How to Store UMF 25+ Mānuka Honey So It Keeps Its Potency
By Comvita Mānuka Honey & Wellness Products for Your Wellbeing | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to store UMF 25+ Mānuka Honey so it keeps its potency, from choosing the best place to store Mānuka honey to handling crystallisation and expiry.
Quick answer
Store UMF 25+ Mānuka Honey in its original sealed jar at a steady room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, and keep the lid tight. That simple routine protects its certified bioactivity and slows crystallisation.
Why high UMF honey needs more careful storage
UMF 25+ is a limited Special Reserve release with a certified minimum MGO of 1200+, so its value sits in the bioactivity stated on the label. Heat, moisture and light are the main things that can degrade that over time. A cool, dark cupboard is safer than a sunny countertop or a shelf above the stove.
You do not need to refrigerate Mānuka honey. Cold temperatures speed up crystallisation, which is harmless but changes the texture of a premium jar you may want to serve neatly.
Does Mānuka honey expire?
Yes, Mānuka honey carries a best-before date, and for a high-UMF jar that date is worth respecting. The UMF and MGO ratings are certified at packing, and storage conditions affect how well the honey holds up. Treat the date on the label as your guide rather than assuming honey lasts forever.
If your jar has passed its date or has been stored somewhere warm, the honey is not necessarily unsafe, but you cannot assume the labelled bioactivity is still accurate.
Crystallisation is normal, not a sign of spoilage
Mānuka honey can crystallise, and that does not mean it has gone bad. If you want to soften it, stand the jar in a bowl of warm water, off the heat, and stir gently. Avoid microwaving or adding boiling water directly to the honey, because high heat is exactly what you are trying to avoid.
Step-by-step storage routine for UMF 25+ Mānuka Honey
- Keep the original jar and lid: Leave the honey in its original Comvita jar with the lid screwed on firmly after each use. The original container is designed for the product and limits moisture and odour transfer. Check the lid is clean and tight before putting the jar away.
- Choose a cool, dark cupboard: Store the jar in a cupboard away from the oven, kettle, dishwasher or any spot that gets direct sun. A steady room temperature is better than a place that swings hot and cold. Avoid the fridge if you want to slow crystallisation.
- Use a clean, dry spoon: Scoop with a clean dry spoon and never dip a wet or crumb-covered utensil into the jar. Moisture and food particles can affect the honey over time. Keep a dedicated honey spoon if the jar is a gift or shared.
- Reseal immediately after serving: Do not leave the jar open on the bench while you prepare tea or toast. Close it as soon as you have taken what you need. Wipe the rim with a clean dry cloth if honey has dripped down the side.
- Note the best-before date: Write the best-before date somewhere you will see it, or keep the jar in date order with other reserves. Plan to finish the jar within its stated window rather than saving it indefinitely. If the date has passed, treat the labelled UMF and MGO as no longer guaranteed.
- Soften crystallised honey gently: If the honey crystallises, place the sealed jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, then stir. Do not microwave the jar or add boiling water. Crystallisation is a texture change, not spoilage.
Product note
- UMF 25+ Mānuka Honey: Comvita Special Reserve UMF 25+ is a limited release, batch numbered and independently certified with a minimum MGO of 1200+. Because each jar is a numbered limited batch, careful storage protects both the certified bioactivity and the collectable nature of the jar.
UMF 25+ Mānuka Honey
