Understanding Manuka Honey: What is the Best UMF for Manuka Honey?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), the UMF grading system was created to give consumers peace of mind that their UMF-certified honey meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. However, with so many different numbers and uses, many people still question: what is the best UMF for Manuka honey? The answer is specific to your wellness goals, from daily maintenance to targeted therapeutic applications.

Quick Summary

The best UMF grade for Manuka honey depends on its intended use, with higher numbers indicating greater potency and beneficial compounds. UMF certification validates authenticity and quality by testing for unique markers. Consumers should match the UMF level to their specific wellness needs, from mild daily support to potent therapeutic care.

Key Points

UMF is a Comprehensive Rating: Unlike MGO, the UMF system measures multiple markers—MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF—to guarantee authenticity, purity, and potency.
Different UMF Grades for Different Uses: The ideal UMF depends on your need, from daily wellness (UMF 5-9+) to enhanced therapeutic applications (UMF 10-15+) and intensive medicinal use (UMF 16+).
Higher UMF Means More Potency: As the UMF number increases, so does the concentration of beneficial compounds like Methylglyoxal (MGO) and the price.
Prioritize Authenticity: Look for the official UMF trademark on the label to ensure you are buying genuine Manuka honey that has been independently tested and certified.
Consider Cost and Taste: The highest UMF is not always necessary. Weigh the cost against your intended purpose, and consider that higher UMF grades can have a more intense, earthy flavor.

Decoding the UMF Rating System

UMF, or Unique Mānuka Factor, is a quality trademark and grading system for Manuka honey developed by the UMF Honey Association. It is a comprehensive system that assesses the presence and concentration of four key signature compounds: methylglyoxal (MGO), Leptosperin, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). While some other rating systems, like MGO-only grading, focus solely on the honey's antibacterial potency, the UMF system provides a more holistic assurance of purity, quality, and origin.

The four key markers tested for UMF certification are:

Methylglyoxal (MGO): The primary compound responsible for Manuka honey's potent antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO content, the higher the UMF rating and the stronger the antibacterial effect.
Leptosperin: A unique compound found exclusively in Manuka nectar. Its presence serves as a crucial marker of authenticity, confirming the honey is genuinely from the Manuka plant.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): A naturally occurring compound in the nectar that gradually converts to MGO over time. Its level indicates the potential potency that the honey can achieve as it matures.
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): A freshness indicator. High levels can suggest the honey has been overheated, which can diminish its beneficial compounds.

Choosing the Right UMF Grade for Your Needs

Selecting the best UMF grade is not about finding the 'highest' number, but the one most suitable for your specific application. The strength and price of Manuka honey increase with its UMF rating, so it's important to consider your purpose and budget.

Low-Range UMF: Daily Wellness (UMF 5+ to UMF 9+)

Often referred to as table-grade Manuka honey, this range is perfect for everyday use. It provides a gentle boost of health benefits and is a delicious, healthy alternative to regular sugar. Uses for this grade include:

Sweetening tea and coffee
Adding to toast, yogurt, or smoothies
Providing general wellness and immune support

Mid-Range UMF: Enhanced Therapeutic Use (UMF 10+ to UMF 15+)

This intermediate range offers more significant antibacterial activity, making it suitable for targeted wellness applications. It is a popular choice for those seeking a more robust natural remedy without the premium cost of higher grades. This potency is effective for:

Soothing sore throats and persistent coughs
Supporting digestive health and gut balance
Topical use for minor skin conditions and irritations

High-Range UMF: Intensive Medicinal Use (UMF 16+ and Above)

Representing the most potent and rare Manuka honey, these high-grade ratings are reserved for serious health and therapeutic applications. These are often used for specific conditions that require maximum antibacterial and anti-inflammatory support. Common uses include:

Intensive wound care, such as for burns and ulcers
Targeted support for more serious infections
Use in specialised skincare treatments

UMF vs. MGO: A Clear Comparison

While the MGO number is a critical component of the UMF rating, they are not the same thing. Understanding the distinction is key to making an informed purchase.


Feature	UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor)	MGO (Methylglyoxal)
Measures	A comprehensive set of four markers: MGO, DHA, Leptosperin, and HMF.	The concentration of the single compound, methylglyoxal.
Indicates	Authenticity, purity, freshness, potency, and New Zealand origin.	The antibacterial potency level.
Certification	A certified trademark from the UMF Honey Association. Requires independent lab testing and audits.	Can be a standalone measure without a comprehensive authenticity check.
Guarantee	Offers greater assurance of the product's origin and quality through a wider set of tests.	Only guarantees the concentration of MGO, not necessarily the overall quality or freshness.

For an authoritative source on Manuka honey certification, visit the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association website at https://www.umf.org.nz/what-is-the-best-manuka-honey/.

The Manuka Honey Experience: Factors Beyond the Label

Beyond the numbers, other factors influence your Manuka honey experience. The taste and texture of Manuka honey can vary depending on its UMF rating and origin. Higher UMF honey tends to have a more robust, earthy flavor with a thicker texture, while lower grades may be milder and sweeter. You may also want to consider:

Raw vs. Pasteurized: Raw Manuka honey is unprocessed and unfiltered, retaining more of its natural enzymes and compounds. Pasteurized honey is heated, which can degrade some beneficial components.
Source and Packaging: Authentic UMF-certified Manuka honey must be sourced and packed in New Zealand. This ensures traceability and adherence to strict government food safety standards.

Conclusion: Matching UMF to Your Purpose

The best UMF for Manuka honey is ultimately the one that aligns with your specific health objectives. For daily use, a lower grade like UMF 5+ or 10+ is a budget-friendly and effective option for general well-being. For more targeted issues, such as soothing a sore throat or supporting digestive health, a mid-range UMF of 10+ to 15+ offers a potent boost. For intensive, medicinal applications like wound care, opting for a higher UMF of 16+ or more provides maximum antibacterial strength. By understanding the UMF grading system and considering your needs, you can confidently select the right Manuka honey to harness its powerful benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMF is a comprehensive certification that measures multiple compounds (MGO, DHA, Leptosperin) to verify potency, authenticity, and freshness. MGO measures only the methylglyoxal content, which is the primary antibacterial component.

Not necessarily. A higher UMF rating indicates greater antibacterial potency and a higher price. It is better for intensive therapeutic or medicinal use, but a lower UMF may be sufficient and more cost-effective for general daily wellness.

To ensure authenticity, look for the official UMF trademark on the label, which guarantees independent testing for purity and potency. You should also check that the honey was packed in New Zealand, as indicated by the label.

For general health and daily wellness, a lower UMF rating of 5+ to 10+ is ideal. It offers mild antibacterial properties and is suitable for use in drinks, food, and as a natural sweetener.

For soothing a sore throat, a mid-range UMF of 10+ to 15+ is a great choice. It provides enhanced antibacterial benefits to support immune function during a cold.

For more effective wound care, a higher UMF of 16+ and above is recommended due to its higher concentration of antibacterial compounds. For specific advice, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Yes, higher UMF Manuka honey typically has a stronger, more robust, and earthy flavor, sometimes described as slightly medicinal. Lower UMF grades are generally milder and sweeter in taste.