Melora, a UK brand known for its UMF-certified and MGO-graded New Zealand Mānuka honey, has launched a range of sparkling drinks sweetened with genuine Mānuka honey rather than refined sugars. Priced at £3.49 per can, each Sparkling Mānuka Honey Drink contains more than a teaspoon of UMF™ 7+ Mānuka Honey alongside fruit juices and botanicals.
Shopping writer Eve Rowlands put the full range to the test. Eve describes herself as a 'fairly health-aware individual' who hits the gym four to five times a week, packs her diet with fruit and veg, takes daily supplements, and rarely drinks alcohol. Her one persistent vice, she admits, is a sugar-laden fizzy beverage when out or visiting a friend's place and not in the mood for wine.
While Eve already swears by Mānuka honey for its reputed antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits during cold and flu season, she was initially skeptical about pairing it with carbonation. "The idea of it sweetening a fizzy beverage? I was doubtful," she says. "I approached trying these with an open mind, aware they wouldn't taste like Fanta or Coca-Cola in terms of sweetness."
Four flavours put to the test
The Sparkling Mānuka Honey Drink comes in four flavours: Apple & Cinnamon; Ginger, Turmeric & Chilli; Lemon & Apple Cider Vinegar; and Raspberry & Ginger. Here is how Eve ranked each flavour.
The standout of the collection proved to be the most unexpected combination. "The Lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar variant was incredibly refreshing," Eve noted. "It delivered the sharpness of lemon without tasting excessively vinegary. It does carry a potent aroma of apple cider vinegar, but that didn't deter me." The recipe is finished with a subtle hint of black pepper, which Eve found provided "a gentle warmth rather than being overpowering - it proved a delightful mid-afternoon boost."
It scored high enough to replace weekend drinks: "I'd happily substitute this for a Prosecco at a social occasion or simply enjoy it as a Friday evening indulgence in front of the TV."
Raspberry takes the lead over ginger
For the berry blend, Eve found the fruit notes clearly took the lead over the spice. "The raspberry flavouring was robust and dominated the ginger. I barely detected the ginger - just a touch of warmth in my throat - which suited me perfectly," Eve explained, adding that the flavour profile carried earthy undertones reminiscent of classic Dandelion and Burdock.
While some might hesitate at spiced apple in a cold drink, Eve found the Apple & Cinnamon variant hit an unexpectedly comforting note. "It was far nicer than anticipated. It was dominated by cinnamon - which some might not appreciate - but for me, it resembled a festive embrace, yet in a chilled, sparkling beverage," she shared. Unlike a sharp sparkling apple juice such as Appletiser, Eve described it as smooth and rich: "It seemed like an indulgence whose lingering taste was as potent as a scented candle in the best possible way - I'd gladly enjoy it at a Christmas do."
The one disappointment
The only disappointment across the four was the spiciest variety on paper. "Given ingredients like turmeric, chilli, and ginger, I expected a knockout punch," Eve said. Instead, the blend didn't quite deliver the kick promised on the tin. "It fell rather flat. While still pleasant and interesting with the fizz, the flavour profile wasn't particularly striking."
Overall, the lineup proved to be a rare soft-drink alternative that satisfies the craving for fizz without synthetic sweetness. "After sampling the four varieties, I am won over, and my husband even gave his approval, which is quite significant," Eve concluded. "They deliver on genuine flavour while offering the wellness perks of quality Mānuka honey. What's not to appreciate?"
