Why is Manuka honey so expensive?

If you’ve ever wondered why Manuka honey is so expensive, it’s because it’s far more than a sweetener - it’s a medicinal-grade superfood proven by science. Manuka honey’s healing power comes from the Manuka tree (Leptospermum), a medicinal plant native only to Australia and New Zealand, whose nectar is rich in natural compounds, giving this honey its unparalleled potency.
From supporting digestion and wound healing to strengthening immunity, Manuka honey’s medicinal profile is what sets it apart - and what makes it so valuable.
The medicinal power of Manuka honey
Manuka honey contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), the compound responsible for its antibacterial potency.
Scientific studies have shown that high-MGO Manuka honey may:
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Support digestive health
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Aid wound healing and tissue regeneration
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Help combat sore throats and upper respiratory infections
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Provide antioxidant support for immune function
At Biosota, we produce some of the highest MGO-rated Manuka honey in the world, with levels reaching as high as MGO 2200+. Every batch is independently lab-tested for MGO levels, authenticity, and purity - so you know exactly what you're getting.
The rarity of the Manuka tree
The Manuka tree (Leptospermum), which produces the nectar that bees use to create this potent honey, is native only to Australia and New Zealand. In Australia alone, over 80 native Leptospermum species thrive in specific, often remote ecosystems - far from agricultural or industrial activity.
But there’s another factor that makes Manuka nectar especially rare: timing. The Manuka tree flowers for only 2 to 6 weeks per year, giving beekeepers a very short window to place hives, allow bees to forage, and harvest nectar. Unlike other honey varieties that can be produced several times a year, Manuka honey production is dictated entirely by nature.

Why MGO matters in the price equation
The higher the MGO, the more potent - and more valuable - the honey. But high-MGO Manuka honey is also significantly rarer. In many cases, raw Manuka honey needs to be stored and aged for up to 12 months for its MGO content to naturally increase. This extended maturation period, along with precise temperature and humidity control, adds both time and cost to production.
So when you see high MGO numbers on a jar, you're not just paying for strength - you're paying for the expertise, testing, and science that ensures each spoonful delivers real medicinal value.

How to know if you’re buying the real thing
Another factor influencing the cost of Manuka honey is the growing problem of counterfeits. With demand far exceeding supply, the market has seen a rise in low-grade or falsely labelled products.
To ensure you’re purchasing genuine, high-quality Manuka honey, look for:
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A clear MGO rating on the label
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Independent laboratory testing results
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Certifications, such as Australian Certified Organic (ACO)
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Transparency around hive location, production methods, and traceability
At Biosota, every jar is traceable back to the source. You can also choose the option for violet glass packaging - to protect the bioactive compounds from UV degradation. This level of care ensures you're getting the full potency of the honey - exactly as nature intended.

Ethical, sustainable production
Producing premium-grade Manuka honey also requires sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices. At Biosota, our hives are placed in wild, untouched areas of Australian national parks and rainforests, ensuring our bees forage only from native, chemical-free flora.
We also operate a solar-powered production facility, use BPA-free and recyclable packaging, and follow food safety protocols in a HACCP-certified environment. These measures help protect the bees, preserve the planet, and deliver a product of uncompromising quality.
Why is Manuka honey so expensive? Because it’s worth it.
When you buy Manuka honey from a trusted producer like Biosota, you’re not just buying honey. You’re investing in a rare, scientifically supported health and wellness product that delivers real results naturally - from immune support to digestive health and beyond.
Our high-grade medicinal Manuka honey is cultivated with generations of beekeeping expertise, backed by science, and produced with integrity at every stage.

Experience the difference
Ready to experience the rare quality of high-MGO medicinal Manuka honey? Explore our collection of premium Manuka honey and find the perfect strength for your wellness goals.
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