What brand of Manuka honey is authentic? Your definitive guide

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Reports indicate that a significant portion of honey marketed as Manuka is counterfeit or diluted. Knowing what brand of Manuka honey is authentic is therefore essential for consumers seeking its genuine therapeutic benefits, protecting their health and investment from subpar products.

Quick Summary

Identify real Manuka honey brands by understanding certification systems like UMF™ and MGO. Verify origin, potency ratings, and other key markers to ensure purity and quality.

Key Points

Check for UMF™ or MGO ratings: Look for an official UMF™ certification or a transparent MGO rating, as they indicate potency and authenticity.
Verify New Zealand origin: Authentic Manuka honey is only produced, harvested, and packed in New Zealand.
Be cautious of low prices: Genuine Manuka is expensive due to its limited and controlled production. Unusually low prices suggest a counterfeit product.
Demand traceability: Reputable brands provide batch codes or QR codes that allow you to trace the honey back to its New Zealand origin and test results.
Understand monofloral vs. multifloral: Monofloral Manuka has a higher concentration of Manuka nectar, offering more potent properties, while multifloral is a blend.
Look for reputable brands: Companies like Comvita, Manuka Health, and New Zealand Honey Co. are well-established and known for transparency.

The Problem with Counterfeit Manuka Honey

Manuka honey's global popularity has led to a major counterfeiting problem. With more than 80% of honey sold as 'Manuka' in some markets being fake, it is critical for consumers to know how to identify a genuine product. Many imitation products are diluted with cheaper syrups or other floral honeys, containing none of the unique antibacterial properties found in authentic Manuka. For those seeking Manuka for its unique health benefits, such as wound healing or immune support, purchasing a fake offers no value. This guide will help you navigate the market and confidently determine what brand of Manuka honey is authentic.

Essential Certifications: UMF™ vs. MGO

The two most reputable systems for verifying Manuka honey's authenticity and potency are UMF™ and MGO. Both measure the concentration of beneficial compounds, but they differ in their scope and comprehensiveness. Understanding these labels is the first step toward making an informed purchase.

Understanding the UMF™ Quality Mark

The UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) quality mark is managed by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand. It is considered the 'gold standard' because it tests for four key components to assure quality and potency:

MGO (Methylglyoxal): The primary antibacterial compound.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): A precursor to MGO that indicates the honey's shelf life.
Leptosperin: A unique chemical marker only found in Manuka honey, ensuring authenticity.
HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): Indicates freshness and confirms the honey has not been overheated.

To carry the UMF™ mark, honey must be harvested, packed, and labeled in New Zealand by a licensed UMFHA member. This comprehensive testing provides a higher level of assurance than MGO alone.

Decoding the MGO Rating

The MGO rating measures only the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). While MGO is a key indicator of antibacterial strength, it can be artificially manipulated or added. Some brands use MGO certification because it is simpler to test, but it lacks the holistic quality assurance that UMF provides. Most MGO ratings are a reliable indicator of potency, especially when backed by other transparency measures.

Key Authenticity Checkpoints

Beyond the rating systems, several other factors can help you verify if a brand is authentic:

Country of Origin: Authentic Manuka honey must be produced and packed in New Zealand. Look for the 'Made in New Zealand' or 'Packed in New Zealand' label.
Traceability: Reputable brands offer full traceability from hive to jar. Many provide batch numbers and QR codes that link to lab test results or other origin information.
Monofloral vs. Multifloral: The New Zealand government regulates these terms. Monofloral Manuka honey contains a higher concentration of beneficial compounds from the Manuka flower. Multifloral is a blend, offering milder benefits.
Price: Genuine Manuka honey is expensive due to its limited harvest and processing. A price that seems too good to be true is a major red flag for a counterfeit product.
Brand Reputation: Stick with established, reputable brands that have been in the business for a long time. They are more likely to have transparent sourcing and testing practices.

Comparison of Authentic Manuka Honey Brands


Brand	UMF™ Status	MGO Rating	Country of Origin	Key Differentiator
Comvita	UMF™ Certified	Corresponds to UMF™ grade	New Zealand	Long-standing pioneer, high-potency options, strong sustainability focus
Manuka Health	UMF™ Certified & MGO	Multiple MGO options	New Zealand	Specializes in MGO certification alongside UMF™, wide range of potencies
New Zealand Honey Co.	UMF™ Certified	Corresponds to UMF™ grade	New Zealand	Offers traceability via QR codes, tested to meet MPI export requirements
Manuka South	UMF™ Certified & MGO	Multiple MGO options	New Zealand	High-quality, certified products with clear labeling and transparency
Wedderspoon	Unlabeled MGO	Uses KFactor system	New Zealand	Known for raw, unpasteurized honey. Uses a different internal purity system

Conclusion: Making a Confident Purchase

When determining what brand of Manuka honey is authentic, the key lies in looking for transparent, third-party certification. Prioritizing brands with the UMF™ quality mark provides the most comprehensive assurance of authenticity, purity, and potency, as it tests for the full spectrum of unique Manuka compounds. While the MGO rating is a useful indicator of antibacterial strength, it should be supported by additional proof of origin and traceability. By following these steps and choosing reputable brands, you can ensure you are purchasing genuine New Zealand Manuka honey and reaping its intended health benefits. You can verify a brand's license by searching the UMFHA database, a step that offers great peace of mind before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

To identify genuine Manuka honey, look for official certifications like the UMF™ mark or a transparent MGO rating. Ensure the product is labeled as being packed and sourced in New Zealand and that the brand is reputable and traceable.

UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) is a comprehensive grading system that tests for multiple signature compounds, including MGO, DHA, and Leptosperin. The MGO rating only measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, the primary antibacterial component.

For daily consumption and general wellness support, a UMF™ rating between 5+ and 10+ is a great option. Higher ratings are more potent and often used for specific health needs or topical applications.

No, not all honey from New Zealand is Manuka honey. Authentic Manuka honey must be sourced predominantly from the nectar of the native Manuka flower (Leptospermum scoparium) and meet strict testing requirements set by the New Zealand government.

Authentic Manuka honey is costly due to the limited bloom period of the Manuka tree (2-6 weeks a year), the remoteness of the harvest locations, and the rigorous testing and certification processes required to ensure authenticity.

Counterfeit Manuka honey is often diluted with other floral honeys or syrups and lacks the high concentration of beneficial compounds like MGO. Therefore, it will not provide the unique therapeutic benefits associated with genuine Manuka honey.

Brands with a strong reputation and official UMF™ certification are a safe bet. Well-regarded brands include Comvita, Manuka Health, New Zealand Honey Co., and Manuka South, among others listed by the UMFHA.