Mānuka honey is known worldwide for its unique properties and naturally occurring compounds. However, its popularity has also led to the market being flooded with misleading products and honey falsely labelled as Mānuka. Knowing how to identify genuine Mānuka honey ensures you are getting both the quality and the health benefits you expect.
At Melora, we work directly with trusted New Zealand beekeepers to bring you certified, authentic Mānuka honey. Here is how you can tell if the honey you buy is the real thing.
1. Check for UMF™ or MGO Certification
Authentic Mānuka honey from New Zealand is tested and graded for its bioactive compounds. The two most recognised standards are:
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UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor): This rating verifies the presence of key signature compounds such as Leptosperin, DHA, and MGO (Methylglyoxal). A higher UMF™ rating indicates a stronger concentration.
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MGO (Methylglyoxal): This measures the antibacterial compound directly. For example, an MGO 300+ honey contains at least 300mg of MGO per kilogram.
Look for either UMF™ or MGO certification clearly displayed on the jar. If a product uses vague wording like “active honey” without specific numbers, it may not be genuine.
2. Confirm New Zealand Origin
All genuine Mānuka honey comes from the nectar of the Mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), native only to New Zealand. Reliable brands will clearly state the origin as New Zealand and often carry official export certification. If the label does not state its country of origin, that is a red flag.
3. Look for Laboratory Testing and Batch Numbers
Trustworthy brands provide evidence of third-party testing for every batch of honey. At Melora, each jar includes a batch number that can be traced back to laboratory results verifying its strength and purity. Always check whether a company provides this level of transparency, as it is a sign of accountability.
4. Examine the Label Carefully
Authentic Mānuka honey jars contain clear and specific information, such as:
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MGO level or UMF™ rating
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Net weight
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Batch or lot number
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Company name and address
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Country of origin
Labels that use terms like “natural active honey” without official grading are often trying to imitate Mānuka without the necessary certifications.
5. Consider the Price
Mānuka honey is rare, and genuine high-grade honey is more expensive to produce. If a jar of “Mānuka honey” is priced far below the average market value, it is worth questioning its authenticity. Cheaper options may be blends, diluted with other honeys, or falsely labelled.
6. Trust the Brand’s Reputation
A reputable brand will have years of experience, clear sourcing practices, and direct relationships with beekeepers. Melora has worked alongside local New Zealand communities for over two decades, supporting sustainable beekeeping and ensuring authenticity at every stage. Choosing a trusted brand reduces the risk of buying counterfeit honey.
Why Authenticity Matters
The unique compounds in genuine Mānuka honey are what make it special, from its naturally high levels of MGO to its use in supporting wellness and skincare. Fake or diluted products not only lack these properties, but they also undermine the work of ethical beekeepers and producers. By choosing certified Mānuka honey, you are ensuring both quality for yourself and sustainability for the environment.
Final Thoughts
If you are asking how to tell if your Mānuka honey is genuine, the answer lies in certification, labelling, and trust. Always check for UMF™ or MGO ratings, New Zealand origin, batch testing, and brand transparency.
At Melora, we take pride in delivering honey that meets these standards, so you can enjoy the true benefits of authentic Mānuka honey.
Browse Melora’s Range
Browse our range of genuine Mānuka honey. Every jar tells the story of sustainable apiaries, robust testing, and uncompromising quality. Explore our collection and ensure you choose honey you can truly trust.