Manuka, Sidr, Lime or Clover? How to Choose the Right Honey

Walk down any honey aisle and the choice can be overwhelming. Prices range from a few pounds to over £50 a jar. So which honey should you actually buy?

The answer depends on what you want it for. A honey for baking is different from a honey you take by the spoon every morning. Here is a simple guide to four very different honeys, and when to reach for each one.

At a glance

Honey	Where it's from	Taste	Best for	Price (250–340g)
Manuka	New Zealand	Rich, earthy, slightly bitter	A daily spoonful, winter routines, gifts	From £16.99
Sidr	Yemen	Buttery, caramel, warm	Special occasions, tradition, gifts	£44.99
Lime (linden)	Romania	Light, fresh, slightly minty	Tea, lemon drinks, drizzling	£9.99
Clover	Europe	Mild, smooth, classic sweet	Toast, porridge, baking	£8.99

Manuka honey: the strong all-rounder

Manuka honey comes from bees that feed on the Manuka bush in New Zealand. It is graded by MGO (methylglyoxal), a natural compound that sets it apart from other honeys. The higher the MGO number, the more concentrated and the more expensive the honey.

•         MGO 83+ is a good everyday starting point.

•         MGO 263+ is the most popular for a daily spoonful.

•         MGO 514+ and 800+ are premium strengths.

Not sure which strength you need? Our MGO guide: 83+ vs 263+ vs 514+ vs 800+ explains it simply.

Choose it if: you want a honey to take by the spoon as part of your wellness routine. Shop Manuka Honey 263+ MGO.

Sidr honey: the rare luxury

Yemeni Sidr honey is made from the blossom of the Sidr (jujube) tree. It is one of the rarest honeys in the world and is especially treasured in Middle Eastern and South Asian households. It is thick and rich with a buttery, caramel flavour.

Choose it if: you want something truly special, or a meaningful gift for Eid, weddings or family visits. Read more in our Yemeni Sidr honey guide or shop Yemeni Sidr Honey.

Lime honey: the light and fresh one

Lime honey has nothing to do with the citrus fruit. It comes from the blossom of lime (linden) trees, and ours is harvested in Romania. It is pale and delicate with a fresh, slightly minty finish.

Choose it if: you like a lighter honey for herbal tea, hot lemon drinks or drizzling over fruit and yoghurt. Shop Raw Lime Honey.

Clover honey: the everyday favourite

Clover honey is the classic honey many of us grew up with. It is mild, smooth and sweet, so it goes with almost anything without overpowering other flavours.

Choose it if: you want a great-value honey for toast, porridge, baking and family breakfasts. Shop Clover Honey.

What about black seed honey?

If you like the idea of honey with an extra traditional twist, our blends combine Manuka honey with black seed. They are a simple way to enjoy two classic ingredients together. Try Black Seed & Manuka Honey 83+ or 263+.

Raw vs regular honey: does it matter?

Raw honey is not heated to high temperatures or finely filtered, so it keeps more of its natural character, flavour and texture. Heavily processed supermarket honey is often blended from several countries and heated to keep it runny. If flavour and quality matter to you, raw honey is worth the small extra cost. Learn more about the benefits of raw honey.

Quick tips for storing honey

•         Keep it at room temperature with the lid closed. It doesn't need the fridge.

•         Use a clean, dry spoon every time.

•         If it crystallises, stand the jar in warm (not boiling) water. Crystallisation is natural and a sign of real honey.

So, which honey should you buy?

•         For a daily wellness spoonful: Manuka

•         For a special gift: Sidr or high-MGO Manuka

•         For tea and light drinks: Lime

•         For everyday cooking: Clover

Many households keep two jars, one for everyday use and one premium honey for themselves.