Manuka Honey Side Effects: What You Should Know

The short answer

For most people, Manuka honey is a safe, everyday food with no special side effects. The things to know: never give honey to babies under 12 months, take care if you're allergic to pollen or bee products, and count it as sugar, especially if you have diabetes.

Manuka honey side effects are a fair thing to ask about before you buy a jar. The good news is that Manuka honey is a food, and for most people it's as safe as any other honey. There are a few groups who should take care, though, and it's still a sugar. Here's what you should know, who should avoid it, and how much is sensible each day.

Is Manuka Honey Safe?

Yes, for most people. Manuka honey is New Zealand honey made by bees from the nectar of the Manuka bush, and it's enjoyed the same way as any other honey: on toast, in tea or straight from the spoon. What sets it apart is MGO (methylglyoxal), the natural compound measured by the MGO and UMF™ grades on the label.

The side effects worth knowing about are the same as for honey in general: it isn't safe for babies, a small number of people are allergic to it, and it's a sugar. We cover each one below.

Never Give Honey to Babies Under 12 Months

This is the most important one. Honey of any kind, Manuka included, should never be given to babies under 12 months. NSW Health advises parents not to let babies younger than 12 months eat honey, because the bacteria that cause infant botulism can contaminate honey and a baby's gut isn't yet developed enough to stop them growing.

That includes foods made with honey. From their first birthday, children can enjoy honey like the rest of the family. Our guide to Manuka honey for kids covers how much and which grade suits them.

Allergies to Honey, Pollen or Bee Products

Honey allergy is rare, but it does happen. A 2021 case report in the Journal of Medical Case Reports describes honey as a rare cause of food allergy that can still cause severe reactions. It explains that reactions can come from the pollen in honey or from proteins made by the bees, and that people sensitive to weed pollens are more likely to react to bee products.

If you have a known allergy to pollen, bee stings or bee products such as propolis or royal jelly, check with your doctor before trying Manuka honey. If you ever notice itching, swelling of the lips or face, or trouble breathing after eating honey, stop and get medical help straight away.

Sugar, Blood Glucose and Diabetes

Manuka honey is still honey, and honey is mostly sugar. The World Health Organization counts the sugars naturally present in honey as free sugars, the same group as table sugar. The British Heart Foundation puts a teaspoon of honey at around 21 calories.

If you have diabetes, honey doesn't have to be off the menu. Tasmania's Department of Health notes that a balanced diet can still include sugar, even if you have diabetes. Count Manuka honey as sugar in your daily plan, and ask your doctor or dietitian how much suits you.

Manuka Honey and Your Teeth

Because it's a sugar, honey can affect your teeth like any other sweet food. The World Health Organization links eating a lot of free sugars with higher rates of tooth decay. Enjoy it as part of your day and keep up your usual brushing.

How Much Manuka Honey Is Too Much?

There's no special limit for Manuka honey. It simply counts towards your daily sugar. The World Health Organization recommends keeping free sugars below 10% of your daily energy, ideally below about 25 grams (6 teaspoons) a day, from all sources together. In the UK, the British Heart Foundation suggests adults have no more than 30g (around 7 teaspoons) of free sugar a day.

A teaspoon or two of Manuka honey a day sits comfortably within those limits, especially if it replaces other sugar rather than adding to it. Our article on a teaspoon of Manuka honey a day has easy ways to enjoy it.

Is the MGO in Manuka Honey Safe to Eat?

It's a common question, because MGO is what makes Manuka honey special. A 2013 lab study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry simulated digestion and found that MGO levels fall during digestion and don't interfere with the digestion process.

Higher grades simply contain more MGO. If you're new to Manuka honey, an everyday grade such as MGO 263+ (UMF 10+) is a great place to start. Our UMF guide explains how the grades compare.

If You Take Medicines or Have a Health Condition

Manuka honey is a food, so for most people it fits into everyday life without a second thought. If you take regular medicines, are managing a health condition, or are unsure whether Manuka honey suits you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They know your situation and can give you advice that fits.