What is the best Manuka to buy?

According to the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), over 80% of all Manuka honey sold globally is fake. To find the best Manuka to buy, it is essential to understand the difference between grading systems like UMF and MGO, confirm origin, and determine the right potency for your intended use.

Quick Summary

A guide to purchasing authentic Manuka honey by deciphering grading systems like UMF and MGO. Learn how to verify origin and select the optimal potency based on your health goals and budget to avoid counterfeit products.

Key Points

• UMF vs. MGO: The UMF™ certification is the most comprehensive, measuring four key compounds including MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF to ensure authenticity and potency. MGO™ only measures methylglyoxal.

• Check for Certifications: Always look for official UMF™ and/or MGO™ logos on the label to avoid counterfeit honey, which is a common problem in the market.

• Verify Origin: Authentic Manuka honey comes from New Zealand. A reputable brand will explicitly state "Packed in New Zealand" and often provide traceable information like a QR code.

• Match Potency to Need: A lower UMF/MGO rating is fine for daily wellness and taste preferences, while a higher rating is required for targeted therapeutic uses like wound care or fighting infection.

• Reputable Brands: Stick with well-known brands that have a strong track record of transparency and quality, such as Comvita, Manukora, or New Zealand Honey Co..

• Be Wary of Low Prices: Genuine, high-potency Manuka honey is an expensive, rare commodity. Extremely low prices are a major red flag for counterfeit or inferior products.

Understanding the Manuka Honey Grading Systems

Choosing the best Manuka honey can be confusing due to the different grading systems used by producers. The two most prominent are UMF™ and MGO™. While both measure the honey's potency, they provide different levels of detail and assurance. Understanding these ratings is the first step toward making an informed purchase.

UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor)

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) is a trademarked quality mark administered by the UMF™ Honey Association in New Zealand. It is considered a comprehensive indicator of a honey's authenticity and potency because it measures several key compounds, not just one. A UMF™ rating assures that the honey has been tested for:

• Methylglyoxal (MGO): The primary antibacterial compound.
• Leptosperin: A marker unique to Manuka nectar, verifying authenticity.
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): A precursor that converts into MGO over time, indicating longevity.
• Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): A freshness indicator, ensuring the honey hasn't been overheated or stored for too long.

A higher UMF™ number, typically ranging from 5+ to 20+, indicates a more potent and active honey. UMF-certified honey must be packed in New Zealand, further guaranteeing its origin and quality.

MGO™ (Methylglyoxal)

Methylglyoxal (MGO™) is a simpler, more direct grading system that measures the concentration of the single key antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal, in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). For example, an MGO 250+ rating means the honey contains at least 250mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram. While straightforward, MGO alone doesn't provide the same assurance of authenticity and freshness as UMF, since MGO can potentially be added artificially. Higher MGO levels correlate directly with higher antibacterial potency.

Other Labels and Red Flags

Beware of vague or uncertified labels that use terms like "bio-active," "total activity," or simply "Manuka factor" without a registered trademark. These are often used on low-grade or blended honeys and do not guarantee the same level of potency or authenticity as UMF™ or MGO™. Always check for clear certification marks and traceable information.

Matching Manuka Potency to Your Needs

Choosing the best Manuka to buy depends heavily on your intended use. A higher rating means greater antibacterial activity and a higher price, but not everyone needs the most potent option.

For Everyday Wellness and Taste (UMF 5+ to 10+ / MGO 83+ to 263+)

If you are looking for a natural sweetener or a daily health boost, a lower-grade Manuka is perfect. It offers a milder flavor and still contains beneficial compounds for general wellness support.

• Use cases: Stirring into tea, mixing in smoothies, enjoying with toast, or general immune support.
• Brands: Comvita UMF™ 5+, Manukora MGO 100+.

For Targeted Support (UMF 10+ to 15+ / MGO 263+ to 514+)

This mid-range potency is ideal for more targeted applications and an immune boost, especially during cold and flu season. It has stronger antibacterial properties and a more pronounced, earthy Manuka flavor.

• Use cases: Soothing sore throats, supporting digestive health, treating minor cuts or abrasions.
• Brands: New Zealand Honey Co. UMF™ 15+, Manuka Health MGO 400+.

For Advanced Therapeutic Use (UMF 15+ and above / MGO 514+ and above)

For specific therapeutic applications and serious health concerns, a high-potency Manuka is the most effective. These are rare and expensive, with an intense flavor and thick texture. Clinical studies have shown efficacy against certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

• Use cases: Advanced wound care, supporting digestive conditions, combating persistent infections.
• Brands: Comvita UMF™ 20+, Manukora MGO 850+.

Comparison of Manuka Grading Systems

Feature	UMF™ Certification	MGO™ Grading	Other Uncertified Labels (e.g., "Active")
Verification	Independent, third-party certification by UMF™ Honey Association.	Measures only methylglyoxal concentration.	No independent verification, vague marketing claims.
Tested Compounds	MGO, DHA, Leptosperin, HMF.	MGO only.	Often opaque or misleading about content.
Authenticity	Guaranteed genuine Manuka from New Zealand.	Measures potency but not comprehensive authenticity.	Cannot reliably confirm authenticity or origin.
Traceability	Assured, with many brands offering QR codes linked to lab results.	Sometimes traceable, but not guaranteed by the grading standard itself.	Generally untraceable or uses misleading origin claims.
Reliability	Highest level of assurance for purity, potency, and origin.	Reliable for MGO content, but less comprehensive than UMF.	Low reliability; prone to counterfeiting.

How to Choose the Best Manuka to Buy: A Step-by-Step Guide

To navigate the market successfully and purchase the best Manuka for your needs, follow these steps:

1. Define your purpose. Are you buying for general wellness, a mild sore throat, or a serious health concern? Your purpose will determine the potency level you need and save you from overpaying for a grade you don't require.
2. Look for certification. Always prioritize jars with official UMF™ and/or MGO™ certification. These marks signify that the honey has undergone rigorous testing and meets established standards.
3. Confirm the origin. Authentic Manuka honey comes from New Zealand or parts of Australia. Check the label for "Packed in New Zealand" or "Product of New Zealand." Many reputable brands also offer traceability via a QR code.
4. Research the brand. Stick with established, reputable brands like Comvita, Manukora, or New Zealand Honey Co.. A reputable brand will be transparent about its sourcing and testing practices. ConsumerLab.com is also a useful resource for comparing tested products.
5. Be wary of low prices. Authentic Manuka honey is rare and expensive due to its unique properties and production methods. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Counterfeit Manuka is a widespread issue.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance of Potency and Authenticity

Ultimately, the "best Manuka to buy" depends on your specific needs, but the process is universally guided by ensuring authenticity and selecting the appropriate potency. For guaranteed quality and origin, choose a UMF™ certified product from a reputable New Zealand brand, while matching the UMF or MGO number to your intended use—be it daily wellness, specific health support, or advanced therapeutic applications. Investing time in research will ensure you receive a genuine, high-quality product that delivers the unique benefits Manuka honey is known for.

Reputable Manuka Honey Brands

• Comvita: A pioneer in Manuka honey, widely respected for its quality and UMF™ certified products.
• Manukora: Offers a transparent traceability system and focuses on MGO grading.
• New Zealand Honey Co.: Provides a wide range of UMF™ certified honeys for different uses.
• Manuka Health: Another well-established brand offering both UMF and MGO products.
• Wedderspoon: Known for its raw, monofloral Manuka honey, often graded by KFactor.

List of Recommended Manuka Honey Grades

• Daily Support: UMF 5+ to UMF 10+ (or MGO 83+ to MGO 263+).
• Immune Boost: UMF 10+ to UMF 15+ (or MGO 263+ to MGO 514+).
• High Potency: UMF 15+ and up (or MGO 514+ and up) for targeted therapeutic applications.

ConsumerLab.com offers independent reviews of Manuka honey products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between UMF and MGO ratings?

UMF is a comprehensive grading system that tests for four markers: MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF, guaranteeing authenticity and potency. MGO, in contrast, only measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, the main antibacterial compound.

How do I know if the Manuka honey I'm buying is real?

To ensure authenticity, look for a certified UMF or MGO mark on the label, and verify that the honey is sourced and packed in New Zealand. Reputable brands often provide traceability information, sometimes through a QR code on the packaging.

Is higher UMF or MGO always better?

A higher rating indicates greater antibacterial potency and is more suitable for therapeutic use, like wound care. For daily consumption or taste, a lower grade (e.g., UMF 5+ to 10+) is often sufficient and more budget-friendly.

What is the best Manuka honey for beginners?

For beginners, an entry-level Manuka honey with a lower UMF rating (5+ to 10+) or MGO 100+ is a great starting point. These grades offer a milder taste and are suitable for general wellness and daily consumption.

Why is Manuka honey so expensive?

Manuka honey is expensive because it is a rare and highly sought-after product. The unique compounds are difficult to harvest, and the production is limited to specific regions, driving up the price, especially for higher grades.

Can I give Manuka honey to my child?

No. Honey, including Manuka, should not be given to children under 12 months of age due to the rare risk of infant botulism from bacterial spores. Always consult a doctor before giving honey to an infant.

Does the taste of Manuka honey vary?

Yes, Manuka honey has a distinct, earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness. The taste and texture can vary depending on the UMF/MGO rating, with higher grades generally having a more intense flavor and a thicker, creamier texture.