Understanding Manuka Honey: What does UMF 5+ mean?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Authentic Manuka honey, originating from New Zealand's native Manuka tree, is the second most adulterated food product in the world. The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) grading system was created to guarantee the quality and authenticity of this prized honey, providing assurance that a product carrying its trademark meets rigorous standards. So, what does UMF 5+ mean?

Quick Summary

This guide explains the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading system for Manuka honey, detailing the four key compounds tested for authenticity and potency. Learn specifically about the UMF 5+ rating, its properties for general wellness, and how it compares to other grades and the MGO system. Explore its versatile uses for both dietary and topical applications.

Key Points

UMF Meaning: UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, a quality trademark certifying authentic New Zealand Manuka honey.
UMF 5+ Indication: A UMF 5+ rating signifies that the honey contains a minimum UMF rating of 5, indicating a foundational level of Manuka's unique properties.
Daily Wellness: This grade is ideal for daily consumption, supporting general well-being and providing mild antibacterial effects.
Comprehensive Testing: The UMF certification is based on four key markers—MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF—ensuring potency, purity, authenticity, and freshness.
UMF vs. MGO: UMF is a more comprehensive measure of authenticity and quality than MGO, which only assesses one compound.
Versatile Use: UMF 5+ honey can be enjoyed as a dietary supplement or used for minor topical applications.

What is UMF and Why Does It Matter?

UMF, or Unique Manuka Factor, is a quality trademark and grading system managed by the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand. It serves as a benchmark for authentic, unadulterated Manuka honey, guaranteeing its potency, purity, and origin. The rating is crucial for consumers because it independently verifies the honey's content, differentiating genuine Manuka from imitations or blends. Unlike other, less comprehensive systems that might only measure a single compound, UMF provides a holistic assurance of quality.

Deciphering the UMF 5+ Rating

When you see a Manuka honey jar with a UMF 5+ rating, it signifies that the honey contains a minimum Unique Manuka Factor of 5. In practical terms, this grade represents a foundational level of Manuka's unique properties, making it an excellent choice for daily use and general wellness support. While it has mild antibacterial properties compared to higher grades, UMF 5+ is still a valuable addition to a balanced diet for its overall nutritional profile and mild therapeutic effects.

This grade is ideal for:

Adding to tea, toast, or smoothies as a healthier sweetener alternative.
Providing daily immune system support.
Offering mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Introducing Manuka honey into your diet without the more intense, potent flavor of higher grades.

The Four Factors of UMF Certification

The UMFHA's certification process is based on a rigorous 4-factor Quality Assurance Test, which independently verifies the genuine UMF™ number of each batch. The test measures four distinct compounds to ensure authenticity and potency:

Methylglyoxal (MGO): This is the key bioactive compound responsible for Manuka honey's powerful and stable antibacterial properties. The UMF grading confirms the presence and concentration of MGO, with a UMF 5+ typically containing an equivalent of at least 83 mg/kg of MGO.
Leptosperin: A natural marker found exclusively in the nectar of the Manuka flower, Leptosperin confirms the honey's floral authenticity. Its presence is a definitive sign that the honey is genuine Manuka from New Zealand.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): This compound is a precursor to MGO, meaning it naturally converts to MGO over the honey's shelf life. Testing for DHA ensures that the honey will retain its potency over time and indicates its freshness.
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): This compound is tested to ensure the honey has not been overheated or stored for too long. Low HMF levels are a marker of a fresh, raw product that has not had its beneficial enzymes destroyed by heat.

UMF vs. MGO: A Crucial Distinction

While MGO is an important component of the UMF rating, the two systems are not interchangeable. The UMF rating provides a more comprehensive assessment of quality by testing for multiple markers, not just MGO.


Feature	UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)	MGO (Methylglyoxal)
Measurement	A composite score based on MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF.	Measures only the concentration of methylglyoxal.
Assurance	Provides a comprehensive guarantee of authenticity, potency, purity, and freshness.	Gives a single indicator of antibacterial potency.
Regulation	Trademarked and regulated by the UMFHA, with strict standards.	A standard measurement that can be used by any brand.
Origin Guarantee	UMF-certified honey must be packed in New Zealand.	MGO-labeled honey can be packed anywhere in the world.
Traceability	Backed by a license number and association oversight.	May lack independent verification beyond the single compound.

For consumers, choosing UMF-certified honey provides a higher level of confidence in the product's quality, authenticity, and origin. The UMF mark and license number are a clear sign of independent verification.

Potential Benefits and Uses of UMF 5+ Manuka Honey

While higher UMF ratings are sought for more targeted therapeutic applications, UMF 5+ Manuka honey offers distinct nutritional and health benefits for everyday wellness:

General Well-being: As a regular part of a diet, it can contribute to overall health and vitality.
Digestive Health: The honey has mild prebiotic properties that can support a healthy gut flora.
Mild Antibacterial Effects: It can provide a gentle antibacterial boost, useful for soothing a sore throat.
Skincare: It can be used as a moisturizing and pH-balancing face mask or applied to minor skin irritations for its mild healing properties.
Natural Energy: Like other honeys, it provides a natural source of energy.

How to Use UMF 5+ Manuka in Your Daily Diet

Incorporating UMF 5+ honey into your daily nutrition is simple and delicious:

In Tea or Hot Water: Stir a teaspoon into your morning tea or hot water with a slice of lemon. Allow the liquid to cool slightly to preserve the beneficial enzymes.
On Toast or Cereal: Drizzle it over whole-grain toast, oatmeal, or granola for a nutritious start to the day.
In Smoothies: Blend a tablespoon into a smoothie for a natural energy boost.
As a Glaze: Use it as a healthier glaze for chicken or fish.
Straight from the Spoon: For the most direct consumption, enjoy a spoonful on its own in the morning or evening.

Conclusion: Is UMF 5+ Right for You?

UMF 5+ Manuka honey is an excellent entry-level option for those seeking the unique properties of authentic Manuka honey without the higher price point of stronger grades. It offers a guaranteed level of quality and mild antibacterial activity, making it perfect for daily wellness and general dietary use. If you are seeking more potent therapeutic effects for targeted health concerns like serious wound healing or persistent infections, a higher UMF rating may be more appropriate. For general health maintenance and a daily nutritional boost, however, UMF 5+ provides a delicious and reliable choice. By understanding what the UMF rating signifies, you can make an informed decision and trust that you are getting a genuine product packed with natural goodness from New Zealand.

Visit the UMF Honey Association website for more information on the grading standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMF is a comprehensive grading system that measures four key markers (MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF) to guarantee the authenticity, potency, purity, and freshness of Manuka honey. MGO is a measurement of only one of these compounds, methylglyoxal, which provides a narrower indication of the honey's properties.

Yes, UMF 5+ Manuka honey is effective for general wellness and provides mild antibacterial properties. It is an excellent choice for daily consumption to support overall health, and its lower intensity makes it a versatile ingredient for food and beverages.

UMF 5+ honey can be used in many ways, including stirring it into warm tea or water, spreading it on toast, drizzling it over yogurt or cereal, or blending it into smoothies. For maximum benefits, some prefer to eat a spoonful straight from the jar.

To ensure authenticity, look for the trademarked UMF logo and a license number on the label. Certified UMF honey is also guaranteed to be packed and labelled in New Zealand. You can cross-reference the license number on the UMF Honey Association's website.

Yes, UMF 5+ Manuka honey can be used for mild topical applications due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied as a face mask or to minor wounds and irritations, although higher UMF grades are often recommended for more targeted therapeutic uses.

A higher UMF rating indicates a greater concentration of the beneficial compounds, such as MGO, and therefore more potent antibacterial properties. While this is beneficial for specific therapeutic needs, a lower grade like UMF 5+ is sufficient and more cost-effective for general daily wellness.

Manuka honey is generally safe for children over the age of one. However, honey should not be given to infants under 12 months due to the rare risk of infant botulism.