At Melora, we believe in transparency, authenticity, and helping you make informed choices about what goes into your body and onto your skin. Over the years, Mānuka honey has become a global wellness favorite, but with its growing popularity, myths and misunderstandings have also spread.
Today, we’re setting the record straight. Below, we’ll unpack some of the most common myths about Mānuka honey and share the facts that make it truly special.
Myth 1: All Honey Is the Same
Many people assume that all honey offers the same benefits. While every type of honey has natural sweetness and some antibacterial qualities, Mānuka honey stands apart for its unique compounds, particularly Methylglyoxal (MGO).
MGO gives Mānuka honey its distinctive potency and antibacterial activity. It’s naturally produced when nectar from the New Zealand Mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) is converted into honey by bees.
At Melora, we test every batch for MGO levels to guarantee you’re getting authentic, high-quality Mānuka honey that lives up to its reputation.
Myth 2: The Higher the MGO, the Better for Everything
It’s easy to think that higher MGO numbers automatically mean a better product. While higher MGO levels do indicate stronger antibacterial properties, it’s not always necessary to use the strongest honey for every purpose.
For example:
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Everyday wellness – MGO 100+ is perfect for daily use in drinks, breakfast bowls, or smoothies.
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Targeted support – MGO 300+ works well when you want added strength, such as during cold season.
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Topical use – Higher grades like MGO 525+ are ideal for skin applications due to their concentrated properties.
At Melora, we offer a full range of Mānuka honey strengths so you can choose what’s right for your lifestyle.
Myth 3: You Can Substitute Any Honey for Mānuka in Skincare
Honey is often used in natural skincare, but not all honeys deliver the same results. Mānuka honey’s low pH, antioxidant power, and antibacterial action make it exceptional for helping support the skin’s natural barrier and maintaining hydration.
That’s why we include certified Mānuka honey in our Melora Skincare Collection. It helps soothe, hydrate, and support skin health naturally, without harsh additives or synthetic ingredients.
If you’re using honey in your skincare routine, make sure it’s genuine Mānuka, and check for verified MGO certification on the label.
Myth 4: All “New Zealand Honey” Is Mānuka Honey
Not all honey from New Zealand qualifies as Mānuka. Genuine Mānuka honey must come from nectar collected specifically from the Mānuka bush, and it must meet strict scientific criteria defined by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
At Melora, we proudly adhere to these standards. Every jar of our honey is traceable from hive to home, tested independently for its MGO, DHA, and Leptosperin content, the three key markers that confirm authenticity.
Myth 5: Mānuka Honey Is Just a Trend
Mānuka honey is not a fad. Indigenous Māori communities have used Mānuka for centuries for its natural properties and its role in wellness and healing traditions. What science has done in recent years is simply confirm what generations have long known: Mānuka honey is special.
By working closely with Māori landowners and local beekeepers, we ensure this ancient knowledge continues to thrive in a sustainable, respectful way through our Fair Share partnerships.
When you choose Melora, you’re not only supporting your wellbeing, you’re also supporting fair, ethical, and sustainable beekeeping that gives back to the communities who nurture this natural treasure.
How to Choose Genuine Mānuka Honey
If you’re wondering how to be sure your Mānuka honey is real, here’s what to look for:
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MGO Certification – The number on the label shows the verified concentration of Methylglyoxal.
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Country of Origin – Genuine Mānuka comes only from New Zealand.
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Independent Testing – Trusted brands (like ours) provide lab-verified proof of MGO content.
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Traceability – You should be able to trace your honey from hive to jar.
These steps protect you from misleading claims and ensure you get authentic, high-quality honey every time.
The Sweet Truth
Mānuka honey’s reputation is built on both tradition and science, but like any premium product, it attracts myths along the way. At Melora, we’re proud to produce Mānuka honey that’s 100 percent genuine, ethically sourced, and thoroughly tested for purity and potency.
Whether you use it for wellness, skincare, or cooking, understanding what makes it unique helps you get the most from every golden spoonful.
Ready to experience genuine Mānuka honey?
Explore our full range of certified MGO Mānuka honeys and discover which strength suits your needs best.