Can I use a metal spoon with Manuka Honey

 |  Manuka Facts
Manuka Honey being poured
Claire Perry - Manuka Doctor

Claire leads our Product Development Team, ensuring that our products are truly natural and effective. She is one of the industry’s most experienced Manuka Honey Experts.

Can you use a metal spoon with Manuka honey?

Yes, using a metal spoon will not destroy Manuka honey’s beneficial compounds. Stainless steel spoons are safe, while prolonged contact with reactive metals like iron or copper should be avoided.

We’ve had many questions about using metal or wooden spoons in your Manuka honey.

Here’s the full facts.

Why Do People Think Metal Spoons Harm Manuka Honey?

The reason is down to the natural composition of honey. You see all honey is naturally acidic. That’s a good thing, because it is partly what provides Manuka’s properties, and a high acidity helps keep honey stable for a long time.

But there is a common misconception that the instant you use a metal spoon for Manuka, you “kill all the beneficial compounds”. This is not true.

Does Manuka Honey React with Different Metals?

Well, yes and no.

First let’s check what we mean by “metal”.

Stainless steel is the most common material for the sorts of spoons you’d find in a kitchen. It’s extremely resistant to corrosion and very much unreactive in a food preparation setting.

Copper and iron: These metals are more reactive and could potentially affect honey’s taste or colour if they are left in contact with it for extended periods. But not many people tend to have copper or iron spoons.

Silver. Generally this is a non-reactive metal. Think about silver jewellery which doesn’t rust if you wash your hands or get it dirty. Silver spoons are generally safe to use with honey as long as they are clean and sterile.

What about manufacturing?

New Zealand Manuka Honey during the packing process

Good point! It’s worth remembering your honey has come into contact with food-grade stainless steel already on its way to you.

That’s because all Manuka honey is transported from beehives to our facility in metal drums by our beekeepers. It’s then lightly stirred in a metal vat. And then poured into jars through a metal funnel.

Unfortunately making these items out of wood isn’t realistic.

Many people choose to use wooden spoons with honey which is absolutely fine.

As are stainless steel spoons if clean, and not left inside the jar.

Claire Perry, Manuka Doctor expert

So it’s a myth then?

Well not quite…

You see the factor which could affect things is time.

If you were to leave your metal spoon in a jar of Manuka honey for a long time (months or years) then yes over time the acidity of the honey could react with the metal.

But for the very short time a spoon is in contact with the honey – there will be no damage to either the spoon or the honey itself.

So what is the best way to maintain Manuka’s health properties?

Many people choose to use wooden spoons with honey which is absolutely fine.

As are stainless steel spoons if clean, and not left inside the jar.

More importantly is to keep your jar of Manuka in DARK and COOL places. Away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.

Both of these factors could – over time – damage the active compounds which make Manuka special.

But don’t just trust us! We asked two Scientists for their view on whether you can use a metal spoon with Manuka honey.

Dr Adrian Charlton and Mark Harrison from FERA labs in York, UK both confirmed that using a metal spoon does not alter the chemical composition of Manuka honey at all – and is perfectly safe to do. In fact, metal spoons are used in the lab itself when it is tested.

The Benefits of Manuka Honey

Two women with Manuka Honey

So you enjoy the delicious flavour of Manuka Honey. And you know it’s good for you. But what exactly are the benefits of Manuka Honey?

Read more: A quick guide to the benefits of Manuka Honey