Why Is Some Manuka Honey So Cheap? Understanding Price Differences (2026)
Information in this article shouldn't be considered medical advice. If you are considering taking manuka honey, propolis, royal jelly or bee pollen for their health benefits and are currently taking medication, please consult your doctor first.
Differences in Potency Levels
Potency levels are the biggest factor in pricing differences.
New Zealand Manuka honey is defined by a few factors, but the potency comes from methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a naturally occurring compound in Manuka honey that forms from the conversion of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the honey matures. MGO is one of the key compounds responsible for many of the health supporting benefits Manuka honey has been known for. Higher levels of MGO within the honey come first from nectar with higher DHA content and secondly from maturation time. The DHA content in Manuka honey nectar can be greatly influenced by floral density, seasonal weather, climate, and hive placement.
This variance in every Manuka honey harvest means higher potency grades are much rarer, which contributes to higher pricing.
Certification vs Non-Certified Honey
Another factor contributing to honey price is whether or not the honey is UMF certified.
While all Manuka honey intended for export must be independently tested and verified again MPI defined standards, there is also an additional certification that can be acquired through the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). This certification system exists to both provide a final potency grade for the honey and ensure the honey is authentic and true to label.
This certification is voluntary, operating alongside the MPI defined Manuka honey definitions rather than replacing it. New Zealand’s legal definition of Manuka honey for export is defined by New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and applies to all Manuka honey regardless of whether a producer participates in UMF certification.
So non-UMF-certified Manuka honey should still meet the MPI regulatory definition, but their stated potency or quality claims are not verified to the same extent as through a UMF certification.
Origin and Sourcing Factors
Another factor in the costs of Manuka honey is the geographic origin and sourcing practices. Much of New Zealand’s Manuka honey is harvested in remote and densely populated regions of Manuka forest, making it more expensive to harvest.
Many of these locations aren’t accessible via road vehicle, and so beekeepers and hives are airlifted by helicopter throughout the flowering and harvesting seasons so hive are constantly close to flowering manuka.
When Cheap Manuka Should Raise Questions
Low pricing for Manuka honey doesn’t automatically indicate the honey is authentic, as lower grades of authentic manuka honey can also have lower prices.
However, questions may arise if a manuka honey product claims high potency without any certification, or provides limited information on the MGO levels, or a lack or clarity in general.
This can also be said about expensive manuka honey, as a high price also doesn’t guarantee authenticity.