What is the Test for the Best Manuka Honey?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Reports indicate that up to 70% of honey sold in some markets may not be genuine, making it critical for consumers to understand what is the test for the best Manuka honey. This process relies on specific certifications that authenticate its origin, potency, and purity.

Quick Summary

Authenticating Manuka honey quality requires understanding specific grading systems like UMF™ and MGO. These tests measure key chemical markers to verify the honey's New Zealand origin, potency, and antibacterial compounds, ensuring consumers get a genuine, high-quality product.

Key Points

UMF™ is the gold standard: The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) is the most comprehensive test, verifying origin, purity, freshness, and potency.
MGO measures potency: The Methylglyoxal (MGO) rating indicates the level of the key antibacterial compound; higher numbers mean stronger potency.
Authenticity relies on Leptosperin: This marker, unique to Manuka flowers, is tested by the UMF™ association to confirm genuine Manuka origin.
Check the source and label: Authentic Manuka honey should be sourced and packed in New Zealand and carry official certification marks.
Be cautious of price: Genuine Manuka honey is expensive due to its rarity, so be suspicious of products priced significantly lower than average.
Verify traceability: Reputable brands provide batch numbers that can be traced back to the honey's origin for consumer confidence.

Manuka honey, a premium product from New Zealand, is celebrated for its unique antibacterial properties and health benefits. However, its high value has led to widespread counterfeit products in the market, necessitating strict testing protocols. For consumers, knowing the specific tests and markers to look for on a product label is the definitive way to secure an authentic jar.

The Primary Grading Systems: UMF™ and MGO

When you ask "what is the test for the best Manuka honey?", the answer hinges on two primary and widely recognized grading systems: UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) and MGO (Methylglyoxal). While both measure the honey's antibacterial strength, they differ in their scope and verification processes.

Understanding the UMF™ Grading System

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) is the gold standard for authenticity, purity, and potency, overseen by the independent UMF™ Honey Association. A UMF™-certified honey must pass a comprehensive test for four signature compounds found in genuine Manuka honey:

Leptosperin: A unique chemical marker found only in Manuka nectar, verifying authenticity.
Methylglyoxal (MGO): The key antibacterial compound, indicating potency.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): The precursor to MGO, indicating the honey's shelf life and potential for potency increase over time.
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): A marker of freshness, ensuring the honey has not been overheated.

Only honey packed and tested in New Zealand can receive a UMF™ certification, and the UMFHA conducts independent audits to ensure standards are met.

The MGO Grading System

The MGO rating system is more straightforward, focusing solely on the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). The higher the MGO number, the more potent the honey's antibacterial activity. While MGO is a reliable indicator of potency, it does not guarantee authenticity or freshness in the same way the multi-factor UMF™ test does. Some brands may use an MGO rating without additional third-party verification.

UMF™ vs. MGO Comparison Table


Aspect	UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor)	MGO (Methylglyoxal)
What it Verifies	Authenticity (Leptosperin), Purity, Potency (MGO), Freshness (HMF).	Potency via Methylglyoxal concentration.
Verification Process	Rigorous, independent testing by the UMF™ Honey Association on multiple markers.	Measures only the MGO level; verification can vary by brand.
Assurance Level	Considered the highest level of assurance for origin and quality.	A good measure of antibacterial strength but not comprehensive proof of authenticity.
Best For	Consumers who want the most comprehensive guarantee of a genuine, high-quality, and potent Manuka honey.	Consumers primarily interested in the antibacterial strength, often at a lower price point for comparable potency.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Consumers

To ensure you are buying genuine Manuka honey, follow these steps:

Check for Official Certification: Look for the UMF™ quality mark or other reputable certifications like the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) logo. For UMF™, verify the company is a licensed member on the official UMFHA website.
Inspect the Label: The label should clearly state it is a "Product of New Zealand" and list the UMF™ or MGO rating. Higher ratings (e.g., UMF 15+ or MGO 514+) indicate higher potency.
Ensure Traceability: Authentic products should have a batch number that can be traced back to its New Zealand origin.
Be Wary of Price: Genuine Manuka honey is a premium product. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Consider the Brand's Reputation: Research the brand and read reviews. Reputable companies will be transparent about their sourcing and testing procedures.

Beyond the Label: Other Quality Indicators

While certifications are paramount, other characteristics can also indicate quality:

Texture and Consistency: High-quality Manuka honey is typically thick, creamy, and opaque, unlike clear, runny table honey.
Color: The color is often darker amber or brown.
Taste: Genuine Manuka honey has a strong, earthy, and sometimes slightly bitter or medicinal flavor that is distinct from regular honey.

Conclusion: Ensuring Authenticity and Value

The most reliable test for the best Manuka honey is a multi-layered approach that prioritizes official, independent certifications like UMF™ or AMHA. While the MGO rating is a key indicator of antibacterial potency, a comprehensive test like UMF™ provides greater assurance of authenticity, origin, and overall quality. By understanding what these ratings represent, verifying the source, and being mindful of the price, consumers can confidently navigate the market and select a product that delivers the true benefits of this exceptional honey.

To learn more about what to look for, visit the UMF Honey Association's website to check licensed producers.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMF™ is considered the superior and more comprehensive test, as it verifies four key chemical markers—including MGO—to guarantee authenticity, purity, and freshness, in addition to potency.

For basic daily wellness, MGO 100+ or UMF™ 5+ is a good starting point. For stronger, more targeted health support, many experts recommend MGO 300+ or UMF™ 10+ and higher.

Fake Manuka honey often lacks official UMF™ or MGO certification, may not specify New Zealand origin on the label, and is often priced suspiciously low for its claimed potency.

Yes, some authentic Manuka honey is also produced in Australia. However, it uses a different grading system, and consumers should look for certification from the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA).

The most effective medical-grade Manuka honey is tested to have a very high MGO concentration, often exceeding MGO 550+ or UMF™ 15+, to ensure maximum antibacterial activity. However, its use for medical conditions should always be discussed with a doctor.

The high cost is due to its limited supply and the expensive, rigorous testing process required to certify its unique antibacterial properties and origin.

An MGO rating confirms the level of methylglyoxal, but it doesn't verify the honey's authenticity or freshness. For the highest assurance, look for a UMF™ certification alongside the MGO number.

A traceable batch number is an important marker of authenticity, allowing consumers and regulators to track the honey back to its specific source in New Zealand and verify its testing results.