Are there fake Manuka honey? The complete guide to authenticating your pot

November 1, 2025 •

2 min read

According to a 2018 report, New Zealand's Mānuka honey exports were valued at $330 million, a value that attracts unscrupulous players to create counterfeit products. As a result, it is estimated that up to half of all honey sold globally under the 'Mānuka' label may not be genuine. Answering the question, 'Are there fake Manuka honey?', this guide will equip you with the knowledge to distinguish real from fake, ensuring you get the full nutritional benefits and not a diluted imposter.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the widespread issue of fake Manuka honey, detailing how to spot counterfeit products by examining certifications like UMF and MGO, verifying country of origin, and recognizing label inconsistencies. It also outlines regulatory standards and the importance of purchasing from reputable brands.

Key Points

Check for Certifications: Look for credible grading systems like UMF™ and MGO ratings, as these indicate the honey has been independently tested for authenticity and potency.
Verify Origin and Packaging: Genuine Manuka honey must come from and be packed in New Zealand; look for official seals and trace information.
Scan for Traceability: Many authentic brands use QR codes on their labels that allow you to trace the honey's origin and view batch-specific lab test results.
Recognise Price and Texture: Authentic Manuka honey is expensive due to its rarity and testing, and its texture should be thick and creamy, not thin or watery.
Read the Label Carefully: Differentiate between 'monofloral' and 'multifloral' Manuka honey, and be wary of vague or misleading claims on the label.
Buy from Reputable Sellers: Purchase Manuka honey from trusted retailers or directly from certified brands to minimise the risk of buying a counterfeit product.

The Global Problem of Fake Manuka Honey

Manuka honey's high demand and price make it a frequent target for adulteration, where cheaper syrups or additives are mixed in. These counterfeit products lack the genuine Manuka honey's unique health benefits. Several factors contribute to this fraud, including the limited production window of genuine Manuka honey and the difficulty in detecting adulteration without advanced lab testing.

The Role of Regulatory Bodies and Certification

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) established a strict definition for Manuka honey in 2017, requiring all exported Manuka honey to be tested for five key attributes. Additionally, many brands use certifications like the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) to further authenticate their products through independent testing and verification.

Key Indicators of Authentic Manuka Honey

Certifications and Grading

Certifications like UMF and MGO are crucial for identifying genuine Manuka honey. UMF certification is a comprehensive system that verifies MGO content along with other markers and requires the honey to be packed and labeled in New Zealand, while MGO primarily measures the concentration of Methylglyoxal.

UMF vs. MGO: A Comparison


Feature	UMF™ Certification	MGO Rating
Rating System	Regulated by the UMFHA; measures four chemical markers (including MGO).	Measures only Methylglyoxal (MGO) content, which is less regulated.
Authenticity	Guarantees origin, purity, and potency, with a traceable license number.	Confirms MGO potency but does not guarantee the honey hasn't been adulterated.
Testing	Requires comprehensive, independent testing for multiple markers.	Test results are often brand-specific and not as rigorously audited.
Trust	Considered the gold standard for authentication, offering the highest level of consumer trust.	A simpler indicator of potency, but lacks the comprehensive authentication of UMF.

Labeling and Traceability

Authentic Manuka honey labels should clearly state the country of origin (New Zealand), whether it is monofloral or multifloral, and provide a batch number or QR code for traceability.

Pricing and Appearance

Authentic Manuka honey is typically expensive. Be wary of low prices, which can indicate counterfeit products. Genuine Manuka also has a thick, creamy texture and a dark cream to brown color.

The Importance of Making an Informed Choice

Choosing authentic Manuka honey ensures you receive its health benefits and support ethical production. Counterfeit products may contain unknown additives and lack the expected nutritional value. By understanding the signs of authenticity, consumers help protect this valuable resource.

Conclusion

Fake Manuka honey is a significant issue. To avoid it, carefully check certifications, labeling, and pricing. Look for UMF™ ratings, verify New Zealand origin, and buy from reputable brands. Being informed is the best way to ensure you are getting genuine Manuka honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is considered the most reliable grading system because it verifies multiple key compounds (MGO, Leptosperin, and DHA), guarantees New Zealand origin, and includes independent auditing. While MGO (Methylglyoxal) is a key marker of potency, its rating alone is less regulated and can be more susceptible to falsification.

Yes, authentic Manuka honey is exclusively produced in New Zealand from the nectar of the native Manuka tree. While some Australian honey is also sourced from Leptospermum species, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) standard is globally recognised for verifying genuine Manuka honey.

The water test is a simple home method where a spoonful of pure honey will sink to the bottom of a glass of cold water and remain intact. Fake or adulterated honey, which is less viscous, will dissolve more easily and cloud the water. However, this is not a foolproof test for comprehensive authenticity.

Monofloral Manuka honey is made predominantly from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree and typically has higher concentrations of unique compounds and a higher UMF rating. Multifloral honey is made from a blend of Manuka and other nectars, resulting in lower potency.

While a low price is a significant red flag for fake Manuka honey, it is not a definitive indicator on its own. Authentic Manuka is expensive due to its scarcity and rigorous production standards. Always combine price checks with label and certification verification.

In New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) enforces strict export regulations requiring all Manuka honey to be tested for five unique markers before it can be labelled and sold overseas. Certifications like UMF provide additional independent verification to protect consumers against misrepresentation.

Consuming fake Manuka honey means you might miss out on the expected antibacterial and wellness benefits. Additionally, adulterated products could contain unknown, cheaper syrups or additives, which could pose a health risk or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.