Mānuka's Superpowers

Manuka Honey Certifications: A Guide for Informed Consumers

Nicole Gent

Published at: October 24, 2024
Updated at: February 5, 2025

7 minutes

Executive Summary:

Manuka honey boasts a unique and dense nutrient profile that differentiates it from other honey.
Specific rating systems and certifications—like MGO content and UMF certification—guarantee the composition and authenticity of Manuka honey to protect consumers and the Manuka honey market.
Manuka honey products are priced according to their quality and purity.
Consumers are guaranteed high-quality Manuka honey to support their wellness routine when they insist on buying Manuka honey products that are certified and reputable.

Manuka stands proudly a step apart from your typical bottle or jar of honey. Harvested in the dense and protected forests of New Zealand, Manuka honey is produced from the unique nutrient-dense nectar of the resilient Manuka tea tree.

Unlike regular honey, authentic Manuka honey boasts a variety of rare and potent nutrients prized in the world of health and wellness. Yet, how do you know if you're buying the real deal?

To ensure you're choosing authentic Manuka honey, independent labs and organizations rigorously test and certify its quality. These certifications are key to verifying the honey's unique properties and traceability, helping consumers make confident choices.

"Certifications provide a seal of authenticity, ensuring your Manuka honey meets the highest standards."

In this article, we'll explore how to identify genuine Manuka honey, decode its key labels and values, and select a product that supports your wellness journey.

Understanding Manuka Honey Certifications

When it comes to Manuka honey, certifications, and grading systems play a vital role in ensuring authenticity, quality, and nutrient density.

Each system highlights specific aspects of the honey, helping consumers make informed choices. Here's a simplified guide to the key certifications and what they mean:

MGO (Methylglyoxal)

MGO measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in abundance in Manuka honey.

Higher MGO ratings indicate more significant concentrations of bioactive compounds, making it a reliable marker of the honey's quality and wellness-supporting properties.

MGO ratings typically range from 80 to 1000+, with higher numbers reflecting greater nutrient density.

"MGO is your quick-reference guide to the strength and bioactivity of Manuka honey."

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)

The UMF system is internationally recognized and goes beyond MGO ratings to provide a detailed assessment of Manuka honey's authenticity and quality. UMF scores evaluate four key components:

MGO Content: Reflects antibacterial activity.
Leptosperin: A unique antioxidant that confirms authenticity.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): Indicates shelf life and natural conversion into MGO.
HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): Assesses honey freshness.

UMF ratings range from 5 to 25, with higher scores signaling superior quality and authenticity.

K Factor

The K Factor system, developed by Wedderspoon, measures the pollen count in honey to determine its floral origin:

Monofloral: Derived primarily from Manuka nectar, offering higher purity.
Multifloral: Contains a mix of nectars, with less emphasis on Manuka.

The presence of pollen also indicates that the honey has not been heat-treated and is in its nutrient-dense raw state.

There is no known correlation to the bioactive properties in Manuka in this rating system, so it is not comparable against MGO ad UMF certified products.

Additional Certifications

Look for honey certified as non-GMO and glyphosate-free, ensuring it is free of pesticides and harmful chemicals. These certifications highlight a commitment to quality and sustainability, offering peace of mind with every purchase.

How Certifications Influence Quality and Price

Certifications and grading systems play a key role in determining both the quality and value of Manuka honey.

They offer a transparent way for consumers to understand the product's authenticity, purity, and nutrient density while also guiding producers in pricing their honey appropriately.

Higher grades—like those with elevated MGO ratings—indicate superior quality and greater wellness-supporting benefits, which naturally come at a premium price.

Understanding these grades simplifies the process of selecting the right Manuka honey for consumers' needs.

"The grade on the jar reflects the honey's journey—from purity and nutrient density to the value it brings to your wellness."

For example, if you're seeking robust wellness support, consider investing in a higher MGO product, such as Manukora's MGO 850+. Its price reflects its exceptional quality and bioactivity.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a versatile honey for daily use with added wellness benefits, a more affordable option like Manukora's MGO 600+ is a great choice.

Understanding these certifications helps you make informed decisions, ensuring that the Manuka honey you choose aligns with your wellness goals and budget.

Tips for Verifying Authentic Manuka Honey

To ensure you're purchasing genuine Manuka honey, follow these key steps:

Check the Numbers: Look for the MGO rating and the UMF trademark on the jar. These are reliable indicators of authenticity. Ensure the MGO content has been verified by independent, third-party testing.
Scan for Test Results: Manukora goes the extra step to include QR codes on their packaging. Scanning these codes provides detailed information about the honey's composition, certifications, and traceability.
Consider the Price: High-quality Manuka honey reflects its value. If the price seems unusually low, it's worth investigating further to ensure you're not purchasing a diluted or fraudulent product.
Trust the Brand: Choose brands with a reputation for transparency and consistency. Research reviews and brand credentials to find a product you can rely on.

"A trusted brand with transparent testing ensures the Manuka honey you choose meets the highest standards."

The Role of Certifications in Consumer Trust

As Manuka honey grows in popularity as a health food, the incidences of fake Manuka honey grow too.

Honey fraud is a global concern that makes authenticity testing and certifications vital.

When you choose a product that proudly states its composition, certifications, and more, you can know with confidence that the quality of the honey inside the jar is reflected by the information on the outside—and worth the price, too!

Unlike ordinary honey, genuine Manuka honey offers unique nutrients that support wellness.

Certifications and grading systems guarantee you're receiving the quality and value you expect, ensuring that every jar aligns with your wellness goals.

Choose Manuka Honey That Fits Your Wellness Journey

Now that you're familiar with the certifications and grading systems, take a moment to prioritize quality and authenticity.

Opt for a trusted, certified Manuka honey known for its transparency, rigorous testing, and commitment to excellence.

Explore Manukora's range of Honey With Superpowers™, paying attention to the MGO ratings to find the perfect match for your needs.

Whether you're looking for robust wellness support or an everyday addition to your routine, there's a Manuka honey for you.

"Adding high-quality Manuka honey to your wellness routine is a simple yet rewarding choice."

With Manukora's traceable, certified honey, you can feel confident you're choosing a product that not only meets the highest standards but also supports your overall well-being. It's a smart step toward a healthier, sweeter lifestyle!

Frequently Asked questions

What makes Manuka honey different from regular honey?

Manuka honey is rich in unique bioactive compounds like MGO and leptosperin, offering superior wellness benefits compared to regular honey.

What does MGO mean in Manuka honey?

MGO (Methylglyoxal) measures the antibacterial and bioactive strength of Manuka honey. Higher MGO levels indicate higher potency.

What is the UMF rating in Manuka honey?

The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is an internationally recognized grading system that assesses the honey's quality, authenticity, and key compounds like MGO and leptosperin.