acid metabolism and other metabolic processes.
Pyridoxine (B6): Plays a part in energy production, hemoglobin formation, and immune function.

Vitamin C and other Micronutrients

In addition to the B vitamins, Manuka honey also contains a small amount of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. While not a significant source, this antioxidant plays a vital role in immune function and tissue repair. A 2024 review found that a 21g serving of Manuka honey could provide a notable proportion of the recommended daily intake for Vitamins C and E. It is also important to consider the array of minerals present in this golden elixir, which include:

Calcium
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Potassium
Sodium
Phosphorus
Zinc.

These trace elements are essential for a wide range of bodily functions, from bone health and muscle function to immune support. The overall nutritional density of Manuka honey is what sets it apart, even with trace amounts of these vital micronutrients.

How Manuka Honey's Vitamins Compare to Regular Honey

While all types of honey contain some vitamins and minerals, the overall nutritional density often differs. The unique floral source of Manuka honey, the Leptospermum scoparium bush, imparts a more complex nutritional profile compared to regular honey derived from various floral sources.


Feature	Manuka Honey	Regular Honey
Vitamin B Content	Contains a range of B-vitamins in small amounts.	Also contains B-vitamins, but may have a less consistent profile depending on floral source.
Vitamin C Content	Contains a low level of vitamin C.	Generally contains a low level of vitamin C.
Mineral Content	Higher mineral content (conductivity) due to its specific floral source.	Typically lower mineral content compared to Manuka.
Antioxidants	Rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which contribute to high antioxidant activity.	Contains antioxidants, but generally in lower concentrations than Manuka.
Unique Compounds	High concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), responsible for strong antibacterial effects.	Antimicrobial activity primarily from hydrogen peroxide, which is less stable.
Glycemic Index	May have a slightly lower glycemic index compared to regular honey.	Can cause a more intense blood sugar spike due to higher sugar content.

Beyond Vitamins: The True Health Power of Manuka

While the vitamin content is a pleasant bonus, it's not the primary reason for Manuka honey's fame. The real health-promoting power of Manuka honey lies in its other unique constituents. For example, its high MGO content gives it potent antibacterial properties, a characteristic not found in the same concentration in other honeys. Its rich antioxidant profile, stemming from phenolic compounds and flavonoids, helps combat oxidative stress. Furthermore, it contains oligosaccharides, which act as prebiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome. It is this comprehensive blend of compounds that contributes to its therapeutic uses for wound healing, soothing sore throats, and digestive health.

For those interested in the deeper scientific research behind Manuka honey's properties, the 2014 study "The composition and biological activity of Manuka honey" provides extensive detail on its components beyond simple nutrients.

Maximizing the Nutritional Value of Manuka Honey

To get the most out of Manuka honey's nutritional profile, remember that moderation is key, as it remains a source of sugar. Here are some ways to incorporate it into a balanced diet:

As a natural sweetener: Add it to your morning tea or coffee for a wholesome flavor.
On breakfast foods: Drizzle it over oatmeal, yogurt, or fresh fruit.
In smoothies: Blend a teaspoon into your daily smoothie for a nutritional boost.
In dressings and marinades: Its earthy flavor can enhance the taste of homemade dressings and sauces.

Conclusion

While Manuka honey does contain small quantities of various B vitamins and vitamin C, it should not be considered a significant dietary source of these nutrients. The honey's true health value comes from its potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, driven by compounds like MGO and a rich array of polyphenols. When comparing it to regular honey, Manuka honey stands out for its denser nutritional composition and unique therapeutic potential. For health-conscious consumers, incorporating Manuka honey into a balanced diet provides a delicious way to access its broad spectrum of beneficial compounds, complementing, but not replacing, other nutrient-rich foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Manuka honey contains small, trace amounts of several vitamins, including a range of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) and a low level of vitamin C.

No, Manuka honey should not be considered a significant source of vitamins. While it contains some, the amounts are very small and its high sugar content means it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Both Manuka and regular honey contain trace amounts of vitamins, but Manuka is generally considered more nutritionally dense overall, with a higher mineral and antioxidant content due to its unique floral source.

The most significant health benefits of Manuka honey come from its high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it potent and stable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, distinguishing it from regular honey.

While the trace vitamins contribute to the honey's overall nutritional profile, the quantities are too small to have a major impact. The health benefits are primarily attributed to other compounds, such as MGO and antioxidants.

Manuka honey is primarily a source of natural sugars (glucose and fructose) and provides a quick energy boost, much like any honey. Its lower glycemic index compared to regular honey may provide a more sustained energy release.

You can add Manuka honey to your diet in moderation by drizzling it on oatmeal, mixing it into smoothies, or using it as a natural sweetener in tea. This allows you to benefit from its overall nutritional profile, including its trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

From a nutritional standpoint, Manuka honey is often considered more potent due to its higher mineral content and unique antibacterial properties derived from MGO. However, both are still forms of sugar and should be consumed sparingly.