Mānuka honey has a richer and more distinctive flavour than many lighter everyday honeys. It is still naturally sweet, but its deeper flavour can include earthy and floral notes, depending on the honey and the individual batch.
If you are considering trying Mānuka honey for the first time, here is what you can generally expect from its taste, texture and aroma.
What does Mānuka honey taste like?
Mānuka honey is commonly described as rich, earthy and floral. Its sweetness is usually accompanied by a more pronounced flavour than that of milder honeys, which can give it a lingering finish.
Taste is naturally subjective, so different people may notice different qualities. One person might focus on the floral sweetness, while another may notice the deeper earthy character.
As honey is a natural product, its flavour can also vary slightly from batch to batch.
Is Mānuka honey very sweet?
Mānuka honey is sweet, but its fuller flavour balances the sweetness better than lighter honeys.
Because the taste is fairly distinctive, a small amount can be enough when adding it to toast, yoghurt, porridge or other foods. Starting with a little also makes it easier to adjust the flavour to your preferences.
What is the texture of Mānuka honey?
Mānuka honey generally has a thick, smooth texture. This makes it easy to enjoy from a spoon, spread onto toast or drizzle over food.
The exact consistency may change depending on the temperature and how the jar has been stored. Honey can also become thicker or develop a grainier texture through natural crystallisation.
For practical storage advice, read our guide on how to store Mānuka honey properly.
Does a higher MGO rating affect the taste?
An MGO rating measures the concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey. It is not a flavour rating, so a higher number does not provide an exact description of how the honey will taste.
The floral source, batch and individual palate can all influence the flavour someone experiences.
You can learn more about the rating system in our guide to understanding Mānuka honey.
Why can the flavour vary between batches?
The source and environment influence honey, just like other natural foods. Its flavour, colour and texture can vary slightly according to factors such as the flowering season and the nectar collected by the bees.
These natural differences are part of the character of genuine honey. Storage temperature can also affect its consistency, although this does not change the honey into a different variety or MGO grade.
What foods pair well with Mānuka honey?
Mānuka honey can be enjoyed by itself or combined with both sweet and savoury foods. Its distinctive flavour works particularly well with:
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Toast or crumpets
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Plain yoghurt and fruit
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Porridge
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Cheese and crackers
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Salad dressings
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Warm drinks
Our guide on how to eat Mānuka honey includes five simple serving ideas to try.
Discover Kinloch MGO 600+ Mānuka honey
Kinloch MGO 600+ New Zealand Mānuka honey has established earthy and floral notes, along with the rich sweetness associated with Mānuka honey.
The current batch has been independently tested in New Zealand and the UK. It is available in a 250g jar with free UK standard delivery.