UMF, MGO, and the Truth About Authentic Manuka Honey
What You Need to Know
A Worldwide Buzz, but Not Always for the Right Reasons
While mānuka honey is native to New Zealand, its fame now stretches across continents. High-end retailers, health shops, and online marketplaces stock jars with varying claims. This has made it difficult for many buyers to understand what they’re actually getting.
The problem is not just variety. It’s mislabelled products, unclear grading, and inconsistent standards that leave shoppers wondering: What exactly am I buying?
The Rise of Misinformation and Fake Products
As demand for mānuka honey has surged, so too has the number of imitations and falsely labelled jars. Some products use the word “mānuka” without containing genuine mānuka nectar. Others display bold numbers or terms like “active” or “bio” that are not recognised by trusted certification systems.
In 2014, New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) introduced strict export rules to help curb this issue. Still, for most everyday buyers, understanding which label to trust remains a challenge.
Why Certification Matters More Than Ever
For anyone investing in premium mānuka honey, knowing what the labels mean is essential. This is where systems like UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor), MGO (methylglyoxal), and MPI scientific markers come in. These are not just marketing terms. They are scientific measures designed to confirm that the honey is genuine, traceable, and meets a set level of strength and purity.
In a growing market full of claims, having a clear grading system is more than helpful. It is a necessary safeguard for consumers who want to feel confident in what they’re buying and for brands that take pride in producing the real thing.
UMF ⇔ MGO Converter
Inside this article:
- A Worldwide Buzz, but Not Always for the Right Reasons
- The Rise of Misinformation and Fake Products
- Why Certification Matters More Than Ever
- What Makes Mānuka Honey Different?
- A Singular Source in a Remote Landscape
- Powerful Compounds That Occur Naturally
- Beyond Sweetness: A Unique Kind of Antibacterial Activity
- Naturally Rare, Scientifically Recognised
- Understanding the Certifications: UMF, MGO, MPI
- UMF: The Gold Standard of Manuka Honey Grading
- MGO: A Simplified Strength Indicator
- MPI Monofloral Standard: The Government’s Test for Authenticity
- The Bottom Line: Why Certification Builds Confidence
- Spotting the Real Deal: How to Avoid Fake Mānuka Honey
- What to Look For on the Label
- A Widespread Issue in Global Markets
- How to Shop with Confidence
- Why Certification and Grading Matter (Especially for High-End Buyers)
- A Growing Market Means Greater Risk
- For Wellness, Trust is Essential
- When the Gift Reflects the Giver
- FAQ
What Makes Mānuka Honey Different?
In the world of natural products, few are as closely studied or as uniquely formed as mānuka honey. Sourced exclusively from the nectar of the mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which grows wild in parts of New Zealand, this honey carries properties that set it apart from anything else found in a jar.
A Singular Source in a Remote Landscape
The story of mānuka honey begins with its origin. The mānuka bush is not cultivated in large-scale farms or in controlled conditions. It grows naturally in rugged and remote areas, often in places untouched by roads or crowds.
This wild growth is key to its purity. The bees that forage here collect nectar from mānuka flowers during a short blooming window, making each harvest limited and highly dependent on nature.
This environment matters not just for the quality of the honey, but for its authenticity. Each jar that carries the mānuka name is deeply tied to a landscape that offers both beauty and isolation.
Powerful Compounds That Occur Naturally
What sets mānuka honey apart is not just its source, but the compounds that form within it. Four chemical markers define its strength and authenticity:
- MGO (methylglyoxal) – the key compound responsible for mānuka honey’s antibacterial strength.
- DHA (dihydroxyacetone) – found in mānuka nectar and naturally converts into MGO as the honey matures.
- Leptosperin – a unique compound that can only be found in genuine mānuka honey, used to confirm authenticity.
- Hydroxymethylfurfural For Freshness – Mānuka honey is tested for Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), as this compound assures honey has not been overheated or stored too long, and is in the best condition to maintain the unique blend of living properties in mānuka honey.
These elements are naturally present, not added or altered. Their levels vary based on harvest conditions and ageing time, which is why proper testing and grading are so important.
Beyond Sweetness A Unique Kind of Antibacterial Activity
Perhaps one of the most fascinating things about mānuka honey is its non-peroxide antibacterial activity. While many honeys contain hydrogen peroxide-based antibacterial properties, mānuka’s MGO content remains stable and effective, even when exposed to heat, light, or dilution.
This gives mānuka honey a reputation that extends beyond the kitchen. It is recognised in wellness circles for its distinct qualities and in some cases is used in specially approved medical products such as wound dressings and skin care treatments.
Naturally Rare, Scientifically Recognised
Mānuka honey is not the result of processing or enhancement. Its strength comes from nature and is supported by science. Each jar that is properly tested and certified carries not just flavour, but a profile of bioactive compounds that reflect a unique combination of environment, plant, and time.
This makes mānuka honey not just different, but genuinely one of a kind.
Understanding the Certifications UMF, MGO, MPI
With so many labels appearing on jars of mānuka honey, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But behind the codes and numbers lies a set of scientific standards designed to help buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
These grading systems aren’t just for show. They offer real information about authenticity, potency, and origin. If you're choosing high-grade mānuka honey, understanding these certifications is essential.
UMF The Gold Standard of Manuka Honey Grading
The Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF™) is one of the most respected and comprehensive certification systems for mānuka honey. Managed by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand, the UMF rating doesn’t just focus on one compound. It tests for four key elements found naturally in mānuka honey which are MGO, DHA, Hydroxymethylfurfural, and Leptosperin.
The UMF number shown on the label (for example, UMF 15+ or UMF 35+) is a reflection of how high these three compounds are in the honey. Generally, the higher the UMF rating, the greater the honey’s natural strength and rarity.
Each jar with a UMF label is independently tested and verified before it can be sold. The UMF trademark on a product guarantees that what you're buying meets strict New Zealand quality and labelling standards.
MGO A Simplified Strength Indicator
Some jars only carry an MGO rating on the label. While this doesn't offer as much context as UMF, it still provides a helpful reference. MGO is the single compound most responsible for mānuka honey’s antibacterial power. The higher the MGO number, the stronger the honey.
This grading is straightforward:
- MGO 100 means the honey contains 100 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram
- MGO 829 means 829 mg per kg, and so on
However, MGO-only labels do not include testing for leptosperin or DHA, so they do not confirm authenticity on their own. Buyers who rely on MGO labels should look for trusted producers and request batch test reports when possible.
MPI Monofloral Standard The Government’s Test for Authenticity
To regulate mānuka exports and protect product integrity, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) introduced an official scientific definition of mānuka honey in 2018. This includes a five-part test that honey must pass to be classified as monofloral mānuka honey.
The test includes:
- Four chemical markers: to prove the nectar is from the mānuka flower
- One DNA marker: to confirm the presence of mānuka pollen
This classification ensures the honey is not just blended or flavoured, but must be made primarily from mānuka nectar, as nature intended.
If a honey passes all five markers, it is considered monofloral mānuka honey. If it passes only part of the test, it may be labelled multifloral mānuka, which is less concentrated.
The Bottom Line Why Certification Builds Confidence
For anyone purchasing premium mānuka honey, especially at higher UMF or MGO levels, these certifications offer peace of mind. They confirm that the honey is:
- Genuine mānuka honey from New Zealand
- Tested for natural strength and purity
- Labelled according to strict standards
By looking for certified labels such as UMF™, checking MGO levels, and confirming MPI standards, buyers can be sure they are getting the real thing, not just in name, but in quality.
Spotting the Real Deal How to Avoid Fake Mānuka Honey
As the demand for mānuka honey continues to grow, so too does the challenge of navigating misleading labels and unauthenticated products.
While New Zealand producers follow strict standards, the global market has seen a surge in items that misuse the mānuka name or make vague claims without proof. For anyone investing in a premium jar, the ability to recognise authentic mānuka honey is essential.
Here is a practical guide to help ensure that what you're purchasing is the real thing.
What to Look For on the Label
The UMF™ Trademark and License Number
Genuine mānuka honey will carry the UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor) mark, along with a clearly printed license number. This indicates the honey has been independently tested and certified by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand.
Batch Number with Testing Access
Many reputable brands provide a batch number on the jar. This number can be used to access third-party lab test results showing levels of key compounds such as methylglyoxal (MGO), dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and leptosperin.
Verified Origin: New Zealand
Authentic mānuka honey is produced exclusively in New Zealand. Be wary of any product that does not state its origin clearly or uses vague terms like “New Zealand-style” or “inspired by mānuka.”
Avoid Unregulated Claims
Terms such as “Active,” “Bio-Active,” or “Natural Strength” are not governed by any independent standards. They may appear convincing, but without supporting certifications like UMF™ or a clearly labelled MGO rating, these terms offer no guarantee of authenticity.
Low Prices and Generic Packaging
Producing high-grade mānuka honey is costly and time-sensitive. If the price appears unusually low for a high-rated product, or the packaging lacks clarity, certification details, or traceability, it may not be the real thing.
A Widespread Issue in Global Markets
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has reported that the volume of honey sold globally as mānuka far exceeds what is actually produced within the country.
In recent years, international investigations have uncovered numerous cases of mislabelled or diluted honey being sold under the mānuka name, especially in markets without strong import controls.
This is why New Zealand has introduced scientific testing protocols and export rules to protect the authenticity of its mānuka honey. However, it remains the responsibility of the consumer to verify labels and choose suppliers with care.
How to Shop with Confidence
Consumers can protect themselves by following a few simple guidelines:
- Purchase from recognised brands that are licensed UMF™ producers
- Use official websites to verify license numbers and certification claims
- Ask for lab test results if available
- Buy from trusted retailers with clear return and product information policies
A little caution goes a long way. When selected with care, mānuka honey offers not only natural value but also the reassurance of quality, purity, and traceable origin.
Why Certification and Grading Matter (Especially for High-End Buyers)
In today’s luxury and wellness markets, trust is as valuable as the product itself. This is especially true for mānuka honey, where prices can vary widely, and where the differences between high-grade and standard products are often misunderstood.
For individuals purchasing UMF 20+ mānuka honey or higher, the price is not casual. It is an investment. And with that comes the expectation of authenticity, integrity, and proof.
A Growing Market Means Greater Risk
Over the past decade, mānuka honey has grown from a niche product in natural health stores to a globally recognised wellness item. As awareness increased, so did demand and prices. Top-tier mānuka honey, such as UMF 24+, 28+, or even 35+, can command several hundred NZD or more per jar.
With this level of value, the risk of counterfeit or diluted products increases significantly. This is why independent certification systems such as UMF™ and regulated testing under New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) exist. They provide transparency and assurance, not just marketing claims.
Without proper grading, it is impossible to know whether a product delivers the bioactive compounds that give mānuka honey its reputation.
For Wellness, Trust is Essential
Many consumers turn to high-grade mānuka honey as part of a personal wellness routine, whether it’s to support digestion, add to skincare, or incorporate into general health practices. In these cases, product quality is non-negotiable.
A jar labelled UMF 20+ or MGO 829+, for instance, should provide the level of purity and activity that users are paying for. If the product lacks proper testing, the experience may not meet expectations, and the benefits may not be present at all.
When honey is selected for functional wellness use, not just taste, knowing that it has been scientifically graded and independently certified gives users the confidence to rely on it.
When the Gift Reflects the Giver
The rise of mānuka honey in the gifting space has added another layer of expectation. A premium jar of Limited Reserve honey is now found in executive hampers, milestone celebrations, and wellness gifts.
Gifting a high-end mānuka honey that has been verified by the UMF Honey Association, marked with a batch number, and traceable to New Zealand origin is more than a thoughtful gesture. It is a statement of quality and care. It tells the recipient that the gift was chosen not only for its beauty, but for its integrity.
FAQ
Is Manuka South honey UMF certified?
Yes, all our Monofloral Manuka honey, including the Limited Reserve collection, is UMF certified. This prestigious grading system guarantees the honey's potency, purity, authenticity, and freshness. You can trust that you're receiving genuine Manuka honey with the quality you expect.
What is the MGO rating of Limited Reserve honey?
Limited Reserve honey typically has an MGO rating of 1280+ or higher. The exact MGO rating will vary depending on the batch, but it always represents the upper echelon of Manuka honey potency.
How is Limited Reserve honey different from other Manuka honeys?
The processing and maturation of our Limited Reserve honey is the same as our other mānuka honeys. What sets it apart is the rarity of the harvest. Only when several natural factors align perfectly during the flowering season are we able to collect honey that meets the exceptionally high-grade standard required for the Limited Reserve. This occurs only once every few years, making it truly rare.
How do I know if my honey is UMF-certified?
Check the label for the official UMF™ logo and grading. You can also verify the product by checking the brand’s membership with the UMF Honey Association. At Manuka South, all our Manuka honey is UMF-certified for your peace of mind.
Why do UMF and MGO values differ across brands?
The differences often come down to testing methods and honey sources. UMF certification ensures consistency by adhering to strict testing standards, whereas MGO-only grades may vary depending on the producer. Always look for the UMF mark to ensure reliable and accurate grading.
Can I use MGO ratings alone to determine honey quality?
MGO ratings provide valuable information about antibacterial strength, but they don’t account for other factors that contribute to Manuka honey’s overall quality. For a more comprehensive assessment, choose honey with a UMF certification, which includes MGO and other essential markers.
