lidl deluxe manuka honey

Lidl is undercutting the mults on premium honey with the launch of its first jars of own-label manuka.

Rolling out in stores this week, the 227g jars of Deluxe Manuka Honey NPA +10 are priced at just £7.99 - nearly £4 cheaper than the average for similar products available in other major supermarkets.

Sourced from beekeepers in New Zealand, Lidl’s new manuka honey had undergone strict traceability checks and independent testing had confirmed its non-peroxide activity (NPA) level, which indicates the antibacterial properties unique to manuka honey, a spokeswoman said.

“We are really excited to be offering real and authentic manuka honey. This is part of our continued efforts in providing premium products at unbeatable prices to our customers,” added Lidl senior buyer Helmut Moosbrugger.

Manuka honey has been dogged by authenticity concerns in recent years, and a 2014 investigation by The Grocer revealed many products didn’t stand up to the health claims used to ­justify their premium price point. However, non-peroxide activity levels (NPA) are seen as a valid indicator of the health benefits of a batch of manuka honey, and are used to certify honey under the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) scheme in New Zealand.

The launch of Lidl’s manuka honey follows its introduction of raw, organic own-label coconut oil in January for just £2.99 - which it claimed was 50% cheaper than coconut oil from major branded rivals.