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Manuka Honey vs Buckwheat Honey
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right honey for your needs.
Quick Answer
Both are dark, strong honeys, but buckwheat costs a third as much. Buckwheat is the honey used in a 2007 Penn State trial where parents rated it better than no treatment for children's nighttime cough, with no significant difference from dextromethorphan. Manuka is graded by its methylglyoxal (MGO) content, and sterile medical-grade Manuka is used in some wound dressings, but eating it has not been shown to help wounds, digestion or immunity. Choose buckwheat for bold flavor and value, Manuka for its earthy taste or as a gift.
At a Glance
Manuka Honey
Earthy, herbal, slightly bitter
Eating straight, drizzling, gifting
$30-$80 per jar
New Zealand
Buckwheat Honey
Bold, malty, molasses-like
Strong cheeses, dark breads, BBQ sauces, robust cooking
$10-$20 per jar
United States, Canada, Europe
Head-to-Head
Flavor Comparison
These are both bold, assertive honeys for people who enjoy complex flavors, but they taste quite different.
Manuka has an earthy, herbal quality with slight bitterness and a creamy, almost waxy texture. Some detect eucalyptus or tea-tree notes, which makes sense given its botanical cousin, the manuka bush. Buckwheat honey is even more intense with rich malty, molasses-like notes and a lingering toffee finish. It is among the darkest honeys available, sometimes nearly black, with a robust character that some compare to dark brown sugar or treacle. Neither honey is subtle. Both will dominate any dish they are added to. Buckwheat tends to be slightly more divisive because of its nearly savory intensity, while manuka's herbal notes are unusual but less overwhelming to first-time tasters.
Nutrition Comparison
Both have about 60 calories per tablespoon, mostly fructose and glucose.
Buckwheat honey is high in phenolic compounds: in a 2002 lab study (Gheldof and Engeseth, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry), antioxidant capacity across honeys from seven floral sources ranged from 3.1 to 16.3 µmol Trolox equivalents per gram, and the darkest honeys, buckwheat among them, scored highest. Manuka was not in that study. Manuka is defined by methylglyoxal (MGO), 263+ mg/kg at UMF 10+, which the UMF and MGO grades measure. These are lab measurements; neither has been shown to produce an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial benefit when eaten. For children's nighttime cough, a 2007 Penn State study (Paul et al.) found parents rated buckwheat honey better than no treatment; its difference from dextromethorphan, a common OTC cough suppressant, was not statistically significant.
Best Use Cases
Manuka's reputation comes from medical-grade wound-care products used under clinical supervision, not from home treatment of wounds, acne or stomach ulcers — talk to a healthcare provider about those.
In the kitchen Manuka is best eaten from the spoon or drizzled where its flavor shows. Buckwheat honey is the one with a pediatric cough trial behind it (Paul et al. 2007) — talk to your doctor before using it for a child's nighttime cough. In cooking, buckwheat honey pairs brilliantly with strong cheeses, dark breads, barbecue sauces and robust marinades where its bold flavor becomes an asset.
Price Comparison
The cost difference is dramatic.
Buckwheat honey runs $10 to $20 per jar, while manuka commands $30 to $80 or more. If you like dark, strong honey, buckwheat is the better value. Manuka's premium buys a distinct flavor and certified New Zealand origin, not a proven health benefit when eaten.
Our Verdict
Buckwheat honey is the better value for most people who like a dark, bold honey: it costs a fraction of Manuka's price and is the variety tested in a children's cough trial. Buy Manuka if you enjoy its earthy, herbal flavor or want a premium gift, and check for a UMF or MGO mark. Do not pay the Manuka premium for health reasons; eating it has not been shown to help your health, and medical dressings are sterile products, not food jars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more antioxidants, manuka or buckwheat?
Can buckwheat honey be used on wounds like manuka?
Which is better for sore throat or coughs, manuka or buckwheat?
What MGO or UMF level do I need in manuka honey for it to actually work?
Is buckwheat honey good value compared to manuka?
Can I give buckwheat or manuka honey to children?
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