Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions. If you need more information, feel free to contact us.

Is your honey gluten-free and nut-free?

Honey is naturally gluten-free and nut-free, and during processing and packaging, we apply strict controls to minimize the risk of allergen contamination. However, please note that we do not regularly test the honey for the presence of gluten or nuts.

Can children consume Mānuka honey?

Infants under one year of age should not consume honey. Beyond that, Mānuka honey is considered safe for all children over the age of one, provided they do not have health conditions or allergies that would prevent them from consuming honey.

Can pregnant women consume Mānuka honey?

Factors to consider when deciding whether to consume honey during pregnancy include its natural sugar content, whether it has been pasteurized, and potential allergies. It's always a good idea to consult your doctor for personalized advice.

Is your honey halal-certified?

Yes, all Haddrell’s honey is halal-certified by the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ).

Is your honey organic?

Our honey comes from hives located in remote areas of mānuka forests in New Zealand. While it is produced in a pristine, natural environment, it is not officially certified as organic.

How can I tell if Mānuka honey is authentic?

Haddrell’s honey is a premium Mānuka brand, packed in New Zealand and certified with the UMF™ quality mark.

How much honey should I use as a substitute for sugar?

Honey is sweeter than white sugar, so you generally need a smaller amount to achieve the same level of sweetness. However, the sweetness of honey depends on its variety, so we recommend experimenting with different quantities to find the ideal substitute in your recipe.

How much Mānuka honey should I consume daily?

Although Mānuka honey has unique properties, it is still a source of natural sugars. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Are there any negative side effects of consuming Mānuka honey?

Honey is a source of natural sugars. In general, it is recommended to consume sugars in moderation, unless a person has a medical condition that requires complete avoidance of any sugar.

Warning: Infants under 12 months of age should not consume honey.

Which factors influence Mānuka honey?

Excessive heat can affect the ratio between two natural biomarkers — DHA and MGO. For this reason, it is recommended to store Mānuka honey at a temperature between 18°C and 22°C.

Can I bake/cook with Mānuka honey?

Baking with Mānuka honey is certainly possible and adds natural sweetness and a rich flavor. Depending on your budget, we recommend using honey with a lower UMF™ rating.

What are the common uses of Mānuka honey?

Mānuka honey is often consumed as a snack — by the spoonful or in convenient Snap packs. It’s also a popular addition to warm beverages and serves as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. It enhances breakfast with its sweetness and aroma — spread it on toast, stir it into smoothies, porridge, or sprinkle it over cereal. When needed, Mānuka honey also works wonderfully for cooking and baking.

What’s the best way to store honey?

Storage conditions depend on the local climate. We recommend keeping honey away from direct sunlight and storing it at a temperature between 18°C and 22°C.

Does honey go off

Over time honey does not deteriorate enough to pose a food safety risk. The shelf life of our mānuka honey is determined by the duration of the validity of the UMF™ value.

Why don’t you sell honey in glass jars?

Glass is heavier than plastic and can have more food safety risks. Our honey is exported worldwide and packed in BPA-free PET pots, it is lighter transport and therefore requires less resources.

Do you add sugar to your honey?

No, we don’t add sugar to our honey. It is 100% natural.

Why is mānuka honey more expensive than other honey types?

Bees collect the nectar from the mānuka flowers to create honey. Mānuka flowers only bloom for approximately 2-6 weeks in December every year, giving the bees a very short time period to collect the nectar.

Beehives are placed in remote regions to get the best mānuka honey. This demands a high level of resources all year round to care for the bees, protect the hives and harvest the honey within this short timeframe. Sometimes access to these remote regions is made more difficult by weather events.