Understanding the higher cost of Manuka honey - and why it's worth it

If you’ve ever wondered about the cost of Manuka honey, you’re not alone. This rare golden honey costs a lot more than regular honey - and for good reason. Manuka honey isn’t just a sweetener; it’s a science-backed natural remedy with powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.

Its medicinal potency comes from the Manuka tree (Leptospermum), a plant native only to Australia and New Zealand. For centuries, it has been valued in traditional medicine for its healing power. Today, modern science confirms what indigenous cultures long knew - that the nectar from this tree produces one of the most potent medicinal honeys in the world.

MGO - The measure of medicinal strength

Unlike standard honey, the value of Manuka honey is tied directly to its MGO (methylglyoxal) content, the natural compound responsible for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Scientific studies show high-MGO Manuka honey may:

• Support wound healing and tissue repair
  

• Soothe sore throats and respiratory discomfort
  

• Aid digestion and gut health
  

• Provide antioxidant support to strengthen immunity
  

Producing high-MGO honey is both an art and a science. At Biosota, we extract our honey at hive temperature - never overheating or pasteurising - to preserve its bioactive compounds. Then we carefully store it in controlled conditions, allowing MGO levels to develop naturally over several months. This extra time, care, and precision all add to the higher cost of Manuka honey.

The higher the MGO rating, the more potent and rare the honey becomes. Biosota produces Manuka honey with MGO levels up to 2200+, making it one of the most powerful honeys in the world. Every batch is independently lab-tested for authenticity, purity, and medicinal potency.

Manuka: The native tree behind nature’s most potent honey

The Manuka tree thrives in specific, often remote regions, far from industrial agriculture. In our region, we are fortunate to experience up to three flowering seasons each year (September, December, and February) thanks to the subtropical climate. However, the flowers bloom for just 2–6 weeks each season, giving beekeepers a very narrow window to position hives, allow bees to gather nectar, and harvest the honey. 

If weather conditions aren’t ideal - too much rain, too little sun, or strong winds - the harvest can be dramatically reduced. Limited flowering seasons combined with isolated locations mean there’s a naturally small supply - and with growing global demand, that scarcity is a major factor in the price.

Protecting purity and authenticity

True medicinal Manuka honey is not something that can be mass-produced. Responsible producers like Biosota ensure every jar is traceable back to its hive location. Certifications, such as third-party lab results and Australian Certified Organic guarantee that you’re getting exactly what’s on the label.

We also offer our premium honey in violet glass jars to protect its delicate bioactive compounds from light damage, preserving medicinal quality for longer.

Ethical, sustainable beekeeping

Part of the cost of Manuka honey comes from a commitment to sustainability. Our hives are placed in untouched Australian national parks and forests, where bees forage from native, chemical-free plants.

We operate a solar-powered facility, use BPA-free recyclable packaging, and follow strict HACCP-certified food safety protocols. These practices protect our bees, preserve the environment, and ensure you receive the highest-quality natural product.

The Bottom Line

The high cost of Manuka honey reflects far more than the jar on the shelf. It’s about the rarity of the medicinal Manuka tree, the precision harvesting during its short flowering season, and the careful maturation that pushes MGO potency to exceptional levels. Combined with ethical, sustainable beekeeping, these factors ensure unmatched purity and strength.

When you choose premium Australian Manuka honey from Biosota - with MGO levels reaching up to 2200+, you’re investing in one of the most potent natural remedies on earth, delivering powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing benefits to support health from the inside out.

Discover Biosota’s range of high-MGO Australian Manuka honey and find the right strength for your health goals. Shop our collection here.