Frequently Asked Questions

Orders and shipping

How can I pay for my order?

We accept Shop Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Can I track my order?

Yes. After placing your order you will receive a confirmation email. Orders are processed within 1-2 business days, and once your order ships you will receive a second email with a tracking number and a link to follow your shipment. Can't find it? Email hello@biosota.com with your order number.

How long will order delivery take?

Orders are processed within 1-2 business days. Standard shipping within the USA is estimated at 2-5 business days.

Read more: Shipping Policy

Do you ship to my country?

We currently ship within the USA only.

Read more: Shipping Policy

How can I change my order?

Please contact us immediately at hello@biosota.com if you need to modify your order. Once your order has been processed, changes can no longer be made.

Can I return an item?

Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase, and customers are responsible for return shipping costs. We do not offer refunds, returns or replacements for change-of-mind purchases. If your order arrives damaged or faulty, you can start a return request in your customer account or contact us, and we may offer a refund, replacement or store credit.

Read more: Refund Policy

Do I need an account?

Creating an account isn’t required, but it offers benefits like faster checkouts, loyalty points, and access to exclusive rewards.

Read more: Rewards

What is Manuka Squad?

Manuka Squad is our loyalty program that rewards customers with exclusive perks, discounts, and exciting ways to engage with our store. Learn more about the benefits on our Rewards page.

Read more: Rewards

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. Standard shipping is free on orders of $50 USD or more within the USA. Below that, shipping is calculated at checkout based on your address and parcel.

Read more: Shipping Policy

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is calculated at checkout from your delivery address and parcel size, so you see the exact cost before you pay. Standard shipping is free on orders of $50 USD or more.

Read more: Shipping Policy

Do you offer express shipping?

Yes. Paid express options from UPS and USPS are shown at checkout, with rates and delivery estimates calculated for your address before you pay.

Read more: Shipping Policy

Do you have retail store locations?

To find a stockist near you, email info@biosota.com.

How can I contact customer service?

Email us at hello@biosota.com or use the form on our Contact Us page, and we will get back to you.

Read more: Contact Us

Do you have any discount codes or promotions?

Sign up to our newsletter to receive our monthly offer, upcoming discounts and early access to sales, and join Manuka Squad, our rewards program, to earn points you can redeem.

Read more: Rewards

How do I sign up to your newsletter?

Enter your email in the newsletter sign-up at the bottom of any page on our website.

How do I check and redeem my Manuka Squad points?

Visit our Rewards page to see how Manuka Squad works, check your points balance and redeem your points.

Read more: Rewards

Choosing your honey

What is Manuka honey used for?

Manuka honey is known for its powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports gut health, boosts immunity, and helps relieve cold and flu symptoms, including sore throats and coughs. Topically, it aids in healing skin infections, wounds, burns, and skin irritations like sunburns. It also promotes faster recovery and overall wellness. For personalized advice, consult a healthcare professional.

Read more: Discover the Proven Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

What MGO level is right for me?

The higher the MGO, the stronger the honey's antimicrobial bioactivity, so choose by how you plan to use it:

  • General wellbeing: MGO 30-250+, an everyday option, with MGO 250+ working well as a maintenance dose to support immunity
  • Medicinal strength: MGO 260-490+, for bacterial coughs, sore throats, and minor cuts, scrapes and sunburn
  • High medicinal strength: MGO 500-990+, for maintaining digestive health and during colds and flu
  • Superior strength: MGO 1000-1900+, for more complex concerns such as gut health, bacterial infections, ulcers, wounds and burns
  • Ultimate strength: MGO 2200+, the rarest and strongest Manuka honey in the world

Still unsure? Take our quiz.

Read more: Manuka Honey Guide Chart

Still not sure which Manuka honey to choose?

Take our quiz to find the best fit for your needs.

Read more: Manuka Honey Guide Chart

How do the two jars with the same MGO rating differ?

Both jars contain the same rare harvest of Manuka honey, with different packaging options. For a more economical choice, go with the BPA-free Pharmapac plastic. For a more eco-friendly option, select our patented Biophotonic Miron Violetglass jar, specially designed to preserve and extend the shelf life of your medicinal honey.

Read more: Biosota Manuka Honey MGO 1717+ Violetglass jar

Is MGO 2200+ too strong to take?

MGO 2200+ is our ultimate strength grade, the rarest and strongest Manuka honey we produce. A higher MGO means a stronger honey, not a larger serve: one teaspoon a day is a good baseline, and one to two teaspoons up to twice daily when you are unwell. If you are recovering from illness or surgery, check with your healthcare professional first.

Read more: Manuka Honey Guide Chart

Using Manuka honey

How to use Manuka honey?

Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.

Oral Use:

  • Medicinal: 1-2 teaspoons up to twice daily, reducing as symptoms improve.
  • Everyday: 1 teaspoon daily in warm water, smoothies, or on its own for probiotic support.

Topical Use:

  • Medicinal: Apply generously to affected areas, cover with a sterile dressing, and leave overnight. Change the dressing as needed.
  • Everyday: Apply directly to the skin or dilute with warm water, lotion, or essential oils for a less sticky solution.

Read more: How to Use Manuka Honey for Maximum Health Benefits

Can I add Manuka honey to hot tea or cook with it?

Yes, with some care. Lab research shows MGO stays close to its starting level up to around 90°C, so stirring honey into tea that has cooled for a minute or two keeps it within MGO's stable range. Sustained high heat, such as baking or candy making, causes much larger losses, so add honey at the end of cooking or drizzle it over warm food.

Read more: Manuka Honey Heat Stability: What MGO Research Really Shows

Can I give Manuka honey to my dog or cat?

Yes, Manuka honey can be used for pets as a supplement, not a main food, and vets use it mostly for wounds and skin. General daily guidelines are ½ teaspoon for small dogs and cats under 10kg, 1 teaspoon for medium dogs (10 to 25kg) and 1 to 2 teaspoons for large dogs over 25kg. Ask your vet first, and never give honey to puppies or kittens under 8 weeks.

Read more: Manuka honey for pets: A practical guide

How much Manuka honey should I take each day?

One teaspoon a day is a good baseline for general wellness and immune maintenance. During a cold or a digestive flare-up, take one to two teaspoons up to twice daily, then taper back to one teaspoon a day as things settle. If you manage your blood glucose, factor in the natural sugars and check with your healthcare professional.

Read more: How to Use Manuka Honey for Maximum Health Benefits

Health

Is high MGO Manuka honey okay for children?

Yes, children over 1 year old without any known allergies to honey or bee products can safely consume high MGO Manuka honey in moderation. However, for infants under 12 months, honey of any kind, including Manuka, should be avoided due to the risk of infant botulism. As with any product, it's always a good idea to consult a pediatrician before introducing high MGO Manuka honey to ensure it's appropriate for your child.

Can people with diabetes consume Manuka honey?

Yes, Manuka honey can generally be consumed by people with diabetes, as it has a low glycemic index and may even help with healing diabetic ulcers. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised advice on incorporating it into your diet, especially if you have specific health concerns.

Is Manuka honey safe during pregnancy?

Manuka honey is considered safe for most pregnant women in normal dietary amounts. A typical intake is 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) a day, unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise. Speak with your doctor first if you have gestational diabetes, an inflammatory bowel condition or a bee or pollen allergy.

Read more: Manuka honey during pregnancy: A practical guide for expecting mothers

How much Manuka honey can children have, and which MGO?

For children over 1 year, we recommend MGO 30+ or MGO 150+ as a daily maintenance dose, and MGO 300+ or MGO 550+ during cold and flu season or when they are unwell. Never give honey of any kind to babies under 12 months.

Storage and crystallisation

Is grainy or crystallised honey still okay?

Yes, crystallisation is a natural process of pure, cold-extracted raw Manuka honey. Over time, glucose in the honey can form crystals, leading to slight texture variations. Factors like temperature, time, and seasonal changes can influence this.

Read more: Manuka Honey Shelf Life: Does Crystallization Affect Potency?

Does crystallisation affect Manuka honey's bioactivity?

No, crystallisation doesn’t impact the bioactivity of Manuka honey. Proper long-term storage at a stable temperature preserves MGO levels for up to five years.

Read more: Manuka Honey Shelf Life: Does Crystallization Affect Potency?

How does shipping temperature affect Manuka honey?

While long-term storage should be below 20°C (68°F) to preserve MGO levels, brief exposure to higher temperatures during shipping won’t affect the honey’s quality or efficacy.

Read more: Manuka Honey Heat Stability: What MGO Research Really Shows

How should I store Manuka honey, and how long does it last?

Keep Manuka honey in its original jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as the pantry, at around 20°C. There is no need to refrigerate it. Honey has a low water content and a low pH, so when stored correctly it is very unlikely to spoil. If it crystallises, it is still natural and edible, and a warm (not boiling) water bath makes it runny again. Stored at a stable temperature, it keeps its MGO levels for up to five years.

About Manuka honey

How does Manuka honey differ from regular honey?

Manuka honey is medicinal and contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds, which is why it is used for wounds, infections, and digestive issues.

I thought Manuka honey only came from New Zealand?

That's a common misconception! Manuka honey is harvested by bees from the nectar of the Leptospermum species of Manuka tree, which is native not only to New Zealand but also to certain regions in Australia.

Why is Manuka honey so expensive?

Manuka honey isn't an ordinary honey. It's a medicinal powerhouse with scientifically backed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Medical-grade Manuka honey has been shown to support wound healing, soothe sore throats and coughs, aid digestion, and boost immunity.

Its rarity, being sourced exclusively from the Manuka tree in New Zealand and Australia, with a short flowering period and low nectar yield, also contributes to the price. With less than 1% of the world's honey qualifying as authentic Manuka, it's one of nature's rarest treasures. That rarity, combined with its proven therapeutic value, is why it comes at a premium.

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

What gives Manuka honey its medicinal properties?

Medicinal Manuka honey contains high levels of MGO (Methylglyoxal) and is scientifically tested for its beneficial compounds like antioxidants and bioflavonoids. It is naturally bio-active with antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Manuka honey is commonly used for burns, wounds, antibiotic-resistant infections, ulcers, gut health, colds, sore throats, and coughs. The higher the MGO level, the stronger its antimicrobial and medicinal benefits.

Read more: Manuka Honey Kills Bacteria: How MGO Works Without Resistance

What is MGO?

MGO (Methylglyoxal) is a naturally occurring compound in Manuka honey that gives it its powerful antimicrobial properties. MGO levels indicate the honey's medicinal strength. The MGO number shows how many milligrams of MGO are in 1kg of honey, so MGO 1200+ means 1200mg of MGO per kg.

Read more: What is MGO in Manuka honey? A Clear Guide

What is NPA?

NPA (Non-Peroxide Activity) measures the unique antibacterial properties of Manuka honey and is often used interchangeably with MGO.

What is total activity factor of Manuka honey?

TA measures the overall antimicrobial activity, including both hydrogen peroxide and non-peroxide activity. However, MGO and NPA provide more consistent measures of bioactivity.

Read more: Manuka honey ratings: Your guide to selecting medicinal Manuka honey

What qualifies honey as organic?

Honey qualifies as organic when it is produced according to strict standards that prohibit synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and GMOs. Beekeepers must ensure the bees forage in areas free from chemicals, with the land also being certified organic. They must avoid using chemical treatments in the hives, relying on natural methods for pest control. The honey must be traceable and undergo testing to meet organic standards, with certification provided by an accredited organic certification body like Australian Certified Organic (ACO). These practices ensure the honey is environmentally sustainable and free from harmful substances.

Read more: What makes organic Manuka honey so unique?

What is Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is a rare honey made when bees collect nectar from Leptospermum plants, which are native only to Australia and New Zealand. It stands apart from regular honey because of its naturally high level of methylglyoxal (MGO), which is not added or enhanced through processing. Authentic Manuka honey is defined by measurable composition, verified through laboratory testing, which is why it is graded by MGO strength.

Is Australian Manuka honey as good as New Zealand Manuka honey?

Yes. Australia has over 80 native Leptospermum species, many of which produce honey with high levels of MGO, while New Zealand has one. Whichever country it comes from, check that the jar states its origin, an independently verified MGO level and batch testing.

What is the difference between monofloral and multifloral Manuka honey?

Monofloral Manuka honey comes mostly from the nectar of one source, the Manuka (Leptospermum) bush. In Australia, a honey counts as monofloral when more than 50% of the nectar comes from Manuka blossoms, confirmed through markers such as MGO, DHA and NPA. Multifloral honey is a blend from several flower species, so its consistency, potency and properties vary more widely.

About Biosota

What makes Biosota Organics Manuka honey unique?

At Biosota Organics, we have been proudly producing the world’s rarest, strongest, and most valuable medical-grade Manuka honey since 1999.

How does Biosota produce such high grades of Manuka honey?

Biosota carefully selects hive locations and timing to maximize the 2-6 week flowering seasons of rare Australian Manuka species that produce the highest medicinal-grade honey. By using cold extraction methods, we preserve the natural enzymes and bioactive compounds. After harvest, the honey is matured for 12-24 months, allowing the conversion of DHA to MGO and ensuring the highest levels of bioactivity and potency in every batch.

Read more: Biosota Organics Manuka Honey Highest Grade in the World

How can I be sure that Biosota Manuka honey is authentic?

We independently lab-test every batch for purity and MGO potency. You can access the lab reports on our product pages or email us at hello@biosota.com for the latest reports.

Is your Manuka honey monofloral?

Yes, all of our Manuka honey is classified as monofloral, which means that over 50% of the nectar is sourced from Manuka flowers and has a bioactivity rating over MGO 30+. We are proudly certified as monofloral active by the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA), and independently lab test all our honey to ensure authenticity, purity, and potency.

Why is Biosota Manuka honey liquid and not creamy?

Biosota Manuka Honey is raw and minimally processed to preserve its natural enzymes and beneficial compounds, ensuring you receive the full health benefits. The liquid or jelly-like texture and crystallisation is a result of this minimal processing. In contrast, creamed honey is aerated or whipped to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Read more: OUR HONEY PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Is Biosota Manuka honey certified organic?

Yes, for selected grades. Biosota's MGO 260, 300, 550, 880 and 1200 Manuka honeys are Australian Certified Organic (ACO). Other grades, including MGO 150, 1717, 2100 and 2200, are not certified organic. Every batch of Biosota Manuka honey is independently lab-tested for MGO level and authenticity.

Read more: What makes organic Manuka honey so unique?

Is Biosota Manuka honey raw and never heat-treated?

Yes. Biosota's Manuka honey is raw: it is extracted at temperatures that mirror the hive and is never heat-treated, pasteurised or sterilised. Keeping heat out of production preserves its natural bioactive properties, so every jar starts from its full natural MGO strength.

Read more: Manuka Honey Heat Stability: What MGO Research Really Shows

How does Biosota produce its Manuka honey sustainably?

Biosota places its hives at remote sites away from main roads and pesticide-sprayed crops, and does not overstock its farms, so bees forage freely in their natural environment. The honey is extracted at hive temperature and is not heated or pasteurised. It is stored and packed in a solar-powered factory, in reusable and recyclable violet glass or BPA-free PET jars.

Wholesale

Do you offer wholesale or private label Manuka honey?

Yes. Biosota sells its branded products in bulk and offers private-label production for mid-range products, plus custom formulation and packaging for your brand. For minimum order quantities, email info@biosota.com. All products are independently lab-tested before shipping, and you can apply through our wholesale page.

Read more: Wholesale and Private Label

Still have a question? Email hello@biosota.com. For stockists, wholesale and minimum order quantities, email info@biosota.com.