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 the 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 Honey Certifications: Essential Guide for Consumers
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 protect consumers—and the production of this valuable honey—authentic Manuka honey is tested and certified by independent labs and organizations.
In this article, we will look closely at the different certifications and measurements and explain their importance. You’ll learn how to identify genuine Manuka honey, read and understand the values printed on the jar, and make an informed choice that supports your wellness goals.
Understanding Manuka Honey Certifications
In the world of Manuka honey, there are a variety of certifications and measurements—each one plays a valuable role. Different grading systems and certifications confirm or prove various aspects of the quality, authenticity, and potency of the honey. Below is a quick overview of the different Manuka honey certifications.
MGO (Methylglyoxal)
Methylglyoxal is found in trace amounts in regular honey, but it is abundant in Manuka honey. This unique nutrient has powerful antimicrobial properties which have caught the attention of the world. MGO content is also a helpful indication of the quality of the honey—a high MGO rating naturally implies a higher nutrient density overall.
The MGO rating can range from 80 to over 1000—the higher the value, the more potent the honey, and the greater the wellness support.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)
The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading system is internationally recognized and more detailed than the more “user-friendly” MGO content rating.
The UMF rating is determined by:
- MGO content—which indicates antibacterial properties.
- Leptosperin content—a powerful antioxidant unique to Manuka honey confirms authenticity.
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) content—indicates its shelf-life.
- Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content—determines its freshness.
It’s easy to see why the UMF factor indicates the quality, potency, and authenticity of Manuka honey. The UMF factor ranges from 5 to 25—the higher the value, the better the authenticity, potency, and freshness of the Manuka honey.
K Factor
An unofficial grading system—used by Wedderspoon, a Manuka honey producer—is the K Factor rating. They measure the Manuka tea tree pollen count to determine whether the honey is monofloral, made from Manuka nectar alone, or multifloral, produced from a variety of nectar and less pure.
The presence of pollen also indicates that the honey has not been heat-treated and is in its nutrient-dense raw state.
Other tests also provide helpful and relevant information. Manuka honey that is proven non-GMO (non-genetically modified organisms) and glyphosate residue-free—free of pesticides or other harmful chemicals—should be valued over other choices.
How Certifications Affect Quality and Price
Grading systems provide valuable—and trusted—information about genuine Manuka honey that serves to inform customers. They also allow producers to price their batches of Manuka honey appropriately. The greater the quality, purity, freshness, and nutrient density (reflected by the MGO rating)—the more valuable and expensive the Manuka honey.
Understanding the numbers on the jar and the meanings of the different grading systems makes understanding the price and choosing the correct Manuka product much easier!
For example, if you’re looking for intense wellness support, choose the highest MGO product you can afford, such as Manukora’s MGO 850+. Remember that its price reflects its quality. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an everyday natural sweetener with some wellness support, a less expensive, lower MGO Manuka would serve you well, such as Manukora’s MGO 600+.
Tips for Verifying Authentic Manuka Honey
There are a few ways to verify the authenticity of Manuka honey before you make your choice. The main four ways include:
- Look for the numbers: MGO content and the UMF trademark are the first signs of authenticity. Remember that the MGO content should be certified by an independent third party.
- Test results: Some products, like Manukora’s Manuka honey products, have QR codes on each product. Scanning these reveals the composition, test results, and traceability.
- Reflect on the price: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Remember that the quality of genuine Manuka honey is reflected in its price.
- Brand identification: If you find a brand of Manuka honey that is trusted, transparent, and consistent, stick with it! Look for online reviews and do your homework before you make your purchase.
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 regular honey products, genuine Manuka honey contains powerful nutrients with proven health benefits. Manuka honey is a valuable product because of its unique and potent composition. Certifications and ratings guarantee that you’re getting what you pay for from brands you can trust.
Choose Real Manuka Honey That Suits You!
Take some time to read over this information and learn about the various Manuka honey certifications.
Then, prioritize choosing a high-quality brand that is reputable, proven, and certified. Once you’ve chosen a brand, explore their various Manuka honey products, taking note of each one’s MGO rating. It won’t take long to decide on one or two products to add to your wellness routine. It’ll be the smartest (and sweetest!) decision you make!
Sources:
The Composition and Biological Activity of Honey: A Focus on Manuka Honey - Pubmed
Unique Manuka Factor: The Golden Standard in Manuka Honey - UMFHA
Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview - Pubmed
