How to Use Manuka Honey in Your Morning Smoothie: Tips and Recipes

Quick answer

To use manuka honey in your morning smoothie, add it after blending, not before, to preserve its natural compounds. Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons per serving, and choose a mild grade like 100 MGO for daily use or a higher MGO like 540 for a more intense flavor and wellness boost.

Adding manuka honey to your morning smoothie is a simple way to bring natural sweetness and a touch of wellness to your day. Unlike regular honey, manuka honey contains a natural compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which is known for its antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO number, the more potent the honey.

But there's a catch: heat can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in manuka honey. That's why how you add it matters. In this guide, you'll learn the best way to incorporate manuka honey into your smoothie, avoid common mistakes, and get a few recipe ideas to try.

Why Add Manuka Honey to a Smoothie?

Manuka honey is more than just a sweetener. It contains natural antioxidants and antibacterial properties that can support your everyday wellbeing. When added to a smoothie, it blends well with fruits, greens, and protein powders, creating a balanced breakfast or post-workout drink.

One of the key benefits of using manuka honey in a smoothie is its unique flavor. Depending on the MGO level, it can range from mild and floral to rich and earthy. Lower MGO grades like 100 MGO are gentle and versatile, while higher grades like 540 MGO offer a more pronounced taste that some people love.

• Start with a lower MGO grade if you're new to manuka honey or prefer a milder taste.
• Higher MGO honeys are thicker and may need a little extra blending time.

How to Choose the Right MGO Level for Your Smoothie

The MGO level indicates the amount of methylglyoxal in the honey, which is responsible for its antibacterial properties. For a daily breakfast smoothie, a 100 MGO multifloral honey is a great choice because it's mild and affordable. If you're looking for a stronger wellness boost, consider a 540 MGO monofloral honey.

Keep in mind that higher MGO honeys have a more intense, earthy flavor that can overpower a delicate smoothie. If you're using a high MGO honey, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. This way, you get the benefits without sacrificing the flavor of your other ingredients.

• For a balanced daily smoothie, choose 100 MGO or 70 MGO.
• For a more intense flavor and higher potency, try 440 MGO or 540 MGO.

Tips for Adding Manuka Honey Without Losing Benefits

The main mistake people make is adding manuka honey to the blender with hot liquids or blending it for too long. Heat can break down some of the beneficial compounds. Instead, add the honey after blending, or use cold or room-temperature liquids.

Another tip is to measure the honey before adding it. Manuka honey is sticky, so using a spoon or a squeezy bottle can help you control the amount. If you're using a squeezy bottle, it's easier to pour a precise amount without making a mess.

• Add honey last, after blending, to keep the mixture cool.
• Use a squeezy bottle for easy, mess-free measuring.

Simple Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipes

Here are a few simple recipes to get you started. Each one uses common ingredients and can be adjusted to your taste. Remember to add the manuka honey after blending for best results.

For a green smoothie, blend a handful of spinach, a banana, a cup of almond milk, and a teaspoon of 100 MGO manuka honey. For a protein smoothie, mix a scoop of vanilla protein powder, a cup of oat milk, a frozen banana, and a teaspoon of 540 MGO manuka honey. For a berry smoothie, blend mixed berries, Greek yogurt, a splash of orange juice, and a teaspoon of 70 MGO manuka honey.

• Green smoothie: spinach, banana, almond milk, 100 MGO honey.
• Protein smoothie: vanilla protein, oat milk, frozen banana, 540 MGO honey.
• Berry smoothie: mixed berries, Greek yogurt, orange juice, 70 MGO honey.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Manuka Honey to Your Smoothie

1. Choose your MGO level: Decide on the MGO level based on your taste and wellness goals. For daily use, a 100 MGO multifloral honey is a good start. For a stronger boost, choose a higher MGO like 440 or 540. Checkpoint: If you're new to manuka honey, start with a lower MGO to get used to the flavor.
2. Prepare your smoothie base: Blend your fruits, greens, liquid, and any protein powder or yogurt until smooth. Use cold or room-temperature ingredients to keep the mixture cool. Checkpoint: Avoid using hot liquids, as heat can degrade the beneficial compounds in manuka honey.
3. Add the manuka honey after blending: Once your smoothie is blended, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of manuka honey and blend for a few seconds, or stir it in with a spoon. This preserves the honey's natural properties. Checkpoint: Taste and adjust. If you prefer more sweetness, add a little more honey, but don't overdo it.

Manuka Honey Products to Try in Your Smoothie

• Twin Pack - 100 MGO Squeezy Manuka Honey 300g - MultiFloral: 100 MGO Manuka Honey is one of the most popular strengths in the UK, and this Multifloral grade offers excellent value for money in these squeezy 300g jars. The squeezy bottle makes it easy to add honey directly to your smoothie without a mess, and the mild 100 MGO grade is perfect for daily use.
• 440 MGO Manuka Honey 500g - Monofloral: Manuka honey contains high levels of a key natural compound called Methylglyoxal (or MGO for short). MGO has special anti-bacterial properties, which means it can kill bad bugs and bacteria. If you want a more potent honey for your smoothie, this 440 MGO option offers a higher level of MGO, which may provide stronger antibacterial benefits.

Adding manuka honey to your morning smoothie is a simple way to enjoy natural sweetness and potential wellness benefits. By choosing the right MGO level and adding the honey after blending, you can make the most of your smoothie. Experiment with different recipes and find your favorite combination.