Have you been celebrating National Ice Cream Month? It’s so easy to make your own, even if you don’t have an ice cream maker! Here are our top four recipes to keep you cool:

1 - Coffee Sweet Potato Nice Cream: We really think we cracked the code on this one. It honestly tastes JUST like regular ice cream except you could literally eat this every day for breakfast and feel great!

2 - Dairy-Free Spicy Mexican Chocolate Soft Serve: Because some like it hot AND sweet! Soft serve is even easier to make without any gadgets or constant stirring and this one is dairy free too!

A 2013 review of 29 clinical trials involving more than 11,000 people showed vitamin C supplementation did not consistently affect the duration or severity of the common cold. 

The authors of the study state: "The failure of vitamin C supplementation to reduce the incidence of colds in the general population indicates that routine vitamin C supplementation is not justified."

So what should you reach for when feeling ill? Research says Zinc! There have been many conflicting studies about Zinc over the years until more recently when scientists discovered that the key is to take zinc within 24 hours of experiencing symptoms. Furthermore, the studies showed that supplementation of Zinc for five months reduced the frequency of colds and antibiotic use. 

Zinc can be taken as a supplement, in lozenge or liquid form; however, many report a lasting bad aftertaste and upset stomach with these methods. Additionally, the most bioavailable form of Zinc is in food. Foods high in zinc include meat, legumes, nuts & seeds, and our favorite: dark chocolate.

Of course, eating more fruits and vegetables and ensuring you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need, including vitamin C, are essential to your overall health and will affect how often you get sick. 

Instead of juice, eat the whole fruit. Fruit juice contains high sugar content without fiber and other nutrients needed to process the sugars slowly. Additionally, eating whole fruits and vegetables is the best way for your body to absorb nutrients. 

Based on these factors and the effectiveness of Manuka honey for cold & flu symptoms, our Manuka Honey Dark Chocolate Patties are a great way to supplement some of your DV of zinc and Manuka honey to reduce symptoms and get you well faster! Dark chocolate lovers & vegans will enjoy the delicious dark chocolate bars from  Solomon’s Gold.

You can also incorporate dark chocolate & Manuka into tasty snacks your whole family will love! Here are a couple of our favorite recipes:

#1 - Chocolate & Honey Rice Cakes: top them with seeds & nuts for even more zinc!

#2 - Coffee Sweet Potato Nice Cream: because dessert can be nutrient-dense, delicious, AND decadent.

#3 - Chocolate Caramel Popcorn: perfect for movie night or an afternoon snack!

Gluten-Free & Ready in Under 30 Minutes!

Do you preplan your desserts, or do they happen on a whim? We never know when that post-dinner craving will strike. When it does, we’ll be ready with these fantastic lava cakes - just mix, wait and bake! 

As with many dishes, who invented lava cakes is in dispute. Some say it originated at a bake-off in 1966, while two pastry chefs each say they developed it in the 1980s, and another insists there was already a dessert like it in France before then. Many of us have a nostalgic connection to this dessert no matter where it began, as it became wildly popular in the 1990s. 

Lava cakes were named for their liquid chocolate center, and our recipe uses our favorite PRI Dark Chocolate Patties to create this ooey-gooey delicious core! Since the patties come in five flavors, you can pick your favorite! We tried caramel and coffee, which were both amazing!

The bonus of using manuka honey in your desserts is its impressive oral care benefits. Manuka Honey will help reduce plaque by preventing the development of biofilms, which make plaque harder to remove. It also restricts bacteria formation preventing tooth cavities and other gum problems like periodontal disease, gingivitis, bleeding, receding gums, dry mouth, and bad breath.

Of course, while brushing your teeth afterward is still recommended, you certainly wouldn’t get the same benefits from other sweeteners and other types of honey!

Serves: 1-2

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup oat flour sifted
• ¼ cocoa powder sifted
• ½ tsp espresso powder, sifted
• ½ tbsp cornstarch sifted
• 1 tsp baking powder, sifted
• ⅛ tsp PRI Fine Sea Salt
• ⅓ cup almond milk
• 3 tbsp PRI Manuka Honey
• ½ tsp vanilla 
• 1-2 PRI Manuka Chocolate Patties

Instructions:

1. Sift the oat flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
2. Then add in almond milk, manuka honey, and vanilla. Stir until the batter is well combined and the honey is incorporated throughout. Let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes to bubble up.
3. Grease a ramekin with oil or spray and then fill it halfway with the batter. Then place in one or two manuka chocolate patties and fill to the top with the rest of the batter.
4. Air fry for 12-14 minutes at 360°F. The cook time depends on the individual air fryer, so you check on it around the 8-minute mark. The longer you cook it, the less gooey it will be.
5. Remove from the air fryer and let cool. Top with ice cream or powdered sugar, and enjoy!

What makes the perfect snack? We like ours to be healthy, tasty & not straight out of a box. If we already have the ingredients, that’s an added plus! 

We hope these PB-MH Bars check all of your boxes too. It only requires about 10 minutes of your time and then a bit of patience while they firm up in the fridge. This is also a great recipe for the kids to help with and is easily customized. Here are some ways you could switch it up:

• Use your favorite cereal
• Use your favorite nut or seed butter
• Add nuts, seeds or dried fruit
• Melt your favorite Manuka Dark Chocolate Patty flavor over the top!

Any way you do it, they make a tasty part of a balanced breakfast, after-lunch dessert or on-the-go snack.

Here is what you need:

• 6 Cups Of O-Shaped Cereal
• 1 Cup Unsalted Peanut Butter
• ¾ Cup PRI Manuka Honey
• 2 Tbsp  Coconut Oil
• 1 Tsp Vanilla
• ½ Tsp PRI Fine Sea Salt 

Instructions:

1. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine peanut butter with manuka honey and coconut oil and stir on low heat until well incorporated throughout (2-3 minutes). 
3. Turn the heat off and stir in vanilla and sea salt. Then add in 3 cups of cheerios and stir until they are covered in the peanut honey mixture. Pour in the remaining 3 cups and gently stir until well incorporated. It should be similar to rice crispy treats and stick together.
4. Pour the cheerio mixture into the parchment lined pan and refrigerate overnight or for a few hours until firm.
5. Slice into bars and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge to enjoy for a week or freeze to enjoy later.

There is nothing like a lengthy soak in a bath of warm water to melt the stress away, so make sure to set a date with your tub as often as possible. And to make it extra soothing, you can add Manuka Honey, Manuka Oil, and Sea Salt; all ingredients which will leave the skin feeling smoother, softer, and brighter. The combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory & pH balancing benefits can help remove toxins, and dead skin cells, and cleanse your skin’s pores deeply keeping your skin moisturized and nourished. Here are some of our favorite recipes to take your bath from average to “oh my goodness, I feel so much better!”

Need a mental and physical refresh? Whip up this recipe for Calendula and Mint infused herbal bath salts, which will calm your mind and soothe your body. These bath salts feature our Bio-Gro Certified Sea Salt, full of trace minerals to infuse your bath with relaxation. These bath salts were created by our friend Colleen. Click here for the recipe - https://www.growforagecookferment.com/herbal-bath-salt/

When you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, but you know you need a dip in the tub, you can spruce up your bath with just two ingredients that are nutrient-dense, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory (as well as being known relaxants,) that will help you de-stress and feel better. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Pacific Sea Salt
• 3-5 drops of Manuka Oil
• Stir the salt into a hot bath to dissolve, and then let the water cool to your preferred soaking temperature. Add in the drops and soak to your heart’s content.

When you are feeling spent, it might be time to spend some time in a luxury bath full of delicious ingredients that will leave you feeling silky-smooth and ready for anything that comes your way!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/3 cup PRI Manuka Honey
• 1/2 cup unscented body soap
• 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
• Optional: a few drops of a favorite essential oil (though the honey smell is divine as is!) In a mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients until smooth. Use right away or keep stored in a lidded container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. To use: pour 1/4 cup-1/2 cup under running water. Enjoy!

And if you need a quick option - simply scoop a couple of tablespoons of our Manuka honey directly under the warm running water as you fill the tub. Then soak the day away, while you relax and allow your skin to enjoy the healing power of the honey.

Answering your Most Searched Questions about Manuka Honey! 

In this edition, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Month and answer the question: Is honey safe to eat while breastfeeding? 

The short answer is: yes, you can eat as much honey as you wish. In fact, it is considered a galactagogue, (5) meaning a food (or herb) that aids in milk production.

Many ask this question since there is a concern about botulism in babies until 1 year old. At this age their digestive system lacks enough acidity in the stomach to kill botulism causing bacteria. Symptoms may begin as early as a few hours or 12-36 hours after consumption. Symptoms in infant botulism include constipation, blurred vision and muscle weakness.  (1) 

However, you cannot transmit botulism via your milk so you just need to ensure that any babies under the age of 1 don't have direct access, so it's best not to use it directly on your skin and to wash your hands after consuming.

There are actually many benefits to taking manuka honey while breastfeeding besides supporting milk production. Due to manuka's unique benefits like providing both a natural energy boost without the crash AND more restful sleep (4) depending on when you take it, supporting your immune system (3), and much more.

It can also be a great help if you have a sore throat, cold, or flu since many OTC medicines often contain ingredients that are contraindicated while breastfeeding. Additionally manuka honey has been found more effective against these symptoms than OTC medicines! (6) (7)

Resources:  

 (1)https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/botulism/fact_sheet.htm

(2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7178798/

(3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8347116/

(4)https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04207281

(5)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9246572/

(6)https://ebm.bmj.com/content/26/2/57

(7)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/

Spicy, savory, salty and just the right amount of sweet - this pizza has it all! Using store bought crust makes it a quick & easy weeknight meal but we also included a link to our gluten free dough recipe in case you want to go all in.

If you’ve never tried hot honey on your pizza please be aware that it is highly addictive. Customize the spice level to your preference or just serve it on the side for those who can’t handle any heat. They’ll never know what they’re missing out on. 

Pair it with a simple side salad and you have a well-rounded meal and we’re not just talking about the shape of the pizza! 

Hot Manuka Honey

• ¼ cup PRI Manuka Honey 60+
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp hot sauce

Pizza Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough 
• 1 jar pizza sauce (use as needed)
• 1 ½ cups low moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 5-8 slices calabrese salami
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• fresh basil, thinly sliced for topping
• red pepper flakes, for topping
• 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning, for crust (optional)
• homemade hot manuka honey

Hot Honey Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine manuka honey, red pepper flakes and hot sauce.
2. Stir well on low heat, once it starts to bubble up (around 3 minutes) turn the heat off and continue to stir.
3. Strain the honey over a mesh sieve to remove the pepper flakes and transfer to a jar to cool. Set aside.

Pizza Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 475F, let pizza dough sit according to package instructions. 
2. Lightly flour a cutting board and roll out dough or use your hands to form the shape of pizza desired.
3. Place parchment paper over a pizza stone or pizza pan, then transfer the pizza dough onto it.
4. Cover the pizza with sauce, using as much or little as you like. Then top with a generous amount of low mozzarella, calabrese salami and red onion. Brush olive oil on the crust and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the edges.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden and the cheese has melted.
6. Remove from heat and top with fresh basil, red pepper flakes and a generous drizzle of hot honey over top.
7. Slice and enjoy!

In the world of superfoods, few items carry as much prestige—or as much confusion—as Manuka honey. It’s been hailed by celebrities, studied by world-class scientists, and stocked in the wellness cabinets of biohackers and health enthusiasts globally.

But what exactly is it? Why does one jar cost $15 while another costs $160? And most importantly, how do you know if the jar in your hand is the real deal?

In this comprehensive guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Manuka honey, from the chemistry of MGO to the strict New Zealand government standards that protect every drop.

1. The Manuka Story: A Rare Gift from Nature

Manuka honey isn't made by a special kind of bee; it’s made from a special kind of flower. The Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) is native to the rugged landscapes of New Zealand.

What makes it so rare? The Manuka flower only blooms for 2 to 6 weeks per year.

Weather conditions must be perfect for the bees to collect the nectar. If it’s too rainy or too windy, the harvest is lost. This incredibly short window—combined with the unique chemistry found only in this nectar—is why authentic Manuka honey is one of the most sought-after natural substances on Earth.

2. The Power of MGO: The Only Number That Matters

While all honey has some level of antibacterial activity (usually from hydrogen peroxide), Manuka is in a league of its own. Its "superpower" comes from Methylglyoxal, or MGO.

MGO is the compound responsible for Manuka’s stable, non-peroxide activity. Unlike other honeys, where the "magic" can be destroyed by heat or light, MGO is incredibly resilient.

• The Evolution of Grading: In the past, the industry used various trademarks like UMF™ or KFactor to guess at potency. Today, the science has evolved. MGO is the direct, transparent measurement of the honey’s bioactive strength.

• The Conversion: MGO is formed naturally in the hive as the honey ages. The higher the MGO number on your jar, the more concentrated those bioactive properties are.

• The Science: Research in Frontiers in Microbiology confirms that MGO is the primary driver of Manuka’s unique antimicrobial profile.

3. The "Gold Standard": The NZ MPI Government Test

How do you know you aren't just buying "Manuka-flavored" clover honey?

In 2017, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) established the world’s most rigorous scientific definition for Manuka honey. To be legally exported as "Manuka" from New Zealand, the honey must pass a laboratory "fingerprint" test that identifies:

1. Four specific chemical markers.

2. A DNA marker from Manuka pollen.

This MPI standard is the leading authority on authenticity. When you buy honey that meets these government requirements, you aren't just trusting a brand—you’re trusting a national law that protects the integrity of the honey.

4. Top Wellness Benefits Supported by Science

🍯 I. Superior Respiratory & Throat Support

Manuka honey is a "staple" during seasonal shifts for a reason. Its viscous texture coats the throat, while the MGO provides a natural layer of support.

• The Study: A landmark review in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that honey is often superior to conventional "usual care" for improving upper respiratory tract symptoms.

🦷 II. A Win for Oral Wellness

While sugar is usually the enemy of teeth, Manuka honey acts as a microbial balancer. It targets the bacteria associated with plaque and gum irritation without harming the healthy bacteria in your oral microbiome.

• The Study: According to the Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology, researchers found that Manuka honey significantly reduced plaque and gingival bleeding indices.

✨ III. Skin Clarity & Soothing

Dermatologists have used "Medical-Grade" Manuka for years. It draws moisture into the skin (humectant) while maintaining a low pH that supports the skin's natural barrier.

• The Study: Research in the Central Asian Journal of Global Health highlights honey's role in managing skin irritations like eczema and promoting natural tissue repair.

🦠 IV. Digestive Balance & Prebiotic Support

Your gut is an ecosystem. Manuka honey acts as a prebiotic, providing the "fuel" your beneficial gut bacteria need to thrive.

• The Study: Laboratory trials published in Phytotherapy Research show that Manuka can effectively inhibit problematic digestive bacteria in a controlled environment.

5. Choosing Your MGO: A Simple Guide

Because we focus on MGO as the true measure of potency, choosing a jar is simple:

• MGO 100+ (Maintenance): Perfect for a daily wellness boost in your tea, smoothies, or on toast.

• MGO 300+ (Targeted Support): The "sweet spot" for digestive support or helping a scratchy throat.

• MGO 500+ (Maximum Potency): Ideal for intensive immune support or as a topical application for skin blemishes.

6. How to Use Manuka Honey Like a Pro

To get the most out of your "Liquid Gold," avoid boiling it. Extreme heat can degrade the delicate enzymes.

• The Morning Ritual: Stir a teaspoon of MGO 300+ into warm (not hot!) lemon water to prime your digestion for the day.

• The Pre-Workout: Take a spoonful straight for a clean, natural energy boost.

• The DIY Face Mask: Apply a thin layer to clean skin for 15 minutes to soothe redness and lock in moisture.

The Verdict: The Power of the Hive

If you are looking for a simple sweetener, regular honey is fine. But if you are looking for a functional food backed by the New Zealand MPI's strict standards and proven MGO potency, Manuka is in a league of its own.

Ready to find your perfect MGO grade? Shop Our MPI-Certified, High-MGO Manuka Collection Here

Regulatory Safety Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

At P.R.I., we're all about savoring the sweet moments in life while nourishing our bodies. That's why we're excited to bring you a delectable wholesome treat: Healthy “Snickers” Frozen Yogurt Bars! These bars are not only scrumptious but also packed with ingredients that provide whole-body benefits. Bonus: they taste just like a Snickers ice cream bar!

Let’s dive into the beneficial ingredients and what they do:

1. Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt: Starting with a creamy base, coconut yogurt adds a rich texture while being dairy-free. It's also a source of healthy fats and probiotics that support gut health. Feel free to swap with regular, organic yogurt if you can eat dairy!

2. Peanut Butter: Peanut butter introduces a delightful nutty flavor, along with protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to help keep you satisfied for longer.

3. Vanilla Protein Powder: Boost your protein intake with a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Protein aids muscle repair and keeps you full, making it an ideal post-workout snack. 

4. PRI Manuka Honey 500+ MGO: Our star ingredient, Manuka Honey 500+, infuses natural sweetness and its remarkable antibacterial properties. It's a delicious way to support your immune system and overall wellness.

5. Chopped Nuts: A blend of peanuts, cashews, and almonds provides a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Serves: 2 big ice cream bars or 4 small ice cream bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
• ⅓ cup runny peanut butter
• 3 tbsp vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp PRI Manuka Honey 500+
• 3 tbsp mini chocolate chips
• 2-3 tbsp chopped nuts (we used a blend of peanuts, cashew, and almonds)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Mix unsweetened coconut yogurt, runny peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, and PRI Manuka Honey 500+ in a bowl. This blend delivers a protein-packed, probiotic-rich batter that's a feast for your taste buds.

2. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips for a burst of sweetness and crunch.

3. Spoon the mixture onto parchment paper in a circular shape, creating the base of your bars. Insert a popsicle stick and layer on more batter until it covers the stick.

4. Top your bars with a generous sprinkle of chopped nuts. Nuts not only add a delightful texture but also provide essential nutrients for overall well-being.

5. Freeze your bars for 1-2 hours until they become firm.

6. After your bars have firmed up, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth. Use this heavenly mixture to coat your bars. A chocolaty shell adds an exquisite touch to your creation.

7. Freeze your bars for an additional 10 minutes to set the chocolate.

8. Finally, remove them from the freezer, and voilà! You're ready to enjoy!

These bars are not only delicious but also a easy & fun!. They make for the perfect treat that brings joy to everyone. Tag us on social media when you make these bars. We'd love to see your creations!

Featuring your Favorite PRI Manuka Chocolate Patties

Unsolicited opinion incoming: Edible cookie dough will never ever go out of style. Did you know that recipes for “eatable cake mixes” have been found dating back to the 1800s? Basically, they were the OG edible cookie dough. What do you think? Will edible cake dough be the next big thing? 

In any case, we made these cookie dough bites with our best-selling Raspberry Manuka Chocolate Patties in place of chocolate chips. If you aren’t a fan of raspberry, don’t worry, they come in five other amazing flavors: orange, salted caramel, coffee, ginger, and mint. We’ve also added vanilla protein powder for extra nutrition.

That said, we would never present you with a recipe that swaps flavor and texture for health.  As we always say, we believe in having, eating, enjoying, AND getting benefits from your dessert.

Healthy Cookie Dough Bites

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour
• ¼ vanilla protein powder
• ½ cup almond butter
• ⅓ cup PRI Manuka Honey 200+
• 3 tbsp milk of choice. Add more if needed
• ½ tbsp vanilla
• 4-5 PRI Manuka Chocolate Patties, we used raspberry

Instructions:

Whisk almond butter, manuka honey, vanilla, and milk in a large bowl until combined. Then sift in oat flour and vanilla protein powder. Stir until a thick dough forms. If it’s too dry add 1 tbsp of milk at a time until you get a consistency in which you can roll the dough into a ball. Next, chop up manuka chocolate patties and gently stir them into the dough until combined. Scoop the doubt and roll into balls. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, and then enjoy!

Sweets for your sweet: 5 easy treats anyone can make for their honey.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, it's time to start thinking about something special you can do for your honey or yourself! 

Whether they enjoy something sweet, tart, chocolatey, crunchy, or boozy, we have you covered with our Valentine’s Day recipe round-up.

Here are five of our most popular easy treats anyone can whip up:

#1 - Chocolate Fudge Truffles: starting with our dairy-free sweetened condensed milk base, this no-bake recipe might have you drooling over the pan. 

#2 - Peach Pistachio Cardamom Honey Tart: if you want a treat that looks and sounds fancy but is secretly simple, this recipe is for you! 

#3 - Honey Buns: The name alone makes this the perfect Valentine's Day treat. Plus, what's better than the aroma of freshly baked buns, especially when you can make them in your air fryer? 

#4 - Chocolate Caramel Popcorn: Perfect for an intimate movie date and just fancy looking enough to show you put in some effort! This recipe uses our chocolate patties which come in six flavors so that you can pick their favorite. 

#5 - Strawberry Honey Lime Mimosas: If a special cocktail is more your jam, these mimosas taste amazing and are pretty too!