Frequently Asked Questions

Mānuka Honey is honey produced by bees that collect nectar from Mānuka flowers in New Zealand. It is known for its distinctive rich flavor and naturally occurring compounds, including methylglyoxal, or MGO. Authentic New Zealand Mānuka Honey can be independently tested and graded under the UMF™ certification system.

Comvita sources Mānuka Honey from across New Zealand and tests each batch for authenticity, purity and quality. Comvita Mānuka Honey is made without added ingredients or preservatives and is traceable from hive to jar.

Mānuka Honey contains naturally occurring antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars that can complement a balanced lifestyle. Its common benefits and uses include:

• Supporting overall wellness
• Supporting digestive balance
• Helping soothe dry or scratchy throats
• Helping hydrate and care for dry skin
• Providing a quick source of natural energy
• Serving as a natural alternative to refined sugar

Learn more about the benefits of Mānuka Honey.

UMF™ stands for Unique Mānuka Factor. It is an independent certification system used to verify the authenticity, potency, freshness and shelf life of New Zealand Mānuka Honey. Only honey produced by a licensed UMF™ brand and meeting the association’s testing standards can display the UMF™ mark.

Each certified batch is tested for four markers:

• MGO: indicates potency
• Leptosperin: helps confirm authenticity
• DHA: indicates the honey’s potential to develop and maintain MGO
• HMF: helps confirm freshness and proper handling

A higher UMF™ grade indicates higher required levels of MGO and associated quality markers.

The UMF Honey Association currently describes UMF as a four-factor system measuring MGO, Leptosperin, DHA and HMF.

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka Honey. The MGO number indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey. A higher MGO number means a higher concentration of MGO.

MGO develops over time from DHA, a compound found in Mānuka flower nectar. MGO is one part of the broader UMF™ certification system; it does not independently verify all aspects of authenticity, freshness and quality.

UMF™ 5+, 10+, 15+, 18+ and 20+ indicate progressively higher grades of Mānuka Honey. As the UMF™ number increases, the honey must meet higher minimum requirements for MGO and other natural quality markers.

In general:

• UMF™ 5+ and 10+: suitable for everyday use and natural sweetening
• UMF™ 15+: higher-strength options with greater concentrations of MGO
• UMF™ 18+: high level of natural activity, making it ideal for targeted gut and immune support
• UMF™ 20+: one of Comvita’s higher-strength everyday wellness offerings

Every UMF™ grade is also evaluated for Leptosperin, DHA and HMF.

Comvita has produced authentic New Zealand Mānuka Honey for more than 50 years. Every batch of Comvita UMF™ Mānuka Honey is independently certified and tested for authenticity, purity and quality, with traceability throughout the supply chain.

Comvita also invests in Mānuka Honey research, bee health, native-forest restoration and sustainable beekeeping in partnership with scientists and research organizations.

Multifloral Mānuka Honey is made from Mānuka nectar blended naturally with nectar from other New Zealand wildflowers. It has a smooth, floral flavor suited to everyday enjoyment.

Monofloral Mānuka Honey is produced primarily from Mānuka flower nectar and contains higher required levels of specific Mānuka markers. Comvita’s monofloral Mānuka Honey is independently tested and certified with a UMF™ rating for authenticity, potency, freshness, and quality.

Mānuka Honey is more expensive because it is produced in limited quantities during New Zealand’s short Mānuka flowering season, which typically lasts only 2-6 weeks. Harvesting it often requires specialized beekeeping, remote hive locations, and extensive testing.

Every batch of Comvita Mānuka Honey undergoes more than 34 quality checks to verify its authenticity, purity, and quality from hive to jar.

Honey’s color, flavor, and texture naturally vary depending on the season, region, and flowers visited by the bees. Mānuka Honey can range from light amber to dark brown and from smooth to naturally crystallized.

Crystallization is a natural process and does not mean the honey has spoiled. To soften it, place the sealed jar in warm water and stir gently.

Store Mānuka Honey tightly sealed at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Refrigeration is not necessary and may cause the honey to crystallize or harden more quickly.

There is no single required daily amount of Mānuka Honey. It can be enjoyed as a food in the same way as other honey. Follow the serving information on the product label and consider your overall intake of sugars and carbohydrates.

Many people enjoy approximately one tablespoon by itself or add it to drinks, breakfast foods and recipes.

Comvita's honey is pure with no additives or preservatives, and it is naturally GMO free. Antibiotics are not used in any beekeeping or honey production.

Children 12 months and older can generally eat Mānuka Honey as a food. Never give Mānuka Honey or any other honey to a child younger than 12 months because honey can cause infant botulism.

Parents or caregivers should speak with a healthcare professional regarding individual dietary needs, allergies or medical concerns.

The CDC explicitly advises that honey should not be given to children under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

For wound care, we recommend using only sterile, medical-grade honey products specifically manufactured and labeled for this purpose, following the product directions or advice from a healthcare professional.

Comvita Mānuka Honey sold in jars is a food product intended for consumption and is not formulated or sterilized for wound care.

Comvita honey jars are made from PET, a strong, lightweight, shatter-resistant, and recyclable plastic. The jars and lids are BPA-free and designed to protect the honey’s quality and freshness.

Our PET packaging complies with applicable US FDA and European Union food-packaging safety requirements, including FDA 21 CFR 177.1630.

The change simply allows you to see the natural color and texture of the honey
without compromising its quality.

The quality of Comvita Mānuka Honey remains the same in the new clear jars. In a 36-month Comvita stability study comparing clear and amber packaging, we found no differences in key quality markers, including UMF, MGO, HMF, and leptosperin.

You can enjoy the same trusted quality of Comvita Mānuka Honey in the new clear packaging.

Our team promptly processes orders Monday through Friday from our Southern California warehouse. Orders are shipped via UPS and typically arrive within 3–10 business days. Once your order ships, you’ll receive an email confirmation with tracking details so you can follow your delivery.

Our warehouse is closed on weekends. If you need assistance with your order, please contact us at hello@comvita.com.

Please note, we currently do not ship to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Our Customer Experience Team is happy to assist with any questions or concerns. For the fastest support, please email us at hello@comvita.com with your order number and a photo of the issue, if applicable.

You are also welcome to give us a call at (855) 449-2201 select option 2. All inquiries are addressed within 36 hours.

If you are not satisfied with your order, please contact our Customer Experience Team at hello@comvita.com or call (855) 449-2201 (select Option 2). We'll be happy to work with you to find a resolution.

For food safety reasons, we cannot accept returns or exchanges for opened or used food products, or for reasons related to taste, personal preference, or price differences.

Please contact our Customer Experience Team at hello@comvita.com with the order number to explore your options. You are also welcome to give us a call at (855) 449-2201.

To request a return, please contact our Customer Experience Team at hello@comvita.com within 7 days of receiving your order. Products must be unopened, in original condition, and include the packing slip.

Our team will provide return instructions and the correct return address. Customers are responsible for the cost of return shipping. Once your items are received and verified in resalable condition, we’ll issue a refund minus a 20% restocking fee to your original payment method.

Comvita does not accept returns for products purchased through a third party. Please contact the retailer you purchased from to discuss your options.

Genuine Comvita products may be purchased online here on Comvita.com and from leading health and wellness retail partners such as Costco, Costco.com, Amazon, iHerb, Sprouts, and thousands of natural foods and grocery retailers across the U.S.

For a quick list of subscription FAQs visit, our Subscribe & Save page. We encourage you to login into your account to modify or make changes to your subscription.

Our Customer Experience Team will gladly assist with any issue. For the fastest assistance, please email us at hello@comvita.com.

Bee Propolis is created by the bees from natural sap and resins found on trees. Trees produce these resins at the site of a plant injury and on new shoots. The bees collect the resin and carry it back to the hive where they mix beeswax and enzymes to make Propolis.

Learn more about the uses, benefits, and sourcing of Comvita Bee Propolis

Comvita Propolis contains high levels of active bioflavonoids, with well-known antioxidant properties. Propolis helps to support and maintain a healthy immune system.