Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive? (Top 11 Reasons)

Manuka honey is perhaps the most popular honey in the world, highly coveted among consumers.
 
On account of its versatile uses and fantastic qualities, it is also outrageously expensive compared to most other honey.
 
Different researches and surveys show that Manuka honey is expensive because it has numerous health benefits for which it is very praiseworthy and sought-after.
 
Having been harvested from a specific plant of New Zealand, Manuka honey is relatively rare and difficult to find anywhere in the world.
 
Since it has a short season per year, beekeepers have to spend a lot of money to maintain processes and bring out a successful harvest.
 
Moreover, the extreme quality and exquisite flavor of Manuka honey also make it desirable to honey lovers.
 
Therefore, the reasons that make Manuka honey highly expensive are elaborated in this article in favor of you.
 
Hence, let’s find out the reasons and delve into them.
 

Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive?

 
Amongst multiple reasons for being ridiculously extravagant, some prominent reasons are enlisted here.
 
Consequently, they are discussed one after one.
 

Certain Source

Certain Source

 
Top of all, Manuka honey is only harvested from a certain flower namely Manuka.
 
It comes from the Leptospermum Scoparium tree whose indigenous name is Maori.
 
Authentic Manuka honey is produced when bees pollinate the Manuka flower.
 
When this specific flower is pollinated from many blooms, the honey becomes multi-floral.
 
Again, when the honey contains more honey than Multifloral honey, it becomes monofloral.
 
That is why Manuka honey has two distinctive classifications as Multifloral Manuka honey and Monofloral Manuka honey.
 
Hence, it is obvious to understand that Manuka Honey comes from a specific tree that produces this honey.
 
For this reason, this only source has indisputably made it outrageously expensive.
 

Particular Place

Particular Place

 
Then, another crucial reason that is responsible for a high price is the particular place that produces Manuka honey.
 
Naturally, the Manuka flower is found only in some specific areas of the world.
 
Predominantly, it is seen in certain microclimates in New Zealand and also in Australia.
 
Broadly speaking, the Manuka flower or this special tree is not available everywhere.
 
Rather, it is prominently a property of New Zealand where this tree grows in the forests and isolated hills.
 
Since this country has owned this tree, only it can harvest this special honey.
 
Other species of this tree may grow around the world but they are not capable of producing this particular honey.
 
Because the bees are also distinguished from others that pollinate the tree.
 
That is why only New Zealand along with Australia can harvest Manuka Honey.
 
Scientists might take several steps to clone the tree to grow it widely, but this step may also be futile since so many factors are related to the matter.
 
However, this limitation to growing widely in certain places of the world impacts the price of Manuka Honey.
 
As a result, the price goes extravagant.
 

Short Harvesting Season

Short Harvesting Season, rotating world, earth

 
Manuka Honey is not only harvested from a specific tree and in an area but also in a short time.
 
Sooth to say, the harvestable window of the honey is very narrow and short.
 
If the honey could be harvested all over the year, the price wouldn’t be so expensive.
 
Instead, the season lasts for only a few weeks with a maximum of 8 weeks.
 
That means the bees start to collect the nectar within a couple of weeks and then create honey.
 
Thus, this honey is harvested within a short time that needs a lot of work by the bees.
 
As an illustration, a single jar of honey needs nearly 23000 trips of flower nectar.
 
Therefore, only 2-8 weeks of harvesting Manuka Honey per year limits its huge production and makes it rare.
 
As a result, it becomes truly exorbitant.
 

Environment

Environment

 
The next reason responsible for an expensive price is the environmental condition of the producing area.
 
Since Manuka Honey is produced in New Zealand’s deep areas, the weather has a significant role in this case.
 
As the Manuka tree generally grows at altitude wildly, some particular factors like soil fertility, climate, plant species, and bee health are major factors to be considered.
 
During the season, if the temperature is low and windy, it will be critical to harvest the honey because bees could not collect the nectar properly.
 
Strong winds can damage the bud before the bees pollinate them and consequently ruin a harvest.
 
Besides, cold weather is another drawback for bees to continue their job. Due to too cold, pollination becomes hampered.
 
Moreover, trees are very vulnerable throughout the season, which is a great problem for harvesting.
 
So, the unfavorable weather makes it difficult to harvest Manuka honey easily.
 
As a result, the ready-made honey costs a lot.
 

Health Benefits

Healthy benefits

 
There is no denying that Manuka Honey contains a lot of health benefits.
 
And it is one of the most fundamental reasons that make honey ridiculously expensive.
 
Basically, every type of honey has some health benefits.
 
But Manuka honey is testified and certificated by scientists for having an exceptional area of wellbeing.
 
A university professor of biochemistry in New Zealand, Dr. Peter Molan, started researching various health benefits of Manuka Honey in the 1980s.
 
He reveals that Manuka honey contains several benefits of assuaging digestive ailments such as fungal infections and acid reflux.
 
It also can combat inflammation in the gut and other infections.
 
Besides improving the immune system, honey can also mitigate upper respiratory problems including allergies, sinusitis, and sore throats.
 
In addition to these, Manuka Honey has antioxidants like flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and phytochemicals that fight against the free radicals of the body.
 
Comprised of glucose and fructose, Manuka honey also boosts blood sugar and gives energy.
 
Thus, Manuka Honey is replete with various types of health benefits that make it very precious.
 
As a result, the price becomes extremely high.
 

Exceptional Taste

Exceptional Taste, different level taste

 
Consequently, the next reason to be expensive is the unique taste of Manuka Honey.
 
It is totally different from most other typical honey found in the world.
 
Manuka honey has a rare texture that is exceptionally colorful.
 
Rich in mineral flavor, Manuka honey tastes sugar and earthy.
 
On account of this, it has a sharp taste along with a mild sweetness.
 
The sweetness is not too intense as the regular honey.
 
Thus, it is arguably a real thing with a delicious and flavorful taste. Without any doubt, it is a great drink.
 
Hence, this exceptional taste has increased Manuka Honey’s value and eventually the price.
 

Scarcity

Scarcity of flower

 
Already said, Manuka honey is relative to only a certain area of the world and the source is also one, Manuka flower.
 
Besides, because of a narrow season, the production is limited.
 
It is estimated that around 2800 tons of Manuka honey are harvested per year while 1.9 million tons of honey are from other sources.
 
This huge difference can help understand how scarce Manuka Honey is.
 
Since only 2800 tons of Manuka honey are globally consigned, the honey becomes comparatively scarce.
 
Due to being so scarce to get, people have to suffer.
 
They are even willing to pay a lot to get the honey.
 
That is why suppliers are optimistic to raise the price in return.
 

Worldwide Demand

Worldwide Demand

 
Apart from the scarcity of Manuka Honey, the demand is also very obvious.
 
It is perceived that the demand for Manuka honey is huge in the international market.
 
It is very difficult for regular customers to buy Manuka honey because of scarcity.
 
It is not found in typical grocery stores indeed.
 
Famous restaurants are among the leading line to get Manuka honey with a handsome amount of money to flourish their dishes.
 
Aside from these restaurants, several other industries, predominantly beauty industries, are also in the first line to purchase Manuka honey.
 
The honey is used to make various powders, ointments, and creams.
 
Moreover, since Manuka Honey contains several health benefits, it is very popular around the world.
 
In addition, the unique delicacy also attracts people to taste it.
 
As a result of growing worldwide demand, the price of Manuka Honey is also increasing equally.
 

Helicopter Cost

Helicopter Cost

 
It is implied that Manuka Honey is cultivated in the deep forests and lofty hills.
 
As a result, it is somewhat arduous for beekeepers to reach the location.
 
Eventually, helicopters are used to reach high altitudes.
 
As the season is very short, beekeepers have to check the hive occasionally.
 
That is why they often go to the location by helicopter.
 
And it is easy to realize that helicopters are not cheap since it is a matter of a huge cost to maintain them.
 
The vehicles are to fuel up regularly to run.
 
On account of this factor, the authority has to spend a good sum of money while harvesting Manuka Honey.
 
Therefore, this cost determines the price of Manuka honey to back up.
 

Grading Cost

Grading Cost

 
Manuka Honey has to go through a lot of processes to be certified as fresh, harmless, and healthy.
 
And the fundamental system is known as UMF certification.
 
Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association or UMFHA provides UMF certification.
 
It is a trademark of the honey that is given after a lot of research and checking.
 
The more the number honey retains, the higher the purer it is.
 
On this rating system, the honey is given a certain number and the logo of UMF is entrusted to the jar.
 
UMF testifies the elements of Manuka Honey by observing various issues like the source of the honey, the benefits the honey contains, the quality of the honey, etc.
 
Well, getting a UMF rating means Manuka Honey is refined and healthy.
 
Therefore, the beemasters have to spend a good sum of money to get UMF grading to verify their honey.
 
And eventually, this cost along with the certificate of verification is reflected in the price of Manuka Honey.
 

Shipping Cost

Shipping cost

 
Another cost of the suppliers is the shipping cost.
 
After all the jobs of producing Manuka Honey and when it is prepared to supply, it needs a huge cost to ship Manuka Honey since it is found only in some specific locations in the world.
 
Therefore, other countries of the world have to import honey to meet the demands.
 
And exporting and importing is always expensive. It requires a lot of checkpoints, fees, and a lengthy period.
 
Besides, to keep the food safe and preserved, protective measures including packaging should be taken properly.
 
Then, the honey is shipped to the destinations. To accomplish these jobs, the suppliers need to pour a large sum of money.
 
Hence, to back up these shipping and preserving costs, the sellers demand an exorbitant price.
 

How To Save Money On Manuka Honey?

save money

 
Since Manuka Honey is very expensive, consumers look to save money on it.
 
As it will always be pricey because of reasonable causes, there are some tips for you so that you can save money on Manuka honey.
 
1. UMF grade has been given to Manuka Honey for verifying its rate.
 
A certain number is given according to the value of the honey.
 
As I said before, the higher grade means the higher value of the honey.
 
Therefore, the price of the higher graded honey is comparatively outrageous in contrast to the typical and lower grade.
 
So, if you want to save money, you should look for low-graded honey since it is less expensive.
 
2. It is very rare to get Manuka Honey on sale.
 
Nonetheless, it is occasionally found in grocery stores on sale. Generally, it is common during holidays.
 
Therefore, you can buy Manuka Honey when it is on sale because the price is cheaper at that time than the regular expensive price.
 
3. Purchasing directly from the authority may cost a good sum of money.
 
As a result, the price becomes extravagant at that time.
 
Therefore, you should buy through sources to get the honey at an affordable price.
 
Some authentic sources sell authentic Manuka Honey at a cheap price.
 
So, if you want to save money, you can take advantage of this option.
 

Is Manuka Honey Really worth the Money?

worth it

 
Compared to other typical honey, Manuka Honey is really worth it in several respects.
 
As honey contains various benefits, it has a special value internationally.
 
Generally, it is known that Manuka Honey is harvested in a certain area that is also unapproachable.
 
For this reason, beekeepers have to spend a lot of money to maintain the harvesting processes.
 
Besides, the taste of Manuka honey is truly delicious.
 
What is most important is that Manuka honey has a number of health benefits that increase the demand for it.
 
Scientists and nutritionists have researched for a long time and found so many advantages of drinking Manuka honey.
 
It has been smeared that Manuka honey contains particular properties relating to the improvement of health.
 
So, it is essential to have pure and refined Manuka honey to enjoy all the benefits.
 
And for this reason, one must purchase it at a hefty price.
 
Hence, whatever the price is, Manuka honey is really worth the expenses.
 

What Is so Special About Manuka Honey?

so special

 
Frankly speaking, the most special thing about Manuka honey is its harvesting area.
 
It is already known that Manuka Honey is harvested predominantly in New Zealand together with Australia.
 
But the former is the prominent place in this concern.
 
The specialty is that while you may see most other honey produced from various locations around the world, Manuka honey is only from these countries.
 
Even, the place is very difficult to reach without using helicopters because the trees are located at altitudes and deep forests.
 
What is more, only a certain type of tree, namely the Manuka flower, can bear this honey.
 

How Much Does Manuka Honey Cost?

Much Should Cost

 
The price of Manuka honey is arguably expensive and to some, it seems excessive.
 
However, depending on the quality, sizes, and rating, the cost may range from $20 to more than $100.
 
Specifically, a 250-gram jar of Manuka honey may cost up to $30 that is available on Amazon.
 
Then, another 250-gram jar UMF graded 15+ can cost $40 on Walmart.
 
Another jar of the same size but graded UMF 20+ is accessible at $65 on Walmart.
 
Again, a 250-gram jar of multi-floral Manuka honey graded MGO 80+ costs more than $115 in the same online shop.
 
Thus, it is evident that Manuka honey is really expensive and the price varies according to different regards.
 

Why Is Manuka Honey so Powerful?

Why is powerful

 
There are so many sources of honey that come from different places and different plants.
 
In the same way, Manuka honey comes from the Manuka plant and the source is primarily located in New Zealand.
 
Apart from these, what makes Manuka honey so powerful is that it is completely beneficial to health.
 
A study has found that Manuka honey has different advantages that are conducive to medical uses.
 
Because of its powerful ingredients, it can fight against bacteria and protect against infection.
 
It also has several uses in skincare, hair therapy, healing, injuries, cold, etc.
 

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Advantages and benefits

 
Manuka honey, comparatively beneficial honey, is quite popular because of its versatile uses.
 
It contains so many nutritional benefits and elements that it is completely outstanding.
 
Out of various health benefits, there are some of them mentioned to discuss.
 

Wound Healing

Wound Healing

 
Manuka honey has a great reputation and is quite effective in healing wounds.
 
It is even used in medical clinics in some countries like New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and Australia during dressing wounds.
 
Because of the existence of sugar, Manuka honey is applied to remove dirt from the wounded area.
 
Besides being antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, Manuka honey can prevent infectious possibilities in the wound.
 
It can nourish the regeneration of tissue.
 
Moreover, Manuka honey is useful in reducing pain from burns.
 
Because of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it keeps it safe from infections and heals more quickly.
 
Interestingly, several kinds of research and surveys of Saudi Arabian, Greek, American health specialists have found these treatments very conspicuous.
 
That is why the US Food and Drug Administration approved the application of Manuka honey on wounds in 2015.
 

Oral Health

Oral Health, test, checkup

 
Manuka honey is also useful in treating oral problems.
 
Commonly, oral bacteria may cause plaque formation and periodontal disease.
 
But Manuka honey can prevent these bacterias including gingivitis and A. actinomycetemcomitans related to plaque formation, gum inflammation, and tooth decay.
 
There is Manuka honey for chewing.
 
So, this chewing honey is recommended after meals because it is workable in plaque and gingival bleeding.
 

Sore Throat

Sore Throat

 
Sore throat is a very common problem that every person faces occasionally.
 
In this case, Manuka honey works as a very beneficial treatment.
 
The antiviral and antibacterial properties of Manuka honey are so strong that they can alleviate inflammation and attack the bacteria that cause pain.
 
A study of chemotherapy for head and neck cancer shows that Manuka honey decreases Streptococcus mutans, which is a type of bacteria responsible for sore throats.
 
Moreover, Manuka honey is found quite useful in common cough suppressants.
 
Research reveals that it is excellent in alleviating a cough in children as well as adults.
 

Gastric Ulcers

Gastric Ulcers

 
Stomach pain, nausea, and bloating are some common issues in the human body.
 
H. pylori is a bacteria that is responsible for these problems.
 
Besides, gastric ulcers may come from excessive alcohol consumption.
 
However, it is reported that Manuka honey has the potential in reducing ulcers because it contains flavonoids.
 

Digestive Problems

Digestive Problems

 
Then, the efficiency and uses of Manuka honey to treat digestive problems are huge.
 
It plays a great role in working against these problems efficiently.
 
A digestive disorder like diarrhea, abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, and constipation can cause serious pain.
 
A common bacteria namely Clostridium difficile, shortly C. diff, creates diarrhea and inflammation of the bowel.
 
However, it is studied that Manuka honey has a mentionable property in killing C. diff cells and consequently decreasing these disorders.
 

How Is Manuka Honey Made?

Honey Made

 
Already spoken of, Manuka honey is made from Manuka flower that is a native plant of New Zealand and Australia.
 
No other country in the world can cultivate this plant. It is a white flower, often shaded with pink.
 
The season of harvesting Manuka honey runs from December to mid-January according to a suitable time.
 
During this period, beekeepers observe the location and keep their eyes on the movements of the bees.
 
The making of Manuka honey starts from the bees that pollinate the flower when the seasons appear.
 
Honeybees forage for nectar at that time, collect it and eventually keep the nectar on a new hive.
 
This new nectar is almost 70% water. So, it is consequently evaporated and comes to 20% or lower.
 
In the meantime, the nectar turns into honey.
 
The honey primarily is sucrose broken down by the bee’s enzymes into fructose and glucose.
 
Since beemasters are observing the period, they start to move the hives when the timing seems right.
 
After taking the hive, honey is processed, refined, weighed, and tagged.
 
And after some other inevitable tests and verifications, Manuka honey is bottled in different sizes.
 
Then, it is ready to send all over the world.
 

What Is the Best Manuka Honey?

What is the best

 
The monofloral honey, Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka Honey is our best pick.
 
This Manuka Honey comes from New Zealand and is 100% authentic.
 
It is verified by the Non-GMO Project.
 
Being Raw and unpasteurized, it has Kfactor 16 for the ultimate nutrition.
 
It is packed in a 17.6-ounce BPA-free jar to market. Its authenticity gives it an earthy taste and caramelized sugar flavor.
 
Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka honey has several health benefits.
 
Being free from antibiotics, pesticides, and glyphosate, it can be used in medicinal clinics and personal uses.
 
It is effective in oral health and also digestive conditions.
 
It is also wholesome to heal wounds, burns, and to soothe a severe sore throat.
 
Besides, it has a great value in skincare and beauty packs.
 
What is more, eating this honey regularly can improve one’s health energy. And other uses are there also.
 
A 500-gram jar of Wedderspoon Manuka honey is sold at $75 fairly.
 

How to Choose Manuka Honey?

How do I choose

 
Buying Manuka honey may be a little bit confusing for a new buyer because there are very fake companies also.
 
So, choosing the best and authentic Manuka honey before buying needs some steps to consider.
 
1. The first thing to consider is the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading.
 
It certifies quality, purity, and authenticity. So, look at the jar and find out the UMF logo and gold standard grading number.
 
UMF gradings range from 5+ to 20+ which reveals the authenticity and verifies how good the honey is.
 
2. Another grading system of UMF is MGO, DHA, and Leptosperin.
 
MGO shows how potent the level of methylglyoxal Manuka honey contains, relates antibacterial properties of manuka honey, and forms the basis of the UMF grading system.
 
Having a 400+ to 550+ rating of MGO means sufficient antibacterial activity.
 
3. Since various brands are there to deal with marketing Manuka honey, one must choose the best one according to budget to get a genuine product.
 

What Is the Best Manuka Honey for The Immune System?

Immune System

 
Manuka honey contains antibacterial properties and other enzymes that are highly beneficial for the immune system.
 
Besides, the anti-inflammatory quality also helps boost the immune system.
 
Having abundant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Steens Monofloral Manuka Honey is the best one for improving the immune system.
 
High on vitamins, amino acids, and many more minerals, it is really fecund in this regard.
 
This Manuka honey is tested and certified by UMF and given UMF 20+ and MGO 830+ ratings for its genuineness.
 
It comes from New Zealand and is packed properly after lots of procedures.
 

Manuka Honey Alternative

Best alternatives

 
Since Manuka Honey seems expensive to many people, they can not afford it.
 
Therefore, some people look for alternatives that are comparatively cheap and affordable.
 
Thus, some Manuka honey alternatives are
 
1. The first one is the Buckwheat Honey that is an excellent alternative to Manuka honey produced in the prairies of Washington State, America.
 
It is replete with minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial to the human body.
 
2. Irish honey is another alternative to Manuka honey which the name itself reveals from where it comes.
 
The health specialists of Dublin City University and Trinity College have found that Irish honey contains enough antioxidants and other properties that are conducive to health.
 
3. According to health specialists, Scottish honey is another healthy honey that can be used as an alternative to Manuka honey.
 
It has an antibacterial property that is useful in solving health issues.
 
4. Harvested in Florida, Palmetto honey is also a good alternative to Manuka honey.
 
It comes from a slow-growing Saw Palmetto plant. It is high in antioxidant elements.
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
 

Which Brand of Manuka Honey Is Best?

honey Brand

 
Among several brands of Manuka honey, at present, Steens can be mentioned as the best one as it has gained a wide reputation for high-quality and authentic Manuka honey.
 
This brand’s Manuka honey has been certified by Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) for harvesting standard honey.
 
Its Manuka honey has given UMF 20+ and MGO 830+ grading.
 
Its raw honey is unpasteurized and untouched.
 
Advanced technologies are used in collecting, packaging, and processing honey.
 

Is Comvita Manuka Honey Real?

real honey

 
Yes, Comvita honey is authentic.
 
It has been harvesting Manuka honey since 1974.
 
Comvita ensures every quality to produce standard Manuka honey.
 
It has achieved the UMF grading and so it is certified for refined and exquisite honey.
 
Its honey is packed and labeled in New Zealand. Therefore, Comvita Manuka honey is excellent in taste and flavor.
 

What Does the Umfha Test for In Manuka Honey?

Test, cecklist

 
UMFHA test is an independent grading system authority of rating Manuka Honey.
 
The genuineness and other qualities of the honey are verified by the organization.
 
UMFHA stands for Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association.
 
It was established in 1998 in New Zealand for testifying the properties of Manuka honey.
 
It tests Manuka honey in different laboratories based on three signature compounds including Leptosperin, DHA, and Methylglyoxal (MGO).
 
Its grading system basically ranges from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+ depending on the quality of the honey.
 
Final Thoughts
 
In the long run, now it’s time to conclude the passage.
 
Upon consideration of the information given above, it is crystal clear that Manuka honey is one of the most popular honey in the world, affluent with a good number of excellent properties.
 
It is highly expensive because of its wonderful features having numerous health benefits, unique flavor, and worldwide demand.
 
Besides, since Manuka honey is harvested in remote places of New Zealand and Australia, it is somewhat troublesome to reach the altitudes.
 
That is why relevant costs impact the price to be excessive.
 
Moreover, the narrow window of season and scarcity also create hype to make it desirable.
 
Nonetheless, Manuka honey is highly coveted for its extraordinary qualities and admirable nutritional value.
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