Buckwheat vs. Manuka: The Battle of the Honey Superfoods

Written By Bees in the 'Burbs .

The MGO Factor: Manuka's Unique Power

When you see a jar of Manuka honey, you’ll notice an MGO rating—a number like MGO 100+ or MGO 400+. This stands for Methylglyoxal, a compound that is the primary source of Manuka's powerful, non-peroxide antibacterial activity.

  • What is MGO? MGO is a compound that is converted over time from another substance, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in high concentrations in the nectar of the New Zealand Manuka bush. This unique conversion is what gives Manuka its potent, stable antibacterial properties, which have been widely studied and are the reason it's often used in clinical and medical settings. The higher the MGO number, the greater the concentration of this compound and the more potent the honey.

The Phenolic Punch: Buckwheat's Potent Advantage

Buckwheat honey also has impressive antibacterial properties, but they come from a different source. While some studies have detected low levels of MGO in buckwheat honey, its primary power lies in its incredibly high content of phenolic compounds.

  • What are Phenolic Compounds? These are a diverse group of antioxidants found in plants. Buckwheat honey, known for its deep color, is exceptionally rich in these compounds, including p-hydroxybenzoic acid and chlorogenic acid.

  • A 2018 study published in Food Chemistry directly compared the two honeys and found that while Manuka honey had a higher MGO content, Buckwheat honey exhibited a higher cellular antioxidant activity. In fact, some research has shown that buckwheat honey's antibacterial activity against certain pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus is comparable to, or even stronger than, Manuka honey, thanks to its rich phenolic and flavonoid content. Buckwheat's antibacterial power is rooted in a different mechanism, making it a powerful and scientifically validated alternative.

A Matter of Accessibility: Sourcing Matters

Beyond its incredible health benefits, there’s another key difference between these two honeys: where they come from. True Manuka honey is famously exclusive, produced only in a small region of New Zealand. This limited origin is a big reason for its high price and scarcity on store shelves. Our Buckwheat honey, on the other hand, is a local hero. We proudly source our honey from the Tri-Cities area of Washington State. This not only makes it more accessible to us—and to you—but it also means we can support local beekeepers and ensure every jar is of the highest quality. When you choose our Buckwheat honey, you’re not just getting a superfood; you're getting a product with a story, cultivated close to home.

Ready to try it? Our Buckwheat honey is carefully sourced to bring you all the incredible benefits this superfood has to offer. Shop now

Sources

  • Deng, J., et al. (2018).1 "Biochemical properties, antibacterial and cellular antioxidant activities of buckwheat honey in comparison to manuka honey." Food Chemistry, 252, 243-249.2 Link to PubMed Abstract and a Link to the full PDF

  • Paul, I. M., et al. (2007).3 "Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents." Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 161(12), 1140-1146.4 Link to PubMed Abstract

  • Brudzynski, K., et al. (2012).5 "Powerful bacterial killing by buckwheat honeys is concentration-dependent, involves complete DNA degradation and requires hydrogen peroxide."6 Frontiers in Microbiology, 3, 242. Link to the full article

  • Agbagwa, O. E., et al. (2016). "Effect of United States buckwheat honey on antibiotic-resistant hospital acquired pathogens."7 The Pan African Medical Journal, 25, 212. Link to the full article

Bees in the 'Burbs .