Honey is one of nature’s sweetest treats, but did you know that nearly half of all honey sold in the UK could be fake?
A 2023 report found that almost half (46 per cent) of the honey tested, including 10 UK brands, was not pure honey, but rather diluted with sugar syrup. One of the worst culprits? The higher-quality honey varieties such as Manuka honey.
Pure Manuka honey is sourced exclusively from the Manuka bush in New Zealand and is praised for its naturally occurring MGO (methylglyoxal), which has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
So, how do you know if what you’re buying is the real deal? Chances are, if it’s not made in New Zealand and not certified ‘Manuka’, then you may be dealing with a fake.
One reputable source is Manuka Doctor, as it supplies Manuka honey that is harvested and packed in New Zealand, is lab tested and meets New Zealand’s strict export laws. You can even trace your bottle right back to the beehives where it was created. Plus, Manuka Doctor’s honey is available in up to 1,200 MGO.
“Manuka honey comes in several different strength ratings, so you can upgrade to the best rating to suit you. The greater the MGO number on the pot, the higher the rating in the Manuka honey,” TV GP Dr Hilary Jones says. “If you'd like to avoid relying on pharmaceutical medications for spluttery coughs and colds, you might be interested to know that I keep this in my cupboard, in my kitchen at home. It's genuine New Zealand Manuka honey. It's antibacterial, it's antiviral and it's anti-inflammatory. And it's natural, it's like natural medicine. So, rely on this, it gives you good protection.”
There’s a reason Manuka Doctor has 50,000 five-star reviews too: it’s a natural energy booster. Data analyst Bruce Lloyd, 36, from Brighton, said he was feeling ‘tired and unmotivated’ until he started using Manuka Doctor’s honey. “The difference was incredible,” Lloyd says. “I felt sharper, more focused, and had way more energy. I even started enjoying my workouts again.”
Dr Jones recommends Manuka honey for “coughs, colds and an immunity boost”. “You can have it spread on toast, you can have it on your cereal in the mornings, on your berries, you can have it with your porridge, you can have it as a drink, but not with boiling water because boiling it will destroy the very precious antibacterial properties,” she adds.
Manuka Doctor is currently offering its 65 MGO 500g jar for just £17 (usually £37) with free delivery, but you’ll need to be quick as it’s for a limited time only.
You can shop the Manuka Doctor deal here.
Manuka Doctor 65 MGO Manuka Honey 500g
Manuka Doctor’s genuine New Zealand manuka honey is rich in natural MGO (methylglyoxal), which supports immunity, soothes sore throats, and boosts energy through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Traceable to the hive it was sourced from, the Manuka Doctor 65 MGO Manuka Honey 500g is the perfect sweet treat to drizzle on yoghurt or spread on your morning toast.
Buy now £17.00, Manuka Doctor
