An Honest Review of Comvita Manuka Honey (2023 Edition)

As a devoted fan of honey, I was thrilled when I discovered Comvita Manuka Honey, a brand that’s earned quite the reputation for its exceptional quality and unique health benefits. Having tried it for myself, I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype. Founded in 1974, Comvita boasts over 40,000 hives spread across New Zealand’s pristine countryside, producing a variety of honey grades and sizes to suit every taste and preference.

What sets Comvita apart is its commitment to purity and sustainability. Their honey is free from additives, preservatives, and GMOs, ensuring that each spoonful is not only delicious but also good for you and the environment. And with two distinct varieties to choose from—monofloral and multifloral Manuka honey—you’re guaranteed a delightful flavor experience, whether you prefer a single floral source or a blend of different nectars.

But Comvita doesn’t stop at honey; they also offer an array of honey-based products like throat sprays, soft gel capsules, and lozenges to cater to every need. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my personal experience with Comvita Manuka Honey, giving you the inside scoop on its taste, health benefits, and overall value. Get ready to discover why Comvita has become a must-have staple in my pantry.

My Review of Comvita Manuka Honey

In this review, I focus primarily on their UMF15+ variety, which is their best-selling manuka honey.

Taste and Appearance

Upon opening the jar, I was greeted with a rich, earthy aroma that set the stage for my taste buds.

As a honey lover, I’ve tasted my fair share of local honeys, but Comvita is definitely in a league of its own. The taste is truly unique—complex, with a slightly bitter undertone that balances the natural sweetness of the honey. The texture? Thick and creamy, making it perfect for spreading on toast or incorporating into various recipes.

One thing I particularly appreciated was the smooth, velvety consistency of this honey. It’s denser than your average honey, which really speaks to its quality. And unlike some other brands, Comvita doesn’t have an overwhelmingly medicinal taste.

In terms of health benefits, I noticed a marked improvement in my digestion and immunity after consuming it regularly. I found it helpful in easing sore throats and keeping colds at bay, as well as treating minor cuts and burns. It speeds up the healing process by reducing inflammation.

Recently, I purchased two bottles of this honey, and I noticed both had a slightly different appearance. But as someone who’s had an education in beekeeping, I realized that these variations were most likely due to differences in the hives—or boxes—that the honey came from. Also, as honey ages its color can intensify.

Grades Available

Comvita offers six different grades of manuka honey, ranging from UMF 5+ to UMF 25+. The company also sells multi-floral manuka honey with MGO 50+, which is a good thing because it means that you can get a product that fits your needs.

Starting with the UMF 5+ grade, it’s great for those who are new to manuka honey and want to experience its unique taste and benefits. As the grades increase, so do the levels of beneficial compounds like Methylglyoxal (MGO), making the honey even more potent.

If you’re looking to treat skin issues like cystic acne, pimples, eczema, or blemishes, I recommend going for the UMF 10+ rating. It’s perfect for providing the antibacterial properties you need for clearer skin.

For boosting your immune system and reducing symptoms of cold sores, the flu, or a stuffy nose, the UMF 15+ rated honey is your best bet. It offers more potency and effectiveness in helping you stay healthy.

As the grades increase even further, you’ll find the UMF 20+ and UMF 25+ options. These are ideal for those who require a higher concentration of active compounds and want to maximize the therapeutic benefits of Manuka Honey.

Purity and Authenticity

One thing that always catches my eye when I grab a jar of Comvita Manuka Honey is the UMF™ trademarked symbol on the packaging. This symbol is a testament to the fact that Comvita’s Manuka Honey has gone through a four-factor testing process, ensuring that it meets the strict standards set by by the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA).

When I buy manuka honey, I always look for the UMF™ Certification logo on the jar – it’s a great indicator of authenticity. It gives me peace of mind knowing that what I’m consuming is potent, authentic, pure, and has a guaranteed shelf life.

While researching Comvita, I came across the UMFHA website, where I found that Comvita has UMF licenses for both their lozenges and Manuka honey products. Their license number is #1019, which speaks to the legitimacy of their certification.

In addition to the UMF™ Certification, Comvita is also a Registered Exporter, which means they receive a letter from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) outlining specific duties for their exported products. These duties help ensure that Comvita’s products meet relevant New Zealand standards, comply with export eligibility requirements, and meet any other necessary standards.

Brand Reputation

One aspect I truly admire about Comvita is their unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. They’re not only focused on producing high-quality products, but they also ensure that these products are sourced sustainably and ethically. It’s amazing to know that they’ve implemented several initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint, protect bees and their habitats, and promote biodiversity.

Their key sustainability initiatives include becoming carbon neutral by 2025, saving 10 million bees per year, restoring balance to ecosystems through native tree planting programs, and leaving a positive impact in human populations around the world through employment opportunities and community outreach programs. I think it’s remarkable that a brand is taking these steps to make a real difference in the world.

Comvita also supplies medical-grade manuka honey, which is administered topically to treat wounds and burns in hospitals and wound care clinics.

Upon examining customer reviews on Amazon, it’s evident that Comvita has a strong reputation for its Manuka Honey. The company has been recognized as one of the global leader in UMF Manuka Honey and has experienced significant growth in the U.S. market.

Packaging and Size

First, let’s talk about the packaging. Comvita’s manuka honey comes in dark brown PET plastic jars, which not only look sleek but also help protect the honey from light exposure. I’ve got to say, I’m pretty impressed with the sturdiness of the jar. It’s made of 100% recycled plastic that feels solid in my hands. I’ve accidentally knocked it against my kitchen counter a couple of times (I can be a bit clumsy), and it didn’t break or crack. So, in terms of durability, I’d say it passes the test with flying colors.

Now, ease of use is essential, especially when it comes to something sticky like honey. I’m happy to report that the twist-off lid is a breeze to open and close, and it creates a tight seal, ensuring the honey stays fresh. The wide-mouth design of the jar makes it super easy to scoop out the honey without making a mess.

I love that Comvita offers their manuka honey in three different sizes, catering to the needs of different consumers – 8.8 oz (250g), 17.6 oz (500g), and 35.2 oz (1kg) jars. The 8.8 oz jar is perfect for casual users or those who want to give it a try, while the 35.2 oz jar is excellent for die-hard fans who can’t get enough of this delightful honey. It can fit comfortably in my pantry alongside my other condiments and spreads.

The UMF 5+ and MGO 50+ varieties can also be purchased in 11-ounce squeeze bottles. In addition to selling individual products, the company offers them bundled together—so customers can buy two or three items of their choosing at a reduced price.

Lastly, let’s talk about visual appeal. The UMF and MGO ratings printed on the jars provide consumers with essential information about the honey’s quality and potency. This transparency, combined with the elegant design, makes the packaging both informative and attractive.

Price and Value

As a fellow honey enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality honey that provides great value. When I compared the cost of Comvita to that of similar brands, I noticed it was a bit higher.

At the time of this writing, Comvita’s 8.8 oz jar of UMF 15+ manuka honey retails for around $56.99—though prices vary based on the grade you choose and some other factors as well (such as whether shipping costs are taken into account).

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

Although Comvita sells for a higher price than some others, including New Zealand Honey Co. and Kiva, I think it is worthwhile because of its distinctive taste, eco-friendly practices—and potential health benefits.

Plus, the company offers Multi-Packs and Bundles, which can save you up to 10% on your purchase, making it a more affordable option for those looking to enjoy the goodness of manuka honey without breaking the bank.

Pros & Cons

Overall Rating

Unique Features of Comvita Manuka Honey

Questions & Answers

Other Options to Consider

• New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey
• Manukora Manuka Honey
• Mānuka Health Manuka Honey
• Steens Manuka Honey
• Egmont Manuka Honey
• Manuka Doctor Manuka Honey
• Wedderspoon Manuka Honey