My Honest Review of PRI Manuka Honey MGO 200+ (2023 Edition)

As someone who frequently consumes manuka honey due to its supreme health perks, I am constantly seeking out exciting new brands to try. One brand that recently piqued my interest is Pacific Resources International (PRI). In this review, I am sharing my candid thoughts about their product, particularly focusing on their MGO 200+ variant.

Taste and Appearance

The honey comes in a plastic jar and has a beautiful caramel color that intrigues at first sight. It boasts a rich, thick, and a slightly grainy texture, staying longer on the spoon and taking a bit of time to dissolve in beverages like tea or water.

The taste is noteworthy, superior to common store-bought varieties. It packs a stronger flavor than regular honey but does not cross the line to unpleasant. The brand offers a unique balance of powerful yet not overbearing taste, rounding it off with a subtle medicinal hint.

Grades Available

PRI offers a range of MGO ratings for their Manuka honey selection. Available options include MGO 50+, 60+, 100+, 200+, 300+, 500+, and 1000+, all in both Australian and New Zealand versions. They also market a lower MGO 30+ honey under the Capilano name, but it’s crucial to note that none of these have UMF certification.

For me, UMF certification is paramount since the MGO rating alone doesn’t ensure the full antibacterial activity of manuka honey. Factors other than MGO, like Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF, influence the properties of the honey, and the UMF grading system diligently considers these.

Fortunately, PRI also offers UMF-rated Manuka honey under the Mossop’s Honey brand name, with ratings such as UMF 5+, 8+, 10+, 15+, and 20+. According to the UMFHA website, the company’s UMFHA license number is #1021. If you are sourcing honey with potent antibacterial action, their UMF 15+ variant may be a suitable choice. I noticed that higher ratings, like UMF 24+, were not part of their collection the last time I visited their website.

Purity and Authenticity

When selecting manuka honey, I place a high value on UMF certification, as it measures the total antibacterial activity of the honey. Unfortunately, the PRI MGO 200+ Manuka Honey does not have a UMF seal on its packaging. However, I did have a positive experience using this honey on my dog’s wound, which seemed to speed up the healing process. Even our local veterinarian has started recommending this honey to their clients.

Despite lacking UMF certification, the brand claims that the MGO rating is independently tested. The honey is raw and cool processed, with PRI claiming it to be monofloral. I personally found this honey to help decrease my cold symptoms and have used it in tea, coffee, and cooking.

Brand Reputation

Manufactured by Pacific Resources International, Inc., PRI Manuka Honey is a leading exporter of manuka honey in New Zealand. The official website of the brand is www.shoppri.com, where they offer other manuka products such as lozenges, oral spray, honey sticks, nuggets, and much more. I have checked their online reviews, and the brand seems to have built a decent reputation over the years.

Packaging and Size

PRI’s manuka honey is available in multiple jar sizes to suit consumer needs and preferences. It comes in dark plastic jars to protect the honey from light exposure. There are 8.8oz (250g), 17.6oz (500g), and 1.25oz sampler jars, allowing customers to choose one amongst these options.

The jar I received was tightly sealed, ensuring its freshness. It features a standard twist lid, and the 17.6 fl oz jar indicates 25 servings. You’ll find the batch number and the best-before date printed on the back of the jar, providing important information to the consumer. The brand also offers various pack options to meet the differing needs of the customers.

Price and Value

The MGO 200+ version costs around $19.99 for an 8.8oz jar on their website, while their MGO 500+ version is similarly priced to other UMF-certified honeys such as Egmont and New Zealand Honey Co. Purchasing from their website can be a bit pricier, but keep in mind, manuka honey tends to be on the expensive side due to stringent quality control and high demand. Fortunately, the brand provides a Subscribe & Save option for frequent buyers and offers free shipping for orders over $49.

The following chart compares the prices of PRI Manuka honey with those of other brands for similar grades (UMF 15+ or MGO 514+).

In terms of value, this honey makes for a great gift and can serve as a home remedy for minor ailments. Although I’m eager to try the higher MGO options, the price is currently a bit steep for me. I prefer purchasing this honey on Amazon, where I’ve found it to be more economical compared to buying it from health food stores.

Pros & Cons

Let’s summarise my thoughts on PRI’s manuka honey by listing its pros and cons.

Overall Rating

My honest opinion of PRI’s Manuka honey is that it’s a high-quality product with an impressive taste and consistency. The brand provides a comprehensive range of options in MGO ratings, catering to various preferences.

The product’s efficacy for reducing cold symptoms and promoting wound healing is a big plus. However, the absence of a UMF seal on some of their products and the relatively high price may deter some potential buyers.

Overall, I would give PRI’s Manuka honey a rating of 6.5 out of 10. If you’re looking for affordable Manuka honey with various strengths to choose from, this could be the right choice for you. For purity and high authenticity, consider their Mossop’s Honey lineup. Just make sure to factor in your budget, as the higher grades might strain your wallet more than expected.

Other Options to Consider

• Comvita Manuka Honey
• Manukora Manuka Honey
• Mānuka Health Manuka Honey
• Steens Manuka Honey
• Kiva Manuka Honey
• Melora Manuka Honey
• Wedderspoon Manuka Honey