What Does UMF Certified Mean? A Comprehensive Guide to Manuka Honey

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 80% of all honey sold as Manuka is not genuine, making certification crucial for consumers. So, what does UMF certified mean and why is it the gold standard for verifying the quality and potency of New Zealand manuka honey? This guide explains the rigorous testing and quality assurance behind the Unique Manuka Factor.

Quick Summary

The UMF trademark is a certification for genuine New Zealand manuka honey, verifying its authenticity, potency, purity, and freshness. It involves laboratory testing for key markers like methylglyoxal, leptosperin, and dihydroxyacetone. A higher UMF rating indicates a higher concentration of beneficial compounds.

Key Points

UMF is a Quality Trademark: UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, a quality assurance system for genuine New Zealand manuka honey.
Tests for Four Factors: UMF certification tests for potency (MGO), authenticity (Leptosperin), shelf life (DHA), and freshness (HMF).
Offers Higher Assurance than MGO: Unlike MGO ratings that measure only one compound, UMF provides a comprehensive guarantee of quality, origin, and purity.
Higher Rating Equals Greater Potency: The numerical rating (e.g., UMF™ 10+, 15+) signifies the concentration of beneficial compounds, with higher numbers indicating stronger potency.
Guarantees Authenticity: The UMF™ mark ensures the honey is genuine New Zealand manuka, protecting consumers from counterfeit products.
Backed by Independent Auditing: The UMF Honey Association conducts independent testing and audits to maintain high standards and ensure consumer confidence.
Look for the License Number: A genuine UMF product will display the UMF™ trademark, rating, and the brand's unique license number on the label.

What is the UMF Certification?

UMF stands for 'Unique Manuka Factor,' a quality trademark and grading system specifically for manuka honey produced in New Zealand. It was established to protect consumers from counterfeit or low-quality products and is overseen by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). Unlike simpler ratings that measure only one compound, UMF certification guarantees that a product has been independently tested for four key factors to assure its quality from hive to jar. A higher UMF™ number reflects a greater concentration of manuka honey's unique properties.

The Four Pillars of UMF Quality

To earn the UMF™ quality mark, every batch of honey undergoes rigorous testing by independent laboratories for four specific characteristics.

Potency: Measured by the concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is the primary antibacterial compound responsible for manuka honey's unique activity.
Authenticity: Verified by testing for Leptosperin. This is a marker compound found only in the nectar of the manuka flower, making it a definitive indicator that the honey is genuine manuka.
Shelf Life: Confirmed by checking the level of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a precursor to MGO and its presence indicates that the honey's MGO content will remain stable and potent over time.
Freshness: Assured by testing for Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound that indicates if honey has been overheated or stored for too long.

UMF vs. MGO and Other Grading Systems

Navigating the world of manuka honey labels can be confusing due to various grading systems. The most common alternative to UMF is the MGO rating system, which exclusively measures the concentration of Methylglyoxal. While MGO is a key component, it doesn't provide the same comprehensive assurance as UMF. Other labels, such as 'Active' or 'KFactor,' are often less reliable and may not be backed by independent testing. The UMF certification offers a multi-faceted guarantee of quality that single-marker systems cannot match.

How to Identify a Genuine UMF Certified Product

Consumers can verify a genuine UMF certified product by looking for the following on the label:

The UMF™ trademark clearly stated.
It must be packed and labelled in New Zealand.
The UMF™ licensee's brand name and license number are visible.
The honey has a rating number alongside the trademark (e.g., UMF™ 10+).
It should not be confused with ratings that use the UMF™ abbreviation without the official trademark.

Table: UMF vs. MGO Grading


Feature	UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor)	MGO (Methylglyoxal)	Other/Active Honey
Rating System	A comprehensive system testing for multiple compounds.	Measures only the MGO concentration (mg/kg).	Non-standardized; measures peroxide activity or pollen count.
Authenticity Check	Verified through Leptosperin, a manuka-specific marker.	Does not independently verify floral origin.	Varies widely; often unreliable.
Purity Assurance	Guarantees against adulteration with additional markers.	Can be easily adulterated with synthetic MGO.	Minimal to no external validation.
Quality Control	Audited by the UMFHA; random sampling from stores globally.	No independent oversight body.	No independent auditing or monitoring.
Origin	Must be from New Zealand and packed there.	Not limited to New Zealand, can be packed anywhere.	Can be sourced and processed anywhere.

The Higher the UMF Rating, the More Potent

The numerical rating associated with the UMF™ trademark (e.g., UMF™ 10+, UMF™ 15+) directly correlates with the concentration of beneficial compounds. A higher number indicates greater potency and antibacterial activity. While honey with a UMF™ 5+ rating is considered suitable for daily wellness, a UMF™ 15+ or higher is often reserved for more targeted therapeutic uses due to its increased concentration of active compounds.

For example, a UMF™ 10+ honey contains a minimum of 263 mg/kg of MGO, while a UMF™ 20+ contains a minimum of 829 mg/kg. This escalation in potency is why higher UMF honey commands a premium price and is sought after for specific health and wellness applications. Consumers should select a UMF rating based on their intended use, from a daily spoonful for general wellness to a higher-grade for more intensive support.

The Benefits of UMF Certified Manuka Honey

UMF certified manuka honey offers a range of potential health benefits due to its potent, unique composition.

Wound Healing: When applied topically, the honey’s potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can assist in healing minor cuts, scrapes, and burns by protecting against harmful bacteria. High-grade manuka honey is even used in clinical settings for wound care.
Digestive Health: Internally, it is thought to support a healthy digestive system by balancing gut bacteria and soothing stomach discomfort.
Immune Support: Taking UMF certified manuka honey can help boost the immune system and provide relief for sore throats due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Skincare: Its anti-inflammatory qualities can help reduce skin irritation and calm redness, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products aimed at managing skin conditions like acne.

Conclusion: Your Assurance of Authentic Quality

The UMF certification is far more than just a label; it is a promise of quality, purity, and authenticity for New Zealand manuka honey. By relying on independent testing for key markers like MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF, the UMFHA protects consumers and upholds the industry's high standards. Choosing UMF certified manuka honey is the only way to be certain you are purchasing a product that genuinely delivers the unique benefits that make this honey so prized worldwide. For the most comprehensive assurance, always look for the official UMF™ logo and license number on the jar. This ensures you are not only getting real manuka honey, but that its potency and freshness have been rigorously verified. For further details on the UMF process and licensed brands, consider visiting the official UMF Honey Association website.

Visit the official UMF Honey Association website for more information

Frequently Asked Questions

UMF is a comprehensive certification that tests for four markers, including MGO, to verify authenticity, potency, purity, and freshness. The MGO rating, on the other hand, measures only the concentration of methylglyoxal and does not confirm the honey's origin or overall purity.

UMF certification is important because it provides independent, verifiable proof that the manuka honey you are buying is genuine, from New Zealand, and contains the key compounds in the concentrations advertised. It protects against mislabeled or fake manuka honey, which is a significant issue in the market.

A higher UMF rating indicates a greater concentration of the unique beneficial compounds found in manuka honey, suggesting higher potency. While a higher rating means stronger antibacterial and therapeutic properties, the 'best' quality depends on your intended use, with lower ratings being suitable for daily wellness.

You can verify a UMF certified product by checking for the official UMF™ trademark on the label, along with the specific UMF™ rating and the brand’s license number. The UMF Honey Association website also allows consumers to search for licensed brands.

UMF testing measures four key compounds: Methylglyoxal (MGO) for potency, Leptosperin for authenticity, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) for shelf life, and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) for freshness.

No. The UMF trademark can only be used by licensed New Zealand companies whose manuka honey is produced, packed, and labelled in New Zealand. This ensures its genuine origin from the native manuka bush.

Potential health benefits of UMF manuka honey include support for immune health, improved digestive wellness, soothing sore throats, and aiding in wound healing when applied topically. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are highly valued.