FAQ – answers to the most common questions
In this section, you’ll find answers to questions we often receive—whether through social media, emails, or during personal encounters.
They cover not only Manuka honey itself but also how our More Than Honey project works.
While we always aim to be transparent and communicate clearly, we know that sometimes things get overlooked. That’s why we’ve put together a clear summary of the most frequently asked questions—along with our answers.
For the top 3 most common questions, we’ve even prepared short videos. And if you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us.
Why is Manuka honey so expensive?
The price of Manuka honey is influenced by several key factors. First of all, it’s produced from the nectar of the Manuka shrub, which naturally grows only in specific, remote areas of New Zealand. Beehives must be transported into these rugged locations—sometimes even by helicopter, which is understandably costly. Moreover, Manuka flowers only once a year and for a short period, making its nectar rare and highly limited.
Since our Manuka honey is made primarily from Manuka nectar, we can guarantee a high concentration of the valuable compound MGO (methylglyoxal). Manuka honey must never be overheated and its production is governed by strict regulations. In order for our honey to be officially recognized as Manuka, we must meet a range of requirements set by the New Zealand government. Testing and certification are essential—and expensive—parts of the process.
And last but not least, our Manuka is shipped by air across half the world to reach the Czech Republic. This significantly increases costs, which must then be reflected in the final price of the product.
English subtitles coming soon! ↓
Why don’t we package Manuka honey in glass jar?
A common question we get is why we use plastic packaging for our Manuka honey instead of glass. The primary reason is practicality. Shipping glass jars from New Zealand comes with a high risk of breakage during transport. Another major factor is weight—since we transport our Manuka honey by air, using glass would significantly increase the shipping weight and, in turn, the transportation costs. These added expenses would make it nearly impossible for us to keep prices reasonable.
The packaging we use is made from plastic certified as Food Grade. This means it is completely safe for food contact, does not release any harmful substances, and is perfectly suitable for storing honey.
English subtitles coming soon! ↓
How is Manuka honey packaged and transported?
Manuka honey is poured from large 300 kg barrels into individual jars. Each jar is labeled with the batch number of the specific barrel it came from. Most often, we fill jars of 250 g and 500 g, and also smaller 50 g travel tubes. The entire production process, including packaging, takes place in New Zealand. Our honey is packaged by a certified facility licensed to handle genuine Manuka honey.
We transport the honey to the Czech Republic by air. This method allows us to better control storage conditions during transit. Manuka honey must never be heated above hive temperature, as this would compromise its quality. With sea freight, we wouldn’t be able to control where the container is placed, meaning it could be exposed to direct sunlight, which would put the honey at risk.
English subtitles coming soon! ↓
You also often ask us
What’s the difference between regular Czech honey and Manuka honey?
- We’d like to emphasize that the Czech Republic produces truly excellent honey and has outstanding beekeepers. We’re big fans of Czech honey ourselves (and we even plan to start our own production in the future). We happily spread it on bread and enjoy it regularly. That’s why it’s important to clarify that Manuka honey is a different kind of product.
- While Czech honey is a delicious natural sweetener perfect for baking, cooking, or everyday enjoyment, Manuka is more of a dietary supplement. It’s valued for its high MGO (methylglyoxal) content, which gives it antibacterial properties, supports the immune system, and aids wound healing. Manuka isn’t meant to be eaten by the spoonful—it’s typically taken in small daily amounts, like a teaspoon a day.
What is MGO?
- MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a compound with proven strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping to support the immune system. While trace amounts of MGO can be found in regular honey, Manuka honey contains significantly higher levels, making it truly unique.
- In our product range, you’ll find Manuka honey labeled as 30+ MGO, 100+ MGO, 514+ MGO, and 829+ MGO. These numbers indicate the minimum amount of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey (e.g. 514+ MGO means at least 514 mg of MGO per 1 kg of honey). In practice, the actual content is often even higher. The higher the MGO level, the stronger the effects—and the more intense the taste, aroma, and color. The most strong Manuka honeys are typically darker, more aromatic, and have a bold, distinctive flavour.
How to Use Manuka Honey?
- With Manuka honey, we always emphasize: do not heat it. Unlike regular honey, it should not be used in baked goods or added to hot tea, as heat can degrade its beneficial properties. Manuka honey is not meant to be just a sweetener, but rather a natural dietary supplement. The ideal way to enjoy it is by taking one spoonful a day. It satisfies your sweet tooth while doing something good for your body.
- One exception is our Multiflora (Manuka Blend), made from a mix of nectars from various New Zealand flowers. It has a delicate floral taste and aroma, making it suitable for no-bake desserts or raw treats. You can also spread it on pancakes or bread.
- Manuka honey can also be used topically—for treating minor wounds, burns, or as a natural face mask. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it promotes healing and improves skin condition.
Why Don’t We Use Sea Freight?
- We avoid shipping Manuka honey by sea primarily to protect its quality. Manuka must not be exposed to high temperatures, as heat can degrade its beneficial properties, especially the MGO content. In air transport, we can maintain stable, controlled conditions. With sea freight, we have no control over where the container is placed, and it could easily sit in direct sunlight for weeks — potentially ruining the honey.
- From an ecological point of view, sea transport also isn’t as sustainable as it might seem. Cargo ships produce large amounts of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to acid rain. Moreover, oil spills, waste discharge, and underwater noise pollution from vessels pose serious threats to marine ecosystems. In short: air freight helps us preserve the quality of Manuka and reduce environmental impact where it matters most.