Manuka for acid reflux & GERD
Manuka honey for acid reflux comfort.
One spoonful of genuine UMF™ Manuka honey after dinner — a thick, soothing ritual to support a comfortable stomach and a settled throat.*
Quick answer
Can Manuka honey help with acid reflux?
Many people take a heaped teaspoon of Manuka honey after dinner as a soothing evening ritual. Its thick texture coats the throat, and a 2023 pilot study of 30 people reported promising results. Take it straight from the spoon, wait a while before lying down, and stay consistent for 4–6 weeks. It's a food, not a medicine.
35,000+ verified global reviews
Trusted worldwide, straight from New Zealand
Why Manuka
Not all honey works this hard.
Manuka honey is different from table honey — and the difference is measurable. Here's why so many people living with acid reflux and GERD keep a jar in the kitchen.
MGO — the measurable difference
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is Manuka's signature compound, identified by researchers as the source of its unique natural activity.5 Every jar states its exact MGO level.
Thick, slow and soothing
Manuka is dense and slow-flowing — it lingers rather than rushes. In animal studies, Manuka honey preserved the protective glycoprotein layer of the stomach lining.2,3
Studied against a placebo
A 2023 placebo-controlled pilot study applied Manuka honey in people living with reflux, and reported far higher improvement rates in the Manuka group.1
“I take a teaspoon every night after dinner and haven't experienced any reflux!”
The daily ritual
One spoonful. After dinner.
Reflux often shows up after the evening meal and when you lie down. That's why our customers take their spoonful after dinner, every day. Here's how they make it a habit.
Start your ritual →Take it after your evening meal
One heaped teaspoon once you've finished eating — and give it a little while before you lie down. Many customers add a second spoonful first thing in the morning.
Straight from the spoon
Or stir into warm (never boiling) water — high heat can degrade the MGO you're paying for. Taken neat, it goes down slowly, which is rather the point.
Stay consistent
Give it 4–6 weeks of daily spoonfuls. Most customers say that's when they start noticing the difference.
Real results, every strength
Whichever jar you pick, you're in good company.
“I love this honey. I have digestive issues so I take it in the morning and in the evening before bed. It helps to soothe my stomach and most importantly, my esophagus.”
“This honey has helped my acid reflux quite a bit so far! I used to wake up in the morning with a raspy voice, and I no longer do. I take first thing in the morning and last thing at night.”
Nothing but honey
pure, raw New Zealand Manuka honey. Nothing added, nothing removed.
Choose your strength
Which UMF™ for reflux comfort?
Higher UMF™ means more MGO per spoonful. For a daily after-dinner ritual,* we recommend these two strengths — high natural activity, made for every day.
Manuka Honey UMF™ 20+
Our sweet spot for a nightly ritual* — high natural activity in every daily spoonful.
15% cheaper per ounce
Deliver every
Manuka Honey UMF™ 24+
Our best seller — and the jar customers reach for most after dinner.
15% cheaper per ounce
Deliver every
New to UMF™ and MGO ratings? Read the full strength guide →
Held to a higher standard
Our library holds 1,100+ peer-reviewed papers on manuka honey science.
We let the research do the talking, including a 2023 placebo-controlled pilot study in people with GERD.
The science, briefly
Backed by research, not buzzwords.
Human research on Manuka honey and GERD is still early. Here's what the studies so far report, from the esophagus to the stomach lining.
“The improvement rate in Manuka group was 86.7% and 100%, while in Placebo group it was only 26.7% and 40%, respectively.”1
30 adults with persistent reflux symptoms took Manuka honey (MGO 400+) or a placebo honey for 4 weeks, with an endoscopy before and after.
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3748“Manuka honey significantly decreased the ulcer index, completely protected the mucosa from lesions, and preserved gastric mucosal glycoprotein.”2
Glycoprotein is part of the stomach's own protective mucus layer. This work was carried out in rats, not people.
DOI: 10.1155/2016/3643824“Treatment with manuka honey significantly reduced the ulcer index and maintained the glycoprotein content.”3
A follow-up animal study from the same research group, again looking at the stomach lining.
DOI: 10.1155/2017/5413917“The endoscopical examination showed that in Manuka group the improvement was 73.3%.”1
Doctors checked the esophagus by gastroscopy before and after 4 weeks.
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3748“Most tested gastrointestinal pathogens have MIC and MBC values in the range of 5–10% of honey.”4
Lab work, not people: Manuka honey tested against bacteria found in the digestive tract.
DOI: 10.1007/s10096-010-1121-x“…in sub-group declaring non-medication, the improvement was only for patients consuming Manuka honey.”1
Among patients taking no reflux medication, only the Manuka group improved.
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3748References & disclaimer
1. Gośliński M, Nowak D, Mindykowski R, Kulewski W, Popławski C. Application of Manuka honey in treatment patients with GERD. Food Sci Nutr. 2024;12(1):172–179 (published online 2023). DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3748. 2. Almasaudi SB, et al. Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiulcer Potential of Manuka Honey against Gastric Ulcer in Rats. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:3643824. DOI: 10.1155/2016/3643824. 3. Almasaudi S, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:5413917. DOI: 10.1155/2017/5413917. 4. Lin SM, Molan PC, Cursons RT. The controlled in vitro susceptibility of gastrointestinal pathogens to the antibacterial effect of manuka honey. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2011;30(4):569–574. DOI: 10.1007/s10096-010-1121-x. 5. Mavric E, Wittmann S, Barth G, Henle T. Identification and quantification of methylglyoxal as the dominant antibacterial constituent of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honeys from New Zealand. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008;52(4):483–489. DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200700282.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Manuka honey is a food, not a dietary supplement or medicine.
Independently certified
Accreditations you can trust.
UMF™
The UMF Grading system appraises natural markers found in manuka honey and assures purity and quality.
Non-GMO
Our honey is certified and in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard.
Glyphosate free
Every batch of our honey is tested in independent laboratories to ensure it is glyphosate free.
Halal
Certified by FIANZ, The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (Inc).
Fernmark
We are Fernmark accredited and approved by the NZ Government as a trusted exporter.
MGO
Our independent certification shows you the exact MGO levels in our manuka honey.
Over
1.4 million
jars of Manuka Honey sold and counting!
Trusted by honey lovers across the world.
Customer story
“No late night issues at all.”
“I brought a week's worth of 'On the Go' travel packets with me on our five day cruise to Cabo recently and it was just what the doctor should have ordered. I ate the delicious food onboard with a little less moderation than usual and the honey kept my normal heartburn episodes on cruises totally in check. I had no late night issues at all!”
On the Go
Reflux doesn't take breaks.
Take your ritual with you. Single-serve 10g packets of the same certified UMF™ honey, for dinners out, travel and the office.
Manuka Honey Packets UMF™ 20+
10 × 0.35oz (10g). One packet after dinner, wherever dinner is.
10 × 0.35oz (10g)
Deliver every
Manuka Honey Packets UMF™ 24+
10 × 0.35oz (10g). Our best seller in a travel-friendly format.
10 × 0.35oz (10g)
Deliver every
Subscribe & save
Rituals work on repeat. Save 20% on every jar.
With reflux, consistency counts. A fresh jar on your doorstep before the last one runs out. Pause, swap strengths or cancel anytime.
“I was so satisfied with how well this honey helped me that I got a subscription so I will always have it available.”
Good questions
Before you decide
Is Manuka honey a treatment for GERD?
No. Manuka honey is a food, not a medicine. A 2023 pilot study of 30 people with GERD reported promising results, and the researchers describe it as a first step before larger studies. If you have frequent heartburn or a GERD diagnosis, keep following your doctor's advice.
Should I take Manuka honey in the morning or at night?
Either suits a daily routine. Many customers enjoy a spoonful after their evening meal, and some add one first thing in the morning. Everyone is different, so start small, see what suits you, and keep following any advice from your doctor. A single-serve Packet makes the evening ritual easy to remember.
Isn't Manuka honey acidic?
All honey is mildly acidic, and it's eaten in small amounts — a teaspoon, not a glass. Most people find Manuka gentle, but everyone's triggers are different. Start with a small spoonful after food and see how you go.
Can I take Manuka honey alongside what my doctor has given me?
Manuka honey is a food, not a medicine, and it isn't a replacement for anything your doctor has prescribed. If you manage a medical condition, are pregnant, or monitor blood sugar, talk to your GP first — honey is still a natural sugar.
Which Manuka honey is best for gut and digestive support?
For an after-dinner spoonful, most customers choose UMF™ 20+ (MGO 829+) or UMF™ 24+ (MGO 1122+). Both come in jars and in single-serve Packets, which make the ritual easy at work or when travelling. Every grade is independently tested for UMF™ and MGO, so the number on the label is the number in the jar.
How long until I notice a difference with Manuka honey?
Everyone's different. In reviews, customers most often mention noticing a difference after 3–6 weeks of daily use. Treat it as a ritual, not a quick fix.
Is there a lot of sugar in Manuka honey?
Like all honey, Manuka honey is a natural sugar, with about 20 calories in a teaspoon. Enjoyed as a daily spoonful, it fits easily into a balanced diet. If you manage diabetes or your blood glucose, check with your doctor before making it a daily habit. Ours is 100% honey, with nothing added.
Keep reading
More on Manuka honey for acid reflux
From 35,000+ verified reviews
Don't take our word for it. Take theirs.
Every review below mentions acid reflux, GERD, heartburn or indigestion — unedited, from Verified Buyers on our US store.
“This honey is a high quality product with lovely taste, texture and sweetness. It is my twice daily pleasure to take a half teaspoonful and let it slide down my throat. I can’t be sure, but I know that using it has alleviated some of my symptoms from acid reflux. What a special treat from New Zealand. Thank you for bringing it to us. So worth it.”
“I absolutely love the Manuka Honey from New Zealand Honey Co.! The quality is excellent, with a rich, smooth flavor that tastes wonderfully natural. It’s delicious on its own, in tea, or drizzled over yogurt and toast. I am using for my acid reflux works amazing!!!Great quality and delicious taste. Excellent service and fast delivery too. I’ll definitely be ordering again!”
“I've been taking this daily for over a year now at the recommendation of my acupuncturist. No more GERD issues and I haven't had any kind of sickness in over a year either. Highly recommend and appreciate that the company rewards autoship with discounts that really help make it more affordable.”
“I cant thank you enough this honestly helps my GERD so I can function much better. I sent my son aome as well. He loves it!!”
“I have enjoyed this honey not just for it's taste bit also for medicinal purposes. I have had an issue at times with stomach pain and / or GERD. Every time I have experienced these issues, a spoonful of Manuka honey resolves them. I even recommended the honey to a friend who was going to the doctor to see about a possible operation to relieve GERD, and he got the same results as me. Almost immediate symptom relief.”
“Love how this honey tastes. I bought it because of stomach issues, mainly gerd. I take a tsp full when feeling bad and have immediate relief and it’s very soothing.”
“I have had GERD for years and wanted to get off PPI’s. After taking a spoonful of Manuka honey every morning for a week, I noticed a definite improvement in my symptoms! I am a believer in the health benefits of this amazing honey!”
“Love the taste! And it really seems to help reduce my GERD symptoms!!!!! Shipment arrives very promptly.”
“So I started taking my honey and ended up getting rid of my gerd, but when I run out it comes back so I will be taking it 4-ever”
“The improvement in my indigestion/heartburn has been absolutely amazing. I was at a point where I worried about everything I ate and what pain it would bring at night. I have had steady improvement using the 24+ Manuka Honey. I started out using one teaspoon at night and one in the morning. Now I only need one teaspoon at night.”
“When I went to visit my son a couple of weeks ago I had heartburn. He gave me a spoonful of his Manuka honey and it relieved the heartburn almost immediately, so I purchased some for myself. I am taking it morning and night and rarely ever have had heartburn since.”
“If you suffer from acid reflux or LPR, try this! I was skeptical, but after 3 weeks of consistent use, I am feeling a great difference already. It completely soothes my throat and keeps flare-ups at bay.”
“Used to have heartburn every night, since taken Manuka honey, I have none.”
“I've been taking a teaspoon of this honey for a year this month. My acid reflux is gone and not welcome to come back!!”
“Great! After 6 months of taking just 1 teaspoon a day, I was able to eat without getting heartburn. Thank you!”
“I decided to try this honey for relief from acid reflux symptoms and it is helping quite a bit, even though I have only been using it for about three weeks.”
“Has a great taste, my heartburn went away after only a few days. Love this!”
“First time trying Manuka Honey and I think I'll be a lifetime user. I can already feel the benefit with digestion and reflux, and overall feeling lighter, if that makes sense.”
“Great taste and texture, spoon full a day is all it takes. Helped with digestion and heartburn. It gives a pick me up soon after eating and gives one a sense of fullness.”
Ready when you are
Start your after-dinner ritual.
One spoonful after your evening meal, every day. The ritual thousands of customers with acid reflux and GERD already swear by.
Manuka Honey UMF™ 20+
Our sweet spot for a nightly ritual* — high natural activity in every daily spoonful.
15% cheaper per ounce
Deliver every
Manuka Honey UMF™ 24+
Our best seller — and the jar customers reach for most after dinner.
15% cheaper per ounce
Deliver every
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Manuka honey is a food, not a medicine, and is not a substitute for advice or treatment from your doctor. Customer reviews reflect individual experiences and results vary.
