Certified vs Non-Certified Mānuka Honey: What You Need to Know

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

In the world of premium honey, few products are as celebrated - or as misunderstood - as Mānuka honey. With its unique antibacterial properties, rich golden hue, and distinctive flavour, this honey from New Zealand’s native Mānuka bush has become a global sensation. But not all jars labelled “Mānuka” are created equal.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes certified Mānuka honey different from non-certified versions, you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know before you buy your next jar.

1. What Does “Certified Mānuka Honey” Mean?

Certified Mānuka honey has been independently tested and verified to meet strict standards set by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). These standards ensure that the honey genuinely comes from the nectar of the Mānuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium).

Testing covers both:

• Chemical markers, like methylglyoxal (MGO) and leptosperin, which are responsible for Mānuka’s natural antibacterial activity.
• DNA markers from the Mānuka plant to confirm authenticity.

When you see UMF™ or MGO certification on the label, it means the honey has passed this rigorous testing process.

2. What About Non-Certified Mānuka Honey?

Non-certified Mānuka honey might still contain Mānuka nectar - but without testing, there’s no way to verify how much or how active it truly is. Some blends include other floral honeys, diluting both flavour and potency.

That’s why non-certified products are often cheaper, but they don’t guarantee the same level of purity or natural health benefits.

If a jar simply says “Mānuka-style” or “Mānuka blend,” it’s probably not pure Mānuka honey.

3. Understanding UMF™ and MGO Ratings

If you’ve ever seen numbers like “UMF 10+” or “MGO 400+” on a label, here’s what they mean:

• UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) is a grading system that measures the honey’s potency, authenticity, and quality.
• MGO measures the actual methylglyoxal content - the natural compound responsible for Mānuka’s antibacterial power.

As a rule of thumb:

• UMF 5+ / MGO 100+: Everyday wellness use
• UMF 10+ / MGO 250+: Immune support
• UMF 15+ / MGO 500+: Therapeutic use

Certified brands like Manuka Hunters display these ratings clearly, so you always know what you’re buying.

4. Why Certification Matters

Certification isn’t just a marketing tool - it’s about trust and traceability. Each jar of certified Mānuka honey can be traced back to the hive and region it came from. This ensures you’re getting a product that’s:

• Authentic – harvested from genuine Mānuka sources in New Zealand.
• Pure – tested for adulteration and contaminants.
• Potent – scientifically measured for beneficial compounds.

For those who value natural health and ethical production, certification provides peace of mind.

5. How to Identify Genuine Mānuka Honey

Before you buy, check for these indicators:
- UMF™ or MGO rating on the label
- The New Zealand FernMark symbol
- A batch number or QR code for traceability
- The producer’s details (avoid vague “packed in” labels)

Manuka Hunters honey carries the UMF™ quality mark, verifying it meets New Zealand’s highest export standards.

6. The Bottom Line

When it comes to Mānuka honey, certification is everything. It’s what separates a premium natural product from an imitation.

So next time you shop, look for the UMF™ or MGO seal, and choose trusted producers like Manuka Hunters - where authenticity, quality, and purity are guaranteed.

·       Explore our range of certified, pure New Zealand Mānuka honey: Shop Now at Manuka Hunters, or you can buy on Amazon.

·       Related reading: What Is Raw Mānuka Honey? Benefits, Uses, and Why It Matters

_________________________________________________________________________________