Raw honey is honey in its purest form—no pasteurization, no filtering, just natural nutrients packed inside. Manuka honey is a special kind of raw honey that comes from New Zealand and Australia, known for its strong antibacterial properties thanks to its high MGO content. While both raw honey and Manuka honey are great for your health, Manuka honey stands out for its medicinal uses, like helping with wound care. However, it’s not easy to come by and can be quite expensive, with the added risk of it being mixed or diluted in some products.
What Raw Honey Means + Is Manuka Honey Raw Honey?
When it comes to raw honey, we're talking about honey in its purest form—unpasteurized, unfiltered, and packed with all the natural goodness that honey bees produce. Raw honey is essentially how honey exists straight from the hive, retaining beneficial nutrients like enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen that often get stripped away during processing.
But what about Manuka honey? Is it also raw honey? The answer is yes, but with a twist. Manuka honey is indeed a type of raw honey, but it comes exclusively from bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, native to New Zealand and Australia. What sets it apart is its potent antibacterial properties, primarily due to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). So, while Manuka honey is a form of raw honey, it’s not just any raw honey—it’s a rare variety with unique attributes.
What Makes Manuka Honey Different?
The primary difference between Manuka honey and other types of raw honey lies in its MGO content. MGO is what gives Manuka honey its powerful antibacterial properties, making it a go-to choice for medicinal uses, such as wound care and skin treatment. This is why you’ll often find Manuka honey being used in burn units and other medical settings —it’s a natural remedy with proven effectiveness.
However, this doesn’t mean that other raw honeys lack benefits. All natural honey has antibacterial properties, but Manuka honey takes it a step further with its high MGO levels. It’s also worth noting that this same MGO, while beneficial, is a toxic compound, raising questions about its safety when consumed regularly.
Extra Uses for Manuka Honey
Thanks to its unique properties, Manuka honey has found its way into various health and beauty routines. From soothing sore throats and reducing coughs to being used as a natural skincare product, Manuka honey is celebrated for its versatility. Its thick texture and rich composition make it ideal for topical applications, where it can help heal wounds, nourish damaged skin, and even combat acne.
But let’s not forget about raw honey in general. While it may not have the same level of MGO as Manuka honey, raw honey still offers a wealth of benefits. It’s an excellent natural sweetener, can be used in DIY skincare recipes, and is a great remedy for minor burns and cuts.
At Least They Are Not Pasteurized
One thing Manuka honey and raw honey have in common is that they are not pasteurized. Pasteurization involves heating honey to high temperatures, which extends its shelf life but also strips away many of its beneficial nutrients. By choosing raw honey—whether it’s Manuka or another variety—you’re opting for a product that retains its natural properties, including enzymes, antioxidants, and other health-boosting compounds.
This unpasteurized state means that both Manuka honey and raw honey are as close to nature as you can get. They’re both great choices if you’re looking for an organic and authentic honey that hasn’t been altered by processing.
Rarity - Why It Matters
Another significant difference between Manuka honey and raw honey is availability. Manuka honey is rare, produced only in certain parts of New Zealand and Australia . This rarity is part of what drives its high price and premium status. On the other hand, raw honey can be sourced from various regions around the world, making it more accessible and affordable.
However, with rarity comes a higher risk of adulteration . Because of its high value, Manuka honey is often counterfeited, making it crucial to purchase from reputable sources. Raw honey, while still susceptible to fraud, generally poses a lower risk, especially when sourced from trusted local beekeepers.
IminoHoney: Raw Honey at Its Full Potential
While Manuka honey has its merits, it’s not the only honey worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a natural product with real health benefits. Enter IminoHoney , a unique product that combines the best qualities of raw honey with the added benefits of iminosugars—a rare compound that supports health in ways that even Manuka honey can’t match.
IminoHoney is carefully selected for its low MGO content, ensuring that it’s safe for regular consumption while still offering significant health benefits. It’s 100% natural, with a distinctive taste and colour, and it’s available in convenient single-portion sachets. Whether you’re looking to support your energy levels, enhance your immune system, or simply enjoy a delicious and authentic honey , IminoHoney represents raw honey at its full potential.
When comparing Manuka honey to other types of raw honey, it’s clear that each has its own strengths. Manuka honey is a powerful, medicinal-grade honey with unique properties, but it’s not without its limitations. Raw honey, on the other hand, offers a more accessible and versatile option, with a broad range of health benefits.
If you’re looking for a natural honey that goes beyond the basics, IminoHoney might just be the perfect fit. With its iminosugar content and carefully controlled MGO levels, IminoHoney offers the best of both worlds—a natural, authentic honey that supports your health without compromise.