As a regular user of manuka honey, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting brands to try. In this honest review, I will be sharing my thoughts on WildCape Manuka Honey, focusing primarily on their UMF 15+ grade product.
By the end of this review, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of whether WildCape Manuka Honey deserves a place in your pantry.
Alright, let’s dive right in!
Taste and Appearance
WildCape Manuka Honey has an appealing rich gold caramel color that sets it apart from regular honey. Its consistency is thick and creamy but still easily spreadable without needing to heat it.
The taste is stronger than that of regular honey and has a slightly medicinal flavor that some users may find off-putting, though I didn’t mind it. It takes longer to dissolve in tea or water than other honeys, and the calories are surprisingly not too high. Occasionally, I enjoy eating a small teaspoon of it raw.
Grades Available
WildCape offers a variety of UMF grade options, including UMF 8+ (MGO 182+), UMF 10+ (MGO 263+), UMF 15+ (MGO 514+), and UMF 20+ (MGO 850+).
If you’re looking for antibacterial properties, the UMF 15+ grade is your best bet. The brand also sells multifloral manuka honeys with MGO levels of 115+ and below, although I noticed that even higher grades like UMF 24+ are not available in their lineup.
Purity and Authenticity
One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing manuka honey is its purity and authenticity. WildCape Manuka Honey is a genuine New Zealand product, and it proudly bears the UMF seal on the package. To confirm its authenticity, I checked the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) website, where the brand’s license number (#1075) is clearly stated.
In my experience, consuming WildCape Manuka Honey has helped decrease cold symptoms and soothes sore throats. While I don’t claim it to be a miracle cure, I do feel better when incorporating it into my daily routine during the cold and flu season.
Brand Reputation
WildCape Manuka Honey is manufactured by Savage Horticulture Ltd, a company that has been around for years and is based in New Zealand’s pristine East Cape region. The owner and beekeeper, Bill Savage, along with his dedicated team, work tirelessly to produce high-quality honey. The brand’s official website is www.wildcapehoney.com, and they also operate under the name “Mountain Harvest Manuka Honey.”
In my research, I found that the brand has generally positive reviews and is in good standing with the community. Their FernMark Licence number is 100136, and they are a Registered Exporter with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). They also maintain a Risk Management Programme (RMP) registered and verified by the MPI, ensuring that their honey is safe and Tutin-tested.
Packaging and Size
WildCape Manuka Honey is available in three different sizes to cater to your needs: 8.8oz (250g), 17.6oz (500g), and larger 1kg jars. The honey comes in a dark plastic jar which seems to be standard with most brands.
The jar I received was secure and well-sealed, preserving its freshness effectively. The packaging also features a run-of-the-mill twist lid. Importantly, every jar contains a printed batch number which you can use to verify the product’s authenticity on their website.
Although one 8.8 fl oz jar is supposed to contain 25 servings, it lasts significantly longer for me due to my preference for using only a half teaspoon at a time. Unfortunately, WildCape doesn’t offer squeeze bottle options like other brands, but they do sell their honey in bulk bundles.
Price and Value
Relative to its quality, I found the UMF 15+ WildCape Manuka Honey to be competitively priced at around $39 on their website. Even though buying directly may seem pricier than other consumer avenues, considering the strict quality controls on Manuka honey, this pricing makes sense. Moreover, all orders above $50 are eligible for free shipping, which is a nice bonus.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find any subscribe-and-save options like what other brands sometimes offer. Even though the price may be attractive compared to other brands, I wish there were some kind of discount offered to frequent buyers or bulk purchases.
Pros & Cons
Let’s summarise my thoughts on WildCape Manuka Honey by listing its pros and cons.
- Contains multiple UMF grade options.
- Well sealed package
- Competitive price compared to similar brands
- Authentic product with UMFHA certification
- Delivers good therapeutic effects for cold and flu symptoms
- The taste might take some getting used to for those new to Manuka honey
- Higher-end UMF grades (e.g., UMF 24+) are not available
- There’s no available option for squeeze bottle packaging
- No ‘Subscribe & Save’ option for regular users
Overall Rating
On the whole, my experience with WildCape Manuka Honey has been positive. The rich flavors, genuine authenticity, multiplicity of grades available, and the positive effects on my health all attest to its quality.
However, the taste may not appeal to everyone, and the lack of certain purchasing options could improve. Yet, these are minor setbacks compared to the overall quality and value offered. I give this product a solid 7.3 out of 10, making it a commendable addition to your health and wellness regimen.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 32
- Total Fat: less than 0.1g
- Total Carb: 8g
- Total Sugars: 7.8g
- Sodium: 1.2mg
- Protein: less than 1g
*Serving size: 10g
Other Options to Consider
- New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey
- Comvita Manuka Honey
- Manukora Manuka Honey
- Mānuka Health Manuka Honey
- Steens Manuka Honey
- Egmont Manuka Honey
- Kiva Manuka Honey
