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Writer's pictureKristians G

Manuka Honey: Is It Worth the Hype? A Guide for UK Consumers

Updated: Oct 31

Manuka honey has become well-known for its antibacterial properties, mainly due to its high MGO content. But is it really the best choice? While MGO does contribute to its activity against bacteria in the laboratory, it’s important to note that MGO can be harmful if consumed in large amounts. If you're looking for a safe natural alternative, IminoHoney might be a better option. With lower MGO levels and packed with iminosugars, IminoHoney offers the health benefits of raw honey without the potential risks. Whether you stick with Manuka or try IminoHoney, both can support your health, but IminoHoney provides a more balanced and authentic choice.


All I See Is Manuka Honey


Manuka honey has taken the health and wellness world by storm. From skincare to cold remedies, this natural honey is often touted as a superfood with incredible benefits. Originating from New Zealand and Australia , Manuka honey is produced by honey bees that pollinate the Manuka bush. It’s celebrated for its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound claimed to give Manuka honey its powerful antibacterial properties. But with all this buzz, one might wonder: is Manuka honey really worth the hype, or are there better alternatives out there?


Does It Stand Up to Other Types of Honey?


When comparing Manuka honey to other types of raw honey, the differences may not be as significant as the marketing suggests. While Manuka honey is high in MGO, which does contribute to its antibacterial effects, it’s also worth noting that MGO is a toxic compound and associated with poor health such as diabetes. This raises questions about whether the touted benefits of Manuka honey outweigh the potential downsides, especially when consumed regularly.


Other types of raw honey and organic honey offer their own range of benefits without the high levels of MGO. For example, buckwheat honey and wildflower honey are rich in antioxidants and can provide similar health benefits including anti-bacterial activity when applied on the skin and soothing sore throats, without the concerns associated with MGO.


What About IminoHoney?


Enter IminoHoney, a honey produced in the UK that aims to address the limitations of Manuka honey while enhancing its benefits. IminoHoney is unique in that it contains an iminosugar, a rare compound discovered in the Mediterranean plant Myrtus communis. Unlike Manuka honey, IminoHoney is specifically selected for low MGO content and undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure the presence of iminosugars, which are known for their specific biological activities.


These iminosugars offer a natural way to maintain health and energy levels without the potential risks associated with high MGO. IminoHoney is a 100% natural honey, available in convenient single portion sachets, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine as a food or nutritional supplement. It’s not just about avoiding the downsides of Manuka honey—IminoHoney actively contributes to your well-being in ways that Manuka honey simply can’t match.


If You Had to Choose…


So, is Manuka honey worth the hype? If you’re drawn to it for its antibacterial properties, it’s certainly a potent option if applied to the skin but then any honey has activity on skin infections due to the high sugar content that bacteria and fungi cannot grow in. However, for those who are looking for a more balanced, authentic, and natural alternative to have benefits when eaten, IminoHoney might be the better choice. With its unique iminosugar content and careful production process, IminoHoney offers a healthier way to enjoy the benefits of raw honey without the concerns that come with high MGO levels.


In the end, the choice comes down to your health goals and preferences. Whether you stick with the well-known Manuka honey or explore the innovative benefits of IminoHoney, you’re choosing a natural product that supports your health in a delicious and authentic way.



While Manuka honey has its merits, it’s important to consider whether it truly lives up to the hype or if there are better alternatives available. IminoHoney provides a compelling option for those seeking a natural and organic honey that delivers on its promises without the drawbacks of high MGO content. So, before you reach for that jar of Manuka honey, consider what you’re really looking for in a honey—and whether IminoHoney might just be the perfect fit for your needs.



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