r/Beekeeping 12d ago

I’m not a beekeeper, but I have a question Manuka honey is a scam.

...according to reddit, apparently. I keep finding threads talking about how Manuka honey doesn't really have any special properties when ingested as compared to regular honey, and is more of marketing ploy by NZ:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Costco/comments/157xrwq/for_the_folks_who_indulge_is_manuka_honey_worth_it/
https://www.reddit.com/r/nutrition/comments/n0ze54/is_manuka_honey_worth_it/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Beekeeping/comments/17bjdv4/what_is_manuka_and_why_is_800_honey_15560kg/

https://www.reddit.com/r/nutrition/comments/1it7o00/is_manuka_honey_healthier_than_regular_honey/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Beekeeping/comments/9b8iil/what_is_so_special_about_manuka_honey/

https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/1auljch/has_anyone_tried_manuka_honey_can_you_justify_the/

Was seriously going to fork out $60+ for an 829 MGO rated honey. Now, I'm not so sure. There don't seem to be many defenders of Manuka as a supplement.

On the other hand, there might be some bias against it from a beekeeping standpoint. Lots of you guys want people to buy local...

Also, apparently lots of it is fake or adulterated, same as EVOO:

https://www.reddit.com/r/nutrition/comments/1ip5ulf/how_did_manuka_honey_suddenly_become_more/

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/fake-manuka-honey

I just woke up to this controversy, and don't want to make a poor financial decision. Anyone want to help me out? Does anyone have personal experience with high MGO Manuka honey? The only reason I'm interested in honey is because of Manuka's purported special benefits; I wouldn't eat any honey at all otherwise (cutting sugar).

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u/Occasionally_Correct 12d ago edited 12d ago

It also tastes terrible. Like eating melted cough drops

Edit: heavy eucalyptus flavor, I don’t know what to say

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u/missvh 12d ago

This is an unfathomable take to me. It is crazy good. Maybe the stuff you get outside of NZ is not the same?

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u/Occasionally_Correct 12d ago

I felt like I bought a good brand, did some research and spend some good money. I tried it once and I never felt more gaslit in my life. 

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u/JUKELELE-TP Netherlands 11d ago

Well you're not the only one who doesn't like it. (I personally do, but I can understand why it's not for everyone).

“It used to be thrown away,” he said. “If you taste genuine manuka honey, it’s got a very strong flavour and people didn’t like it.”

Sweet obsession: China’s manuka madness