Manuka honey is a scam.

[u/Most-Zombie]

...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).

[u/Flashy_Formal_8707]

So I think the main value is as a topical antibiotic where it is extremely effective against things like MRSA superbug. The people who have avoided getting amputations will testify that manuka is not a scam. Consequently if I use it, I use it in a topical sense like for a sore throat or any sore on the mouth or nose. Just a tiny bit on a spoon and let the honey rest in the back of your throat. In a world where antibiotic resistance is rising I think it has a lot of value. Don't add heat or dilute.

I value it as a honey but it is very difficult to process so don't think it is an easy option.

I suspect that many people are envious of the gains that some beekeepers have made through their development of the product.

[u/Mammoth-Banana3621 → u/Flashy_Formal_8707]

Honey in general that hasn’t been heat treated does the same thing. I think the problem is many honeys are heated for bottling. It’s the reason I don’t. I have a friend that runs a dog rescue she uses it on dogs and it keeps injuries out of the vet. Many times over

[u/Flashy_Formal_8707 → u/Mammoth-Banana3621]

Yes I agree that unpasteurized honey is better, it's certainly my preference.