How do you determine the best Manuka honey?

November 24, 2025 •

6 min read

Over 90% of honey labeled as Manuka sold globally is estimated to be fraudulent, making it difficult for consumers to find genuine products. Determining the best Manuka honey requires understanding its unique grading systems, certifications, and quality markers to ensure you are buying an authentic and potent product, not a diluted imposter.

Quick Summary

A guide to finding authentic, high-quality Manuka honey by deciphering UMF and MGO ratings, understanding independent lab certifications, and recognizing the origin from New Zealand. Learn to identify key chemical markers and use traceability to ensure purity and potency for your health needs.

Key Points

Check MGO and UMF ratings: These are the key indicators of potency and authenticity for Manuka honey.
Look for certifications: Always choose Manuka honey with independent, verifiable certification from organizations like the UMFHA.
Verify traceability: Use the batch number or QR code provided by reputable brands to trace the honey back to its New Zealand origin.
Understand monofloral vs. multifloral: Monofloral Manuka is purer and more potent, while multifloral honey is a blend with a lower rating.
Match potency to use: Higher MGO/UMF ratings are for therapeutic use, while lower grades are suitable for general wellness and daily consumption.
Recognize signs of fakes: Be cautious of suspiciously low prices, vague labeling, and products that lack proper certifications.

What Makes Manuka Honey Unique?

Manuka honey originates from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium tree, native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. Its key differentiator from regular honey is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound responsible for its powerful antibacterial properties. Other significant markers include dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which converts to MGO over time, and leptosperin, a chemical marker proving its Manuka origin. However, the market is flooded with counterfeits, so knowing how to verify authenticity is crucial.

Decoding Manuka Honey Grading Systems

To truly determine the best Manuka honey, you must understand the two primary grading systems: MGO and UMF.

MGO (Methylglyoxal) Rating This is a direct measure of the amount of MGO in the honey, expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). The number on the label, such as "MGO 400+", indicates that the honey contains at least that much MGO per kilogram. Higher MGO levels generally correspond to higher antibacterial potency and are often used for therapeutic purposes.

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Certification UMF is a more comprehensive quality trademark, managed by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand. It tests for four key markers to guarantee the honey's purity, quality, potency, and authenticity:

MGO: Confirms the antibacterial strength.
DHA: Indicates the potential for long-term potency, as it matures into MGO.
Leptosperin: A unique compound found exclusively in Manuka nectar that proves the honey is genuine.
HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): A heat-sensitive compound that ensures the honey has not been overheated, preserving its delicate properties.

How to Verify Manuka Honey Authenticity

With rampant fraud in the market, taking steps to verify your purchase is essential.

Check for Certification Marks: Look for the official UMF or MGO certification seals on the label. Avoid vague terms like "Active Manuka" or "Bio Active" without a corresponding, independently certified rating.
Traceability: Authentic brands often provide a batch number or QR code on the jar, allowing you to trace it back to its New Zealand origin and view its independent lab test results.
Country of Origin: Genuine Manuka honey is jarred and labeled in New Zealand. Check the label for a clear statement of origin.
Independent Testing: The New Zealand government's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has a scientific definition for Manuka honey, requiring exporters to test for four chemical markers and a DNA marker. A reputable brand will offer proof of this testing.
Beware of the Price: Authentic, high-grade Manuka honey is rare and expensive due to its short flowering season and complex harvesting. If the price seems too low, it is likely a fake.

Choosing the Right Manuka Honey for Your Needs

Your ideal Manuka honey depends on how you plan to use it. Here is a general guide:

Table: Manuka Honey Grades and Uses


MGO Rating	UMF Rating	Primary Use	Notes
Below 100+	UMF 5+ to 9+	Everyday wellness, mild flavor.	Perfect as a natural sweetener in tea or food.
100+ to 400+	UMF 10+ to 15+	General health & immune support.	Versatile for daily intake and minor topical application.
400+ to 800+	UMF 16+ to 20+	Enhanced digestive and topical support.	Stronger antibacterial properties for targeted use.
800+ and above	UMF 20+ and up	Intensive therapeutic applications.	Potent, often used for specific health conditions under advice.

Practical Considerations for Consumers

Taste and Texture: Genuine Manuka honey has a distinctive earthy, slightly bitter flavor and a thicker, more viscous texture than regular honey. The taste can become more intense with higher MGO levels.
Monofloral vs. Multifloral: Monofloral Manuka comes predominantly from the Manuka flower nectar, yielding higher potency. Multifloral honey is a blend from Manuka and other sources and typically has a lower rating.
Storage: Store Manuka honey in a cool, dark place. Heat can degrade the beneficial enzymes and compounds, reducing its potency over time.

Conclusion

Navigating the Manuka honey market requires informed decisions to ensure you receive a product that delivers the promised health benefits. By focusing on internationally recognized certifications like UMF and MGO, tracing the product's origin to New Zealand, and understanding the significance of different grade levels, you can confidently determine the best Manuka honey. Higher grades offer more potent antibacterial effects, but even lower grades can provide excellent general wellness benefits. The key is to purchase from a reputable brand that prioritizes transparency and independent verification, safeguarding your investment and your health. Remember that not all Manuka honey is created equal, and vigilance is essential to avoid counterfeit products.

How Do DHA and Leptosperin Verify Authenticity?

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) and Leptosperin Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a natural plant compound found in the nectar of Manuka flowers that converts into MGO over time as the honey matures. Leptosperin is another unique natural compound found only in Manuka honey, making it an excellent marker for authenticity that cannot be easily faked. For a honey to carry the prestigious UMF certification, it must be independently tested and show the presence of these crucial markers along with MGO.

Why are some Manuka honeys more expensive than others?

High Potency and Rarity The high cost of Manuka honey is a direct result of its potency and rarity. The Manuka bush blooms for only a few weeks each year, making the honey difficult and expensive to produce. Higher MGO and UMF ratings require a more concentrated presence of specific compounds, further increasing their rarity and price. Additionally, the rigorous testing, certification, and traceability required to prove authenticity add to the overall cost.

Why is New Zealand Origin Important?

Regulatory Standards New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) enforces strict regulatory standards that all Manuka honey intended for export must meet. This includes testing for specific chemical markers and a DNA marker to ensure authenticity. By confirming the honey is from New Zealand and meets MPI standards, you can trust its authenticity and quality, which is crucial given the prevalence of fake products.

Can you use Manuka honey for wound healing?

Yes, but Use Medical Grade Yes, medical-grade Manuka honey is used for wound healing and has even been approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA for this purpose. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce infection and promote tissue regeneration. For wounds, it is recommended to use honey with a high UMF or MGO rating (UMF 16+ or higher) and to consult a healthcare professional for proper application.

Is Manuka honey beneficial for digestive health?

Yes, it can support gut health Manuka honey can support digestive health due to its antibacterial and prebiotic properties. Its antimicrobial effects can help balance gut bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory action can soothe an irritated digestive tract. Many people consume a spoonful daily to help with issues like bloating, acid reflux, or general gut health.

How can you spot counterfeit Manuka honey?

Red Flags for Fakes Beyond checking for certifications, be wary of products with vague labeling or without traceability information. Overly low prices are a major red flag, as authentic Manuka honey is a high-value product. The taste and texture can also be an indicator; if it lacks the characteristic earthy, creamy quality, it might not be genuine. Finally, some uncertified honeys may claim high "NPA" or "Active" ratings that are not independently verified.

Can Manuka honey be used for skincare?

Yes, it has skincare benefits Manuka honey's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties make it an excellent ingredient for skincare. It can be applied topically to help with issues like acne, eczema, and dryness. It also acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. The potent antibacterial effects make it a popular choice for treating blemishes and minor skin infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO is a rating that measures the specific concentration of methylglyoxal (mg/kg) in Manuka honey, indicating its antibacterial strength. UMF is a more comprehensive certification that verifies the presence of MGO, along with other key markers like Leptosperin and DHA, to guarantee authenticity, purity, and potency.

Manuka honey from New Zealand is considered the best because the country's government, through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), enforces a strict scientific definition and testing regimen for all Manuka honey intended for export. This ensures that products are authentic, unadulterated, and of high quality, which is crucial given widespread fraud in the market.

To spot fake Manuka honey, look for vague marketing terms like “Active Manuka” without official certification. Check for excessively low prices, as genuine, high-grade Manuka is expensive due to rarity. Confirm it's jarred in New Zealand and verify the batch number or QR code with a certifying body like the UMFHA.

The best MGO or UMF rating depends on your intended use. For everyday wellness and general consumption, a lower rating (e.g., MGO 100+ or UMF 5+) is sufficient. For more targeted health benefits, such as digestive support or topical application, higher ratings (e.g., MGO 400+ or UMF 15+) are recommended.

Monofloral Manuka honey, which comes predominantly from the nectar of the Manuka flower, generally has a higher potency and MGO/UMF rating than Multifloral Manuka honey, which is a blend with other floral sources. Monofloral is typically preferred for therapeutic use due to its higher concentration of beneficial compounds.

To maintain the quality and potency of your Manuka honey, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid refrigerating it, as temperature changes can affect its texture and properties. A tightly sealed jar is essential for preservation.

Yes, Manuka honey can be effective for soothing a sore throat due to its potent antibacterial properties and soothing texture. Taking a teaspoon or mixing it with warm (not hot) water and lemon can provide relief. The higher the MGO/UMF rating, the stronger the antibacterial effect.