EDUCATION

What is Raw and Unfiltered Honey? (And Why It Matters)

EDUCATION

17 minutes

Essential Takeaways

Raw and unfiltered honey is honey in its purest, most nutrient-rich form - a world apart from heavily processed supermarket blends.

By learning to read labels and understanding the difference, you’ll enjoy all the flavour, natural goodness, and health benefits that have made honey famous for generations.

But be careful. Not all honey is the same, and it has become one of the most faked foods in the world. By opting for UMF™ certified Manuka honey, you can be sure that you’re getting the most authentic, trustworthy and potent honey every time.

There are a lot of different kinds of honey on the shelves - or so it would seem.

Pure, natural, organic, filtered, raw and unfiltered honey, what do all these terms mean?

Are each of them purely descriptive, or does the honey need to meet specific legal requirements to earn them?

Many honey consumers are interested in honey for its world-renowned and ancient health benefits¹. Unfortunately, due to limited supply, many honeys are now ultraprocessed and diluted, limiting or even removing these benefits.

So in this guide, we’ll be explaining the difference between honey and raw honey, which honey is the healthiest, and how you can tell the difference between raw honey vs honey that has been processed.

In this guide to raw and unfiltered honey:

Your Quick Guide to Honey Labels

Have you ever looked at different jars of honey and been confused by all the different names and labels? If so, here's the best place to start: a quick reference guide on what these terms mean.

Raw honey

Raw honey has not been processed since it was harvested from the hive. It remains in the same state as when the beekeepers carefully harvested the honey, preserving its natural enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and possibly some pollen and propolis. It may look cloudy or crystallise over time, which are signs of a pure product.

Pure honey

This indicates that a product consists only of honey. It should not contain any artificial sugars or sweeteners. “Pure” honey may, however, have gone through some types of processing.

This will vary between different countries' regulations covering honey labelling, so the safest option is always to look for traceable honey brands that are transparent about sourcing, and how they have processed their product.

For example, when you buy Manuka honey from us, you can trace where it came from here.

Filtered honey

Honey can be filtered to remove debris such as pollen, propolis, and sometimes dead bees. This can be through a light-touch approach, which keeps its beneficial enzymes intact, or through a more intensive, multi-staged ultrafiltration process, which can end up removing many of the beneficial compounds altogether.

Unfiltered honey

Honey can be filtered to remove debris such as pollen, propolis, and sometimes dead bees. This can be through a light-touch approach, which keeps its beneficial enzymes intact, or through a more intensive, multi-staged ultrafiltration process, which can end up removing many of the beneficial compounds altogether.

100% honey

This indicates that a product is made only from honey, similar to the label “pure”. It does not confirm, however, whether that honey has undergone any heating or filtration. So it may be a pure product, but it may not offer the same potency of health benefits.

Natural honey

This label is somewhat redundant because honey is a natural product. It may be suggesting that the honey is not processed or diluted, but you might need to dig deeper to determine whether that’s true.

If you want the best quality, all-natural honey, look for labels like “pure” or ideally “raw” instead, or opt for the most stringent grading systems. The most rigorous in the world is the UMF™ grading system for Manuka honey, which certifies genuine, fresh, pure, and raw, monofloral Manuka honey.

Organic honey

Organic honey is produced by bees using nectar from only organic plants. It should not contain any chemical pesticides. Organic honey is a difficult thing to certify, given that bees can travel miles away from the hive to harvest nectar.

Rather than certifying our honeys as organic, we test for agricultural pesticides (including glyphosate) to give our customers confidence that their raw honey is free from these nasties.

Regular honey

“Regular” honey isn’t an official type of honey with a specific set of traits or criteria. Typically, it’s multifloral honey that has probably been processed to some extent - possibly through pasteurisation (heating) and filtration. It may be diluted with other sugars.

If you are looking for the best quality honey, it’s better to avoid this label and opt for one that better describes which standards the honey has met. For example, UMF™ Manuka honey is tested for freshness, authenticity, and antibacterial potency, so you know exactly what’s in the jar.

Monofloral honey

This type of honey has been made with the nectar of a single plant species. Our UMF™-graded Manuka honey is monofloral, meaning that only mānuka nectar (from the Leptospermum scoparium plant) has been used to make it. You can be sure of this thanks to the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) certification.

This grading system ensures that a batch of Manuka honey is monofloral, as well as raw, fresh, and produced and packaged in New Zealand. By opting for monofloral Manuka honey, you can clearly understand the potency of its beneficial compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO).

Multifloral honey

This honey has been made with the nectar of multiple plant species. Bees can travel miles from the hive when sourcing nectar, so it’s quite normal for them to forage lots of different flowers. The floral origins of honey can affect its flavour, colour, and health benefits.

Manuka honey

Manuka honey is a type of honey that has gained a global reputation for its potent health and wellness benefits. This is thanks to its high levels of an antibacterial compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), among other reasons that we cover in detail on our blog.

MGO is present in other honey types, but Manuka can contain up to 100 times more², which has led to a plethora of scientific research into its versatility and medical potential.

SHOP REAL RAW MANUKA

What is Raw Honey?

Raw honey has not been processed. It is in the same state that it was in the hive, and may contain some pollen, propolis, or other natural organic matter, which can offer extra health benefits.

“Bee pollen is surprisingly nutritious and contains over 250 substances, including vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids, micronutrients and antioxidants. In fact, the German Federal Ministry of Health recognizes bee pollen as a medicine.”

Honey can be heated and pasteurised to remove bacteria and some natural enzymes, similar to the way milk is processed. Unfortunately, this can remove many of the health benefits that honey is known for¹. Raw honey has not been through any of these processes.

In light of this, you might be wondering - can you eat raw honey?

Is raw honey safe?

Can you eat raw honey?

Raw honey is perfectly safe for healthy adults and children over one year old. In fact, it’s much better for us than heavily modified alternatives (which we’ll discuss later).

Our digestive system is designed to handle a wide range of naturally occurring bacteria that enter our bodies through food⁴. We’re constantly exposed to and processing microbes, safely.

Some foods that may come into contact with soil, like fruits, vegetables, and honey, can contain bacterial spores, such as Clostridium botulinum. This poses a risk of botulism for infants under one year old and some people with compromised immune systems.

Our digestive tracts are developed enough by 12 months old to handle these kinds of bacteria just fine⁵. Adults and children alike can enjoy the plethora of health benefits of honey.

If you are immunocompromised or allergic to bees, ask your medical professional before eating raw honey.

Is raw honey good for you?

Yes! We have a wealth of scientific research that demonstrates how raw and unprocessed honey is good for our bodies in a number of ways.

“Honey, a natural substance, has long been valued for its dual role in both food and medicine in diverse cultural traditions. It is rich in sugars, amino acids, enzymes, polyphenols, and flavonoids that contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.

This review highlights the synergy between ancient wisdom and contemporary science, advocating for the continued exploration of the role of honey in health, nutrition, and medicine.”

  • Health benefits of honey: A critical review on the homology of medicine and food in traditional and modern contexts, 2025 review⁶.

We have explored the use of raw Manuka honey for various health and wellness purposes, which you can explore in our honey articles hub.

Learn more about all the incredible ways that raw Manuka honey is particularly good for you.

What happens if you eat raw honey every day?

From boosting immunity to skincare and just generally feeling your best, here are some of the reviews from our customers who use pure, raw, monofloral Manuka honey daily.

“I take this honey everyday and think it does wonders. I love it. I looked up what is the best Manuka honey and I know I found it!!”

“Great price and tastes awesome! I take a spoonful everyday to help boost my immunity.”

“I purchased this Manuka honey to help with acne, redness and overall skin dullness. It’s been a game changer! I use it everyday as a cleanser or a mask. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin. Will continue to purchase and looking forward to trying a higher UMF next time.”

Read more reviews here.

Is raw honey organic?

Not necessarily, no. If the label doesn’t specify that a honey is organic, then it’s unlikely to be so.

It’s worth noting that it’s extremely difficult to certify honey as organic. Bees can travel miles from the hive when collecting nectar and pollen, so a very large area would need to be free from chemicals and pesticides to ensure that none have made their way into the honey.

At New Zealand Honey Co., we test our Manuka honeys for agricultural pesticides, including glyphosate. That way, our customers know that whilst our honey isn’t labelled “organic”, it is safe for them to enjoy.

Learn more about glyphosate and why we test for this particular pesticide.

What is Unfiltered Honey?

Unfiltered honey is usually strained to remove debris but not finely filtered, so any pollen and micronutrients remain intact. The honey stays thick and cloudy, just as it is in the hive.

Fine filtration (which is common in supermarket-grade honey) is used to make honey look clearer and runnier, which may be more appealing to consumers. It also, however, reduces many of the beneficial compounds that honey is known for.

Is unfiltered honey better?

Unfiltered (or very lightly filtered) honey retains a lot of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

The filtration and ultrafiltration processes can strip honey of these benefits, leaving you with a sugary, syrup-like substance. Whilst it may taste good, it’s likely to be very high in sugar and not much else.

If you are interested in honey for its benefits as well as its flavour, make sure it’s minimally processed and still looks thick and opaque.

SHOP REAL RAW MANUKA

Which Honey is Healthiest?

Raw and unprocessed honey has shown significant potential for a range of uses:

“Current science has validated the special nutritional and therapeutic advantages of this sweet and viscous material as it possesses therapeutic potential both for systemic and topical applications.

Natural honey is high in nutrients and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Honey has also been proven to inhibit and disrupt biofilm development, aid in wound healing, and act as an immunomodulatory and gastroprotective agent.”

  • Natural honey (raw honey): Insights on quality, composition, economic and health effects, a 2023 review⁷.

If you’re wondering which honey is considered to be the healthiest of them all, there is one particular type that has been relentlessly researched thanks to its uniquely high antibacterial properties.

That is, Manuka honey.

Manuka honey is a type of honey made with nectar from the mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which has been proven to exert a variety of positive effects.

“Manuka honey is a dark monofloral honey rich in phenolic content, and currently it is gaining much attention for its antimicrobial activity.

Researchers have found that honey is effective against a wide range of pathogens. The antibacterial potency of Manuka honey was found to be related to the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, which is correlated with the methylglyoxal and total phenols content.

Research has shown that Manuka honey of different UMF values has medicinal properties of interest and it can be beneficial when used as a combination treatment with other antimicrobial agents.”

  • Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components, a 2018 review⁸.

Manuka honey has now been studied for its potential to help with a wide range of issues from allergies, colds and flu, to sexual health, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and even as a way to naturally support cancer therapies.

Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties have made it an excellent natural remedy prescribed by doctors for infected wounds and vets for grazes and deep cuts.

And this versatility is reflected in real stories from New Zealand Honey Co. customers like this person, who was fed up with increasing medication for their thyroid:

“I’ve been taking medication to help manage my thyroid and lupus condition for nearly 20 years now… Every time the blood results came back, the results always indicated the same thing - that I needed to start taking a higher dose of the medication to get my thyroid under control. And I’d just had enough…

I don’t know what kind of magic is in this honey, but when I went to my doctor, he said he had to lower my thyroid medicine and also my cholesterol hasn’t been this low since 2018! I was so taken aback that I asked him if the results he was reading were definitely mine. I believe it’s all down to taking New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey for 4 months, it’s the only thing I’ve changed in my diet, everything else is the same.”

For another customer, Debbie, silent reflux was robbing her of the joys of eating and drinking until she found Manuka honey:

“As an Italian, eating and drinking are a big part of my culture. But my silent reflux (LPR) took the joy out of that, some days I just couldn’t eat... I couldn't enjoy the food that once brought me so much happiness.

My doctor wanted to put me on prescription medication, but I didn’t want that, especially long term... I wanted more answers, so I started researching Manuka honey to see what I could learn. That’s when I came across New Zealand Honey Co. – I wanted to find a company that stood behind its product, and I was impressed with the website.

New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey is clearly in a league of its own. If you are suffering from stomach issues or reflux you NEED this honey. It’s an alternative to prescription drugs and the taste is heavenly!

Now that I take New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey for LPR, I can eat and drink all of the foods I love. I believe that this honey will be a part of my diet forever.”

Read more customer stories like these.

Deep dive: Learn about why Manuka honey is good for you.

How to Spot Raw Honey vs Regular Honey

It’s pretty easy to spot raw honey versus honey that has been processed without having to purchase a jar and take the risk. The first three steps below can be done this way. If you already have a jar at home that you can taste, then step five will also be helpful.

  1. Check the label

If the label doesn’t specify that the honey is raw, and you bought it in a grocery store, then it’s probably safe to assume it isn’t.

If you bought the honey locally, or away from a large store, then you might still have raw and unfiltered honey, even if the label doesn’t specify that.  

  1. What’s the price?

Raw and unfiltered honey is typically more expensive than regular honey because you’re getting 100% purity. Cheaper honeys are often diluted down to expand stock, so you’re not always getting just honey in the jar. Have a look around at the prices and how your jar compares to the rest.

  1. Check its thickness

You should be able to tell the thickness of the honey through an unopened jar. Raw and unfiltered honey tends to be cloudy and opaque.

  1. Can you see any crystals, solids, or debris?

If you can see any small impurities in the honey or signs of crystallisation, then it’s likely to be pure, raw and unfiltered. If these impurities aren’t there, don’t worry. The honey may have been lightly strained to remove them, and may still retain all its beneficial properties intact.

  1. How does it taste?

Taste and sweetness vary significantly between honey types, but you’ll typically find that ultraprocessed, regular honeys are very sweet and runny. Raw, unfiltered honey is usually much thicker, with a slightly more earthy or bitter taste. Manuka honey is one of the darkest and most earthy in flavour, which is sometimes described as “medicinal” thanks to its health properties.

If you’re still feeling a little nervous about telling the difference between raw honey and regular honey, but you want to be sure you’re getting the best possible product, then opt for UMF™ Manuka honey for quality assurance every time.

Choose UMF™ Manuka Honey for the Best Quality Every Time

If you’d like to take the guesswork out of buying top-quality raw and unfiltered honey, simply look for UMF™ certified Manuka honey.

The Unique Manuka Factor™ is the most rigorous, independent honey grading system in the world. It was designed and developed specifically to test pure Manuka honey from New Zealand and verify its antibacterial potency.

So what does the test look for, exactly?

In order to attain a UMF™ grade, a batch of Manuka honey must be raw and unfiltered (though lightly strained is acceptable), monofloral, and produced and packaged in New Zealand.

The UMF™ certification also verifies how many mg/kg of the key antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal (MGO), is present in the honey. The higher the MGO, the higher the UMF™ grade, and the more potent the honey.

This system protects the integrity of this liquid gold and helps reassure consumers that they are getting the real deal.

Opting for UMF™ Manuka honey allows you to skip past the confusing nuance in honey labels and get straight to the good stuff.

Learn more about decoding UMF™ and choosing the right one for you.

Get Raw UMF™ Manuka Honey You Can Trust from New Zealand Honey Co.

Raw Manuka honey has earned an impressive global reputation for its health and wellness benefits, but how can you be sure that you’re getting the best option on the market?

It’s simple: buy from us!

We work with only the most responsible beekeepers to harvest our Manuka honey from wild, pristine New Zealand landscapes.

Our Manuka honey is independently tested and UMF™ certified for authenticity and freshness. And every batch of our honey is traceable to its source using the QR code on each jar.

Let us save you the trouble of scratching your head and trying to decide which honey to buy. If you’re searching for the best, you’ve found it. We only deal with real.

“By far the best brand of Manuka honey. The quality is second to none. I use the 514+ as a daily sweetener and the 1450+ for wound care. Taste is excellent and shipping is very fast. It pays to subscribe.”

Shop our Manuka honey.

Unsure which grade is right for you?

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Suggested further reading:

Sources:

¹ Manuka Honey Benefits Guide, New Zealand Honey Co.

² What Does MGO Mean on Manuka Honey? New Zealand Honey Co.

³ Raw Honey vs Regular Honey, Healthline.

⁴ The Microbes We Eat, National Library of Medicine.

⁵ Manuka Honey for Children, New Zealand Honey Co.

⁶ Health Benefits of Honey, ScienceDirect.

⁷ Natural Honey, Food Science & Engineering Journal.

⁸ Antibacterial Activity of Manuka Honey, National Library of Medicine.

 

Your wellness journey starts with a spoonful a day.

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