UK-based brand Melora, known for its UMF-certified and MGO-graded New Zealand Mānuka honey, has launched a range of sparkling drinks sweetened with Mānuka honey instead of refined sugars. Shopping writer Eve Rowlands sampled all four flavours to see whether they could stand in for conventional soft drinks.
Eve describes herself as a fairly health-aware individual who goes to the gym four to five times a week, eats plenty of fruit and vegetables, takes daily supplements and rarely drinks alcohol. Her one enduring weakness is a sugar-laden fizzy drink when she is out or visiting a friend. She already uses Mānuka honey for its supposed antibacterial and antimicrobial properties during cold and flu season, but she was doubtful about it in a fizzy drink.
“I approached trying these with an open mind, aware they wouldn't taste like Fanta or Coca-Cola in terms of sweetness. Their more authentic flavour didn't put me off,” she said.
Lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar Takes Top Spot
The Sparkling Mānuka Honey Drink comes in four flavours: Apple & Cinnamon; Ginger, Turmeric & Chilli; Lemon & Apple Cider Vinegar; and Raspberry & Ginger. Each can costs £3.49 and contains more than a teaspoon of UMF™ 7+ Mānuka honey along with fruit juices and botanicals.
The surprise favourite was the Lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar variant. “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,” Eve said. The drink is finished with a delicate touch of black pepper, which gave “a gentle warmth rather than being overpowering – it proved a delightful mid-afternoon boost.”
It rated highly 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 and Ginger Offers Berry-Led Taste
In the Raspberry and Ginger option, Eve found the fruit flavours dominated 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,” she explained, adding that the taste had earthy notes similar to Dandelion and Burdock.
For those who prefer pure berry flavours without botanicals, Dash Raspberry Sparkling Water (£15.99 for a 12-pack) remains an option with zero sweeteners.
Apple and Cinnamon Delivers Festive Feel
Eve found the Apple and Cinnamon drink unexpectedly soothing. “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 said.
Unlike a crisp sparkling apple juice such as Appletiser, she described it as mellow and full-bodied: “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.”
Ginger, Turmeric and Chilli Falls Flat
The only letdown among the four was the spiciest option. “Given ingredients like turmeric, chilli, and ginger, I expected a knockout punch,” Eve remarked. The combination did not match that intensity: “It fell rather flat. While still pleasant and interesting with the fizz, the flavour profile wasn't particularly striking.”
Overall, the range proved an uncommon soft-drink substitute that satisfies the desire for fizz without artificial 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?”
