Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase Barnes Naturals Australian Active Manuka honey?

Chemist Warehouse stocks our full Manuka range in stores across Australia and online. More information on other stockists can be found here.
Chemist Warehouse stocks our full Manuka range in stores across Australia and online. More information on other stockists can be found here.

What is the science behind Australian Manuka honey?

Manuka Honey is a unique honey, and the only honey to contain the compound Methylglyoxal. This is a very scientific-sounding name, that we like to shorten to MGO to keep things simple. The MGO found in Manuka Honey is the component responsible for the activity of the honey. Numerous scientific studies and research have determined... Read more
Manuka Honey is a unique honey, and the only honey to contain the compound Methylglyoxal. This is a very scientific-sounding name, that we like to shorten to MGO to keep things simple. The MGO found in Manuka Honey is the component responsible for the activity of the honey. Numerous scientific studies and research have determined MGO to be the source of anti-bacterial activity in Manuka honey. Studies have also shown that Australia can produce Manuka Honey that's just as potent as Manuka produced in New Zealand. Manuka honey has been studied many times over the years, most often for its natural healing effect on topical skin conditions. Here are some studies we've found to be useful: "Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components"  "Correlation of the antibacterial activity of commercial manuka and Leptospermum honeys from Australia and New Zealand with methylglyoxal content and other physicochemical characteristics" "The Antibacterial Activity of Australian Leptospermum Honey Correlates with Methylglyoxal Levels"  

Is your Manuka honey authentic?

Yes, all Manuka honey we pack is 100% authentic Australian Active Manuka honey that has been independently tested for its authenticity and activity levels. Each batch of Barnes Naturals Active Manuka honey has had its MGO activity validated. We pack our Active Manuka per the Australian Manuka Honey Association‘s strict specifications. Therefore, each pack of our... Read more
Yes, all Manuka honey we pack is 100% authentic Australian Active Manuka honey that has been independently tested for its authenticity and activity levels. Each batch of Barnes Naturals Active Manuka honey has had its MGO activity validated. We pack our Active Manuka per the Australian Manuka Honey Association's strict specifications. Therefore, each pack of our Active Manuka proudly displays the 'Mark of Authenticity' logo.

Does your Manuka honey expire?

Honey is an amazing natural substance, and due to the makeup of the substances naturally found in honey, it does not expire. Honey provides its own natural preservative process which means it’s safe to eat for years. Manuka Honey contains a component not found in other types of honey called MGO (methylglyoxal), this is what... Read more
Honey is an amazing natural substance, and due to the makeup of the substances naturally found in honey, it does not expire. Honey provides its own natural preservative process which means it's safe to eat for years. Manuka Honey contains a component not found in other types of honey called MGO (methylglyoxal), this is what contributes to its more active properties. Our research has found if stored in cool dry conditions, the level of MGO in Australian Manuka Honey can remain stable and unchanged for at least 2 to 3 years.

Can I take your Manuka honey while pregnant?

We recommend seeking the advice of your healthcare professional before using Manuka Honey while pregnant or breastfeeding.
We recommend seeking the advice of your healthcare professional before using Manuka Honey while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can I give your Manuka honey to my child?

Manuka honey may be given to children over the age of one. We advise against feeding children under the age of one honey due to a very small risk of contracting infant botulism.
Manuka honey may be given to children over the age of one. We advise against feeding children under the age of one honey due to a very small risk of contracting infant botulism.

Isn’t Manuka honey only from New Zealand?

Manuka Honey is made from the nectar from the Leptospermum genus of plants. There are 87 different species of Leptospermum known. New Zealand only has one species of the Leptospermum plant (Scoparium). In Australia, 85 of the 87 species can be found. While many other factors may influence the quality of the nectar from these... Read more
Manuka Honey is made from the nectar from the Leptospermum genus of plants. There are 87 different species of Leptospermum known. New Zealand only has one species of the Leptospermum plant (Scoparium). In Australia, 85 of the 87 species can be found. While many other factors may influence the quality of the nectar from these plants, several species can result in the production of active Manuka Honey. Beekeepers in Australia can produce Active Australian Manuka Honey by allowing their bees to forage these species. This means Australian beekeepers can produce Manuka honey with the same, and in some cases stronger, activity levels as New Zealand Manuka. As such, the term Manuka is now commonly used to market this specialist floral ‘active honey’.

What do the MGO and NPA ratings mean? Which one should I use?

For commercially competitive reasons there have been several symbols introduced into the market over recent years aimed to represent the strength of Manuka, such as UMF, NPA and MGO. While the NPA rating is the most widely recognised, we have transitioned to the MGO rating. The MGO rating is relatively easy to understand, as it... Read more
For commercially competitive reasons there have been several symbols introduced into the market over recent years aimed to represent the strength of Manuka, such as UMF, NPA and MGO. While the NPA rating is the most widely recognised, we have transitioned to the MGO rating. The MGO rating is relatively easy to understand, as it is a direct measure of the amount of MGO (methylglyoxal) found in the honey, accurately quantified in mg/kg of honey. The higher the MGO number, the more MGO is found in that honey, corresponding to a higher antibacterial activity. The highest rating indicates a higher antibacterial activity level in the honey. Below is a simple table to assist with understanding the different ratings.

Manuka Activity Rating Conversions

MGO Rating Methylglyoxal NPA Rating Non-Peroxide Activity UMF Rating Unique Manuka Factor
MGO 100+ NPA 6+ UMF 6+
MGO 300+ NPA 11+ UMF 11+
MGO 400+ NPA 13+ UMF 13+
MGO 550+ NPA 16+ UMF 16+

How much Manuka honey should I use for my health condition?

Though there is significant research into the antimicrobial properties of Manuka honey, we are unable to provide dosage advice for Manuka as each individual health case is different, we recommend you consult with a qualified health professional (e.g. pharmacist, naturopath, nutritionist, general practitioner) for specific advice relating to your health.
Though there is significant research into the antimicrobial properties of Manuka honey, we are unable to provide dosage advice for Manuka as each individual health case is different, we recommend you consult with a qualified health professional (e.g. pharmacist, naturopath, nutritionist, general practitioner) for specific advice relating to your health.

How do I store Apple Cider Vinegar?

We suggest storing our Apple Cider Vinegar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

We suggest storing our Apple Cider Vinegar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Is the water component of your Apple Cider Vinegar filtered?

Yes. We use filtered water in the blend.

Yes. We use filtered water in the blend.

I have a health condition, are your ACV Capsules safe?

While all of our capsules contain natural and quality assured ingredients, we recommend you seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any specific health concerns.
While all of our capsules contain natural and quality assured ingredients, we recommend you seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any specific health concerns.
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