Can Mānuka Honey Expire? Here's What You Need to Know
Have you ever found a jar of Mānuka honey in your cupboard and wondered if it's still good to use? Maybe you're thinking about stocking up but aren't sure how long it will last? You're not alone. These are great questions to ask about your Mānuka honey investment, and we're here to help clear things up.
The Simple Answer
Here's the good news: Taylor Pass Honey Co. UMF™ certified Mānuka Honey stays at its best for 4 years from when we package it. But don't worry too much about that date – it's more about quality than safety. Your honey will still be safe to eat even after this time, though some of its renowned wellness properties might gradually decrease.
What Does "Best Before" Really Mean?
When you see a "best before" date on your Mānuka honey, it's not the same as an expiration date. Think of it as our promise that the honey's UMF™ rating and beneficial properties will stay just as strong as labeled until that date. Your honey won't go bad after this time – it just might not be quite as potent.
What Keeps Your Mānuka Honey Fresh?
The secret to long-lasting Mānuka honey lies in how you store it and what's naturally inside it. Let's look at both:
Storing Your Honey
Keeping your Mānuka honey fresh is pretty simple. Keep it at room temperature (about 20-25°C or 68-77°F) in a nice, dry spot away from direct sunlight - which pretty much describes the typical kitchen pantry. We recommend keeping it in the original container with the lid on tight when you're not using it.
The Natural Goodness Inside
When our Mānuka honey is tested, the UMF™ certifiers look at four special components that make it unique. There's MGO (Methylglyoxal), which gives the honey its antibacterial properties; Leptosperin, which proves it's genuine Mānuka honey; DHA, which helps the honey stay potent longer; and HMF, which signifies the honey is fresh and is in the best condition.
The Taylor Pass Honey Quality Promise
We take great pride in our honey and the environment from where it originates. Before any jar leaves New Zealand, it is thoroughly and independently tested. This is part of our commitment as a UMF™ licensed producer – we want to make sure you're getting the real deal, with all the natural benefits intact.
Getting the Most from Your Mānuka Honey
Making your Mānuka honey last is easy. When you buy it, take a quick look at the best-before date. Store it somewhere cool and dry, and try to keep the lid on tight when you're not using it. A clean spoon each time you dip in helps, too! Even though your honey will still be safe to eat after the best-before date, we recommend enjoying it within 4 years. This way, you'll get to experience all the amazing properties that make UMF™ certified Mānuka honey so unique.
Remember, whether you're using your Mānuka honey for wellness or simply enjoying its unique taste, proper storage will help keep it at its best. And if you ever have questions about your honey, we're always here to help! Simply send us a message via our social media.
