Mānuka Honey Shelf Life & Storage Tips

Mānuka honey is cherished for its rich flavor and unique qualities that have made it a staple in both the kitchen and traditional wellness practices. Whether you enjoy it daily or reach for it when a little extra care is needed, one question often arises: How long does mānuka honey last?

Let’s explore the shelf life of mānuka honey and how to store it properly to help preserve its natural character and premium quality.

How Long Does Mānuka Honey Last?

Mānuka honey, like other types of raw honey, has an exceptionally long shelf life. When stored properly, it can remain in excellent condition for five years or even longer. In fact, archaeologists have discovered honey in ancient tombs that was still perfectly preserved after thousands of years, which speaks to honey’s remarkable natural stability.

Key Shelf Life Facts:

• Unopened mānuka honey: Typically remains stable for 3 - 5 years (and often longer) from the date of packaging.

• Opened mānuka honey: Can still last 2 - 3 years if stored correctly, with little degradation in taste or potency quality.

The UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor) or MGO (Methylglyoxal) rating, which reflects the honey’s unique properties and strength, may gradually decrease over time, but this does not affect its safety for consumption.

Does Mānuka Honey Expire?

Technically, no. Mānuka honey does not expire in the same way perishable foods do. It does not spoil or become unsafe, but its flavor, texture, and potency can change over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, or moisture.

You may notice a Best Before Date (BBD) on your jar. This isn’t because the honey becomes unsafe after that date. Rather, the BBD ensures that the MGO (methylglyoxal) level stated on the label remains accurate and true to the product description up to that point. It’s a quality assurance marker, focused on potency, not perishability.

How to Store Mānuka Honey for Maximum Freshness

Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of your mānuka honey. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

Do:

• Store in a cool, dry place (ideally between 50 - 70°F / 10 - 21°C).

• Keep the lid tightly sealed after each use.

• Use a clean, dry spoon to avoid contamination.

Don’t:

• Refrigerate it.  This can cause crystallization.

• Expose it to direct sunlight or heat. High temperatures can degrade enzymes and reduce its beneficial properties and affect the consistency. 

• Introduce moisture, the water can cause fermentation over time.

What If My Mānuka Honey Crystallizes?

Crystallization is a natural process and doesn’t mean the honey has gone bad. If your mānuka honey becomes grainy or cloudy:

• Gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm water (never boiling) and stir to return it to a smooth texture.

With proper care, your jar can remain fresh, flavorful, and potent for years. Whether you're using it for its restorative properties or simply as a luxurious daily ritual, knowing how to store it properly ensures you get the most out of every golden spoonful.

Why Choose Mānuka Health Honey?

Every batch of Mānuka Health honey can be traced back to the beekeeper who nurtured it into being. We are among a select few honey producers who extract, process, and bottle our liquid gold in our own state-of-the-art facilities. This hands-on approach allows us to ensure quality, integrity, and authenticity at every step, preserving our honey’s remarkable properties and guaranteeing each jar is infused with unparalleled purity and potency.

Every drop of our honey is rigorously tested and consistently proven to be pure and effective. The liquid gold in each jar is traceable back to its source, right down to the beekeeper who meticulously harvested it.

Certified and authenticated, Mānuka Health embodies the pristine purity of native New Zealand. From the hive to the jar, and into your home, our honey reflects the highest standards of excellence.