Short answer: Australian Manuka honey is produced when bees collect nectar from Australian Leptospermum plants. It is known for its distinctive aromatic flavour and is commonly labelled with an MGO rating that states the minimum measured methylglyoxal concentration in the honey.
Where Australian Manuka honey comes from
Manuka is the widely used name for honey produced from plants in the Leptospermum genus. Australia is home to many native Leptospermum species, often called tea trees, and beekeepers place hives where those plants flower so bees can collect their nectar.
The character of a jar can vary with the plant species, region, season and harvest. That natural variation is one reason origin and a clearly stated grade matter when comparing products.
What does it taste like?
Australian Manuka honey is generally richer and more aromatic than a mild table honey. Lower MGO grades can be gentle and caramel-like, while higher grades often have a more concentrated, herbaceous Manuka character. Taste remains subjective, so the strongest rating is not automatically the best choice for every person or every use.
How Manuka honey is graded
MGO stands for methylglyoxal. On a Manuka honey label, MGO 500+ means the product is rated at a minimum of 500 milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. NPA, or non-peroxide activity, is another grading expression that may appear alongside MGO.
These are grading measures, not serving instructions or promises that a food will treat a health condition. Use the grade to compare jars, then choose according to flavour preference, intended use and budget.
What to check before buying
A useful product page should make the following information easy to find:
- The exact MGO and, where provided, NPA rating
- The net weight and price for the selected jar size
- Australian origin information and the seller's identity
- A GTIN or barcode where available
- Delivery, returns and storage information
Simple ways to enjoy it
Manuka honey can be enjoyed from the spoon, spread over toast, drizzled onto yoghurt or oatmeal, or stirred into a warm drink. Keep the jar tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Sources and further reading
Information notice: This article provides general food and product information, not medical advice. Honey is not suitable for infants under 12 months; see Healthdirect's infant safety information.