Manuka Health vs Haddrell’s: Which Manuka Honey Brand Should You Buy?
If you’re shopping for Manuka honey in Bahrain, you’ve probably come across two names: Manuka Health and Haddrell’s — both are real, pure Manuka honey from New Zealand, but they differ in the grades they offer, their prices, and how the strength is printed on the jar. This guide puts them side by side so you can pick the right jar with confidence.
The Quick Answer
- Want high strength for less? Haddrell’s. For example, Haddrell’s UMF 16+ is BHD 23, while the same grade from Manuka Health is BHD 28.
- Want honey for everyday or family use? Manuka Health, as it offers more grades, such as MGO 115+ and MGO 400+, plus better-value 500g jars.
- Want honey drops for your throat? Both brands have them, but Manuka Health offers more flavours.
About the Two Brands
Manuka Health: Founded in 2006 in Te Awamutu, New Zealand, and one of the first companies to adopt MGO testing, back in 2008. That’s why MGO is the big number on its jars. It is also UMF-licensed and sold in more than 45 countries.
Haddrell’s: Started in 1993 by the Haddrell family with just 15 beehives, and helped build New Zealand’s official Manuka honey testing system. UMF is the big number on its jars, as it is a UMF-licensed brand.
MGO or UMF: Reading the Label
Manuka Health leads with MGO (e.g. MGO 573+), while Haddrell’s leads with UMF (e.g. UMF 16+). Both numbers measure the same strength in two different ways, and every jar we sell shows both. In other words, Manuka Health MGO 573+ is equivalent to Haddrell’s UMF 16+. You’ll find the full conversion table in our MGO vs UMF guide.
Grades and Prices Compared (250g jar)
| Grade | Manuka Health | Haddrell’s |
|---|---|---|
| MGO 115+ (UMF 6+) | BHD 12 | — |
| MGO 263+ (UMF 10+) | BHD 15 | BHD 15 |
| MGO 400+ (UMF 13+) | BHD 19 | — |
| MGO 573+ (UMF 16+) | BHD 28 (best seller) | BHD 23 |
| MGO 850+ (UMF 20+) | BHD 45 | — |
| UMF 22+ | BHD 54 (MGO 950+) | BHD 40 (MGO 1000+) |
| MGO 1200+ (UMF 25+) | — | BHD 50 |
| 500g jars | Available (115+, 263+, 400+ and 573+) | — |
Haddrell’s is cheaper at the higher grades: at UMF 22+, for example, the difference is BHD 14. Manuka Health, however, offers more choice at the light and mid grades, plus 500g jars that save you up to BHD 6. You’ll find all our prices in our guide to the price of Manuka honey in Bahrain.
Does the Taste Differ?
Yes, the taste differs between the two brands, as each one sources its honey from different regions and apiaries across New Zealand. Which one tastes better? That comes down to personal preference: some people prefer Manuka Health, others prefer Haddrell’s. Taste also changes with the grade: the higher the grade, the stronger and richer the flavour.
Honey Drops and Snap Packs
- Manuka Health: MGO 400+ honey drops (15 drops, BHD 4.5) in lemon, propolis or blackcurrant. Plus MGO 115+ on-the-go packets (12 packets, BHD 8).
- Haddrell’s: UMF 16+ honey lozenges (8 lozenges, BHD 4) and UMF 10+ snap packs (10 packs, BHD 10).
Packets and drops are handy for work, travel and school, with no jar to carry.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
- For breakfast and taste: Manuka Health MGO 115+, or MGO 263+ from either brand (same price).
- For the family and cold season: Manuka Health MGO 400+, with the 500g jar offering better value. Read MGO 400+ Manuka honey: who is it for?
- For high strength at the lowest price: Haddrell’s UMF 16+ at BHD 23.
- For the highest strength: Haddrell’s UMF 25+ (MGO 1200+) at BHD 50.
- As a gift: Manuka Health MGO 573+, our best seller with a well-known jar.
Still unsure? Check our guide to choosing the right grade, or Message us on WhatsApp and tell us what you need the honey for, and we’ll recommend the right jar.
Are Both Brands Original?
Yes. Both are original New Zealand brands, licensed by the UMF Honey Association, and every jar carries a batch number and expiry date. Still, watch out for fakes sold at suspiciously low prices, and see every sign to check in our guide to spotting real Manuka honey.
Delivery and Payment in Bahrain
- Delivery: anywhere in Bahrain, free on orders over BHD 10.
- Cash on delivery: cash or BenefitPay.
- Online payment: by card.
- GCC: we also ship to the GCC countries.
And if you’d like to know where to buy real Manuka honey in Bahrain, read our guide to buying Manuka honey in Bahrain.
FAQ: Manuka Health vs Haddrell’s
Which is better: Manuka Health or Haddrell’s?
Neither is better for everyone, as both are genuine New Zealand Manuka honey. Haddrell’s is cheaper at the high grades, while Manuka Health offers more grades and sizes.
Is Manuka Health MGO 573+ the same as Haddrell’s UMF 16+?
Essentially yes, as both numbers measure the same strength. The difference is the brand and the price: Haddrell’s is BHD 23 and Manuka Health is BHD 28.
Do you sell Manuka Health propolis drops?
Yes, Manuka Health MGO 400+ propolis honey drops, 15 drops for BHD 4.5.
Got a question? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose the right honey for you 🍯