How to Know if Manuka Honey is Medical Grade

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 80% of all manuka honey sold globally is not genuine. To ensure you purchase a high-quality product, knowing how to identify if Manuka honey is medical grade is crucial for consumers seeking its therapeutic benefits. Understanding certification labels and key potency markers is essential for spotting authentic honey.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the primary factors for identifying medical-grade Manuka honey, including official certifications like UMF and MGO. It details what to look for on labels, clarifying the different grading systems and their significance for antibacterial potency and origin verification.

Key Points

UMF™ Certification: The gold standard for authenticity, verifying four key markers including MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF.
MGO Rating: A direct measurement of the methylglyoxal content, the primary antibacterial compound, but does not confirm authenticity alone.
Source and Certification: For therapeutic use, choose high-rated honey with UMF™ or MGO certifications, produced and packed in New Zealand.
Potency Levels: Medical-grade honey generally starts at higher concentrations, such as UMF™ 15+ or MGO 500+, for topical or targeted health benefits.
Traceability: Look for a batch number on the label to verify independent lab testing and trace the honey's origin for quality assurance.

What Defines Medical Grade Manuka Honey?

Real medical-grade Manuka honey is a highly regulated, high-potency product used in clinical settings for its powerful antibacterial properties. While some commercial Manuka honey is promoted for general wellness, true medical-grade honey is processed under strict, sterile conditions and often gamma-sterilized for use in wound care. The primary marker for its potent antibacterial activity is methylglyoxal (MGO). However, identifying genuine, high-potency honey for medicinal purposes requires more than just a high number on the label; it demands verification through trusted grading systems and traceability.

The Gold Standard: UMF™ Certification

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) is arguably the most recognized and comprehensive grading system for Manuka honey. Managed by the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand, this certification ensures the honey's authenticity, purity, freshness, and potency. A UMF™ rating goes beyond just measuring the MGO content by testing for four specific chemical markers:

MGO (Methylglyoxal): This compound is responsible for the honey's unique and potent antibacterial properties.
Leptosperin: A unique marker found only in the nectar of the Manuka flower, confirming the honey's New Zealand origin and authenticity.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): A precursor to MGO, DHA levels indicate the honey's shelf life and potential for the MGO to remain stable over time.
HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): This compound is an indicator of freshness and confirms the honey has not been overheated or stored for too long.

Only UMFHA-licensed producers can display the UMF™ trademark and their unique license number on their packaging. A higher UMF™ rating, such as UMF™ 15+ or 20+, indicates a higher concentration of these beneficial compounds and greater potency.

Understanding the MGO Grading System

The MGO rating measures only the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. While high MGO levels indicate potent antibacterial activity, an MGO rating alone does not guarantee the honey's authenticity or purity, as MGO can be artificially added. For example, a jar labeled MGO 400+ contains at least 400 mg/kg of MGO. Although the MGO system is more straightforward, many experts suggest looking for both MGO and UMF™ ratings for the most complete quality assessment.

Comparing UMF™ and MGO


Feature	UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor)	MGO (Methylglyoxal)
Verification	Comprehensive, measures 4 key compounds.	Measures only MGO content.
Focus	Authenticity, potency, freshness, shelf life.	Primarily antibacterial strength.
Origin	Verifies New Zealand floral origin via Leptosperin.	Does not independently confirm origin or purity.
Testing	Rigorous independent lab testing and audits.	Lab-tested for MGO, but less comprehensive quality assurance.
Reliability	Gold standard, protects against adulteration.	Simpler, but lacks full authenticity guarantee.

How to Read a Manuka Honey Label

To confidently identify medical-grade Manuka honey, review the following points on the product label:

Check for UMF™ or MGO Certifications: A genuine medical-grade product will display a clear UMF™ or MGO rating. For wound care, higher ratings are needed, such as UMF™ 15+ or MGO 500+ and above.
Verify New Zealand Origin: Authentic Manuka honey must be harvested, packed, and labeled in New Zealand. Look for the "Packed in New Zealand" statement or the FernMark logo.
Traceability Information: Reputable brands provide a batch number on the label, which allows consumers to trace the honey back to its source and view lab test results.
Confirm Monofloral Source: High-potency Manuka honey is typically monofloral, meaning it's predominantly from the Manuka flower nectar. This is often indicated on the label.

Conclusion

Identifying medical-grade Manuka honey requires careful scrutiny of product labeling and certifications. While the MGO rating offers a simple measure of antibacterial potency, the UMF™ system provides a more robust, multi-factor assurance of quality, authenticity, and origin. For therapeutic uses, especially topical wound care, it is essential to choose a high-rated, sterile product that is independently certified. By understanding these grading systems and checking for New Zealand origin and traceability, consumers can ensure they are purchasing a genuine and effective medical-grade product. The Ultimate Guide to Manuka Honey Ratings.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare professional before using Manuka honey for medical treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMF™ is a comprehensive grading system that measures four key compounds to verify Manuka honey's potency, authenticity, freshness, and shelf life. MGO, on the other hand, measures only the methylglyoxal content, which is the primary antibacterial agent.

While there is no single universal standard for 'medical grade' MGO, products used for therapeutic purposes, such as wound care, typically have higher MGO ratings. Look for MGO 500+ or above, often corresponding to UMF™ 15+ or higher.

Not all store-bought Manuka honey is sterile or of high enough potency for medical use. Genuine medical-grade honey is gamma-sterilized and specifically prepared for wound care applications. For wound treatment, it is best to use a product explicitly labeled and packaged for medical use.

To check for authenticity, look for a UMF™ certification mark and a license number on the label, which you can verify on the UMFHA website. Also, ensure the honey was produced and packed in New Zealand, and check for a batch number for traceability.

Authentic Manuka honey is sourced from the Manuka bush native to New Zealand. While Australia also has Leptospermum species, New Zealand has strict government standards and certification bodies like UMFHA to define and guarantee genuine Manuka honey.

Leptosperin is a unique compound found only in the nectar of the Manuka flower. Its presence is a definitive marker for authenticating genuine Manuka honey from New Zealand, and it is measured as part of the UMF™ certification.

Not necessarily. Higher potency, indicated by higher UMF™ or MGO ratings, is required for more intensive applications like targeted wound care. For general wellness, a lower-grade honey can be just as beneficial and more cost-effective. Choosing the right grade depends on your specific needs.