An Honest Review of Comvita Manuka Honey (2025 Edition)

Brand: Comvita
Type: Monofloral
Grades Available: MGO 50+ (Multifloral), UMF 5+ (MGO 83+), UMF 10+ (MGO 263+), UMF 15+ (MGO 514+), UMF 18+ (MGO 696+), UMF 20+ (MGO 829+) and UMF 25+ (MGO 1200+)
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Dietary Compliance: Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO, Gluten-free
Certifications: UMF, HACCP Certified, The Fernmark License, MPI Registered Exporter
Price: An 8.8-ounce jar of UMF 15+ rated Manuka Honey is priced at approximately $56.99.
Rating: 8.2/10

As someone who’s always had a soft spot for honey, stumbling upon Comvita Manuka Honey felt like striking gold. I’d heard the buzz (pun intended) about its remarkable quality and health perks, so naturally, I had to give it a try. Spoiler alert: It did not disappoint! With over 40,000 hives nestled in New Zealand’s unspoiled countryside and nearly 50 years of beekeeping expertise, Comvita delivers a product that’s as pure and authentic as it gets.

comvita manuka honey umf 15+ grade

In this post, I’m sharing my personal journey with Comvita Manuka Honey—what it tastes like, why it’s a staple in my kitchen, and how it might just become your next favorite superfood. Let’s dive into the sweet details.

My Review of Comvita Manuka Honey

I’ll focus on the UMF 15+ variety, which is one of Comvita’s best-sellers, but don’t worry—I’ll also touch on the range of options they offer for different needs and preferences.

Taste and Appearance

The moment I opened the jar, I was greeted with a rich, earthy aroma that hinted at the complexity of what lay inside. It’s a smell that feels almost grounding, like nature bottled up just for you.

As someone who’s sampled all kinds of honey—from local farmers’ market finds to imported varieties—Comvita’s Manuka honey is truly in a league of its own. The flavor is a beautiful balance of sweet and slightly bitter, with a depth that makes each spoonful feel like an experience. It’s thick, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying to spread on toast or stir into tea. No grainy textures or overly medicinal aftertastes here—just smooth, velvety goodness.

consistency of comvita manuka honey

But it’s not just about the taste. I’ve been using it regularly and have noticed some surprising benefits. It has become my go-to for soothing sore throats, keeping seasonal sniffles at bay, and even helping with digestion issues. I’ve also tried it on minor cuts and burns, and the results are genuinely impressive—it speeds up healing and reduces inflammation.

Quick side note: I recently ordered two jars, and their appearances were slightly different. At first, I was puzzled, but then my inner beekeeping nerd kicked in. Differences in hive locations, nectar sources, or even the honey’s age can all affect its color and texture. So if you notice slight variations, rest assured—it’s a sign of natural, unprocessed honey.

Grades Available

If you’re new to Manuka honey, the sheer number of grades and terms might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually one of the things I love about Comvita. They offer something for everyone, whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of Manuka honey or looking for a high-potency option.

Comvita has both monofloral (single nectar source) and multifloral (a blend of nectars) varieties, each offering unique flavor profiles and benefits. For the monofloral options, they grade their honey using the UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) scale, ranging from UMF 5+ to UMF 25+. Higher UMF ratings indicate greater concentrations of Methylglyoxal (MGO), the compound responsible for Manuka honey’s legendary antibacterial properties.

Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right grade:

  • UMF 5+ to 10+: Perfect for first-timers and everyday wellness. These are mild but still packed with health benefits.
  • UMF 15+: My favorite! It’s potent enough for boosting immunity, soothing sore throats, and even tackling pesky cold sores.
  • UMF 20+ and 25+: Ideal for those seeking maximum therapeutic benefits, whether for skin care or more targeted health concerns.

And let’s not forget the multifloral option with an MGO 50+ rating. It’s a milder, more budget-friendly choice that still delivers great flavor and a hint of Manuka’s magic.

Purity and Authenticity

One of the first things I check when buying Manuka honey is the UMF™ trademarked symbol on the jar. It’s not just a fancy label; it’s proof that the honey has undergone rigorous testing to meet the high standards set by the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). With Comvita, you’ll always see that logo front and center, giving you confidence that what you’re eating is pure, authentic, and potent.

While digging deeper, I found that Comvita holds UMF license #1019, which covers both their Manuka honey and lozenge products. They’re also a Registered Exporter, meaning they adhere to strict New Zealand regulations (MPI) to ensure their products meet the highest quality and safety standards.

Knowing this makes every spoonful feel even more special—it’s not just honey; it’s a labor of love and commitment to excellence.

Brand Reputation

What truly sets Comvita apart is their unwavering dedication to sustainability and ethical practices. It’s not just about producing high-quality honey—it’s about doing it in a way that respects nature and gives back to the planet. Knowing that every jar of Comvita Manuka Honey supports initiatives to protect bees, reduce carbon emissions, and restore ecosystems makes me feel good about every purchase.

One of their most inspiring goals is becoming carbon neutral by 2025. They’re also committed to saving 10 million bees annually and planting native trees to promote biodiversity. Beyond environmental efforts, Comvita actively supports local communities through job creation and outreach programs, ensuring a positive social impact.

On top of that, Comvita produces medical-grade Manuka honey, which is used in hospitals and clinics to treat wounds and burns. That speaks volumes about the quality and effectiveness of their products. If it’s trusted in a clinical setting, it’s definitely a win for home use.

Comvita doesn’t stop at honey. Their lineup includes throat sprays, soft gel capsules, lozenges, and even skincare products—all harnessing the incredible benefits of Manuka honey. It’s a testament to their innovation and ability to cater to a wide range of customer needs.

Packaging and Size

Let’s talk about something practical but often overlooked: packaging. Comvita’s jars come in a sleek, dark-brown PET plastic, which isn’t just about aesthetics. This material helps protect the honey from light exposure, preserving its quality and potency over time. As someone who’s accidentally dropped jars before (oops), I appreciate the sturdiness of these 100% recycled plastic containers. They’ve survived a few bumps on my kitchen counter without a single crack.

packaging of comvita manuka honey
Credits: Vicky Chow

Opening and scooping honey can sometimes feel like a sticky ordeal, but Comvita makes it a breeze. The twist-off lid is easy to handle, and the wide-mouth design means no more struggling to get that last spoonful of honey. Whether you’re drizzling it over yogurt or mixing it into tea, the jar’s design makes it convenient and mess-free.

Comvita offers several size options to suit every type of honey enthusiast:

  • 8.8 oz (250g): Great for casual users or those trying it out for the first time.
  • 17.6 oz (500g): Perfect for regular users who want to stock up.
  • 35.2 oz (1kg): A dream for die-hard fans or larger households.

They also offer squeeze bottles for their UMF 5+ and MGO 50+ varieties, which are super handy for kids or quick drizzling. If you’re looking to save, their multi-pack bundles let you stock up at a discounted rate—a nice bonus for those who can’t get enough of this golden delight.

Price and Value

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. Yes, Comvita Manuka Honey is on the pricier side, with an 8.8 oz jar of UMF 15+ retailing for about $56.99. But here’s the thing—it’s not just any honey; it’s a premium product packed with health benefits, made sustainably, and held to the highest standards of quality. When you factor in all these aspects, it’s clear you’re paying for more than just a sweet treat.

Compared to other brands like New Zealand Honey Co. or Kiva, Comvita’s prices might seem higher. But for me, the distinctive taste, eco-friendly practices, and proven health benefits make it worth every penny. Plus, with bundle deals and discounts on multi-packs, you can stretch your budget a bit further.

The following chart compares the price of Comvita with that of its main competitors for similar grades.

Here’s my take: If you’re someone who values quality and wants a honey that delivers more than just sweetness, Comvita is a worthwhile investment. You’re not just buying honey—you’re investing in your health and supporting a brand that’s doing its part to make the world a better place.

Pros & Cons

Pros
A widely known brand
Available in different UMF strengths
Halal, Kosher, and Gluten-free
Cons
The price is a bit high
This is not a diabetic-friendly product
Weighs slightly less than what is stated on the label

Overall Rating

Comvita Manuka Honey has earned its place as a staple in my pantry for a reason. From its rich taste and smooth texture to its impressive health benefits and ethical sourcing practices, it’s clear why this brand is a global leader in Manuka honey.

Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but the unmatched quality, transparency, and sustainability initiatives make it more than just a product—it’s a conscious choice. Whether you’re a honey connoisseur, a health enthusiast, or someone simply curious about Manuka honey, Comvita is a brand I wholeheartedly recommend.

So, go ahead and treat yourself to a jar. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the difference, there’s no going back!

8.2Expert Score
Very Good
Here is my personal evaluation of Comvita’s strengths and weaknesses. I rated it on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest score possible in each category:
Taste and Appearance
8
Grades Available
8
Purity and Authenticity
8
Brand Reputation
9
Packaging and Size
9
Price and Value
7

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 60
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Total Carb: 15g
  • Total Sugars: 15g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Protein: 0g
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