Buying Manuka Honey: Your Selection Guide

If you're looking to buy Manuka honey, you're often faced with a wealth of information: MGO ratings, UMF seals, and significant price differences can make the choice complicated. This guide is designed to help you understand the crucial quality markers and find a product that meets your needs. We focus on objective facts and certifications so you can make an informed decision.

What to Look for When Buying Manuka Honey

To assess the quality and authenticity of Manuka honey, several key metrics and characteristics are essential.

1. Understanding MGO and UMF: The Most Important Quality Markers

The two most common systems for evaluating the properties of Manuka honey are MGO and UMF.

• MGO (Methylglyoxal): This value indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey. MGO is one of the key components found in significant quantities in Manuka honey. A higher MGO value indicates a higher concentration of this specific compound. Common strengths include MGO 100+, MGO 250+, MGO 400+, or Manuka Honey MGO 550.

• UMF (Unique Manuka Factor): This is a comprehensive quality seal awarded by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. A certified Manuka honey with a UMF seal has been tested for several characteristic compounds, including MGO, Leptosperin, and DHA. The UMF system guarantees that the honey is authentic, monofloral, and was produced and packed in New Zealand. A Manuka Honey UMF 15+ is roughly equivalent to an MGO content of 514+.

2. Origin and Certification: The Guarantee of Pure Manuka Honey

Genuine, pure Manuka honey comes exclusively from New Zealand, as the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium) is native there. When making a purchase, look for the following:

• Country of Origin: The label should clearly state "Product of New Zealand".
• Certification: Look for official seals like the UMF logo or verifiable MGO content ratings confirmed by lab analysis. Reputable manufacturers often provide a batch number that allows you to verify authenticity online.

3. Choosing the Right MGO Content for Your Needs

The choice of the right strength depends on your intended use. Without going into any specific Manuka honey effects, its application can be categorised by concentration:

• Low MGO Content (e.g., MGO 100+): Suitable for daily enjoyment, for example as a spread on bread, in muesli, or for sweetening lukewarm drinks.
• Medium MGO Content (e.g., MGO 250+ to 400+): A popular choice for users who regularly incorporate the honey into their general wellness routine.
• High MGO Content (e.g., MGO 550+ and higher): Often preferred by experienced users who are specifically looking for a honey with a very high concentration of its characteristic compounds.

Featured Manuka Honey Picks

Based on the quality criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of Manuka honeys that stand out for their certifications and clearly declared ingredients.

Manuka Doctor Manuka Honey UMF 16+ / 570+ MGO 250g

What makes it stand out: This honey from Manuka Doctor is certified for both UMF and MGO, offering dual assurance of its quality and authenticity. The guaranteed MGO content of at least 570 mg/kg places it in the upper-mid range.

• Benefits:

  • Independently certified by the UMF Honey Association (license number on the label).
  • Guaranteed MGO content of 570+.
  • 100% pure honey from New Zealand, with no additives.
  • Sustainably sourced and packaged in a BPA-free jar.

• Who it's for: Users looking for a potent and reliably certified Manuka honey to support their daily well-being.

BIHOPHAR Manuka Honey MGO 100+, 250g

What makes it stand out: The BIHOPHAR Manuka Honey offers a guaranteed MGO content of 100+, making it a solid choice for beginners or for daily use as a high-quality food. It is pure, unadulterated, and tested for its MGO content.

• Benefits:

  • Guaranteed minimum content of 100 mg/kg of methylglyoxal.
  • Pure honey from New Zealand, free from additives, antibiotics, and pesticides.
  • Good value for money for daily use.

• Who it's for: Beginners and users who want to use Manuka honey as a daily spread, for sweetening tea and yoghurt, or as a natural source of energy.

Manuka Doctor UMF 20+ / 830+ MGO 250g

What makes it stand out: With a UMF certification of 20+ and an MGO content of over 830 mg/kg, this honey is among the most potent on the market. It comes from an apiary with a long tradition and offers full traceability via a QR code.

• Benefits:

  • Very high concentration with UMF 20+ and MGO 830+.
  • Officially certified by the UMF Honey Association.
  • Full traceability right back to the lab certificate.
  • Monofloral honey that is minimally processed to preserve its natural properties.

• Who it's for: Experienced users specifically seeking a Manuka honey with one of the highest available concentrations of compounds for specific purposes.

Looking for More Options?

Haven't found the right product yet, or are you interested in other types of honey? Discover our entire range of high-quality honey and find the perfect addition to your kitchen and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do MGO and UMF mean for Manuka honey?

MGO (Methylglyoxal) is a measure of the concentration of a single, key compound. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a comprehensive quality seal from New Zealand that, in addition to MGO, also tests for other authenticity markers like Leptosperin and guarantees the honey's origin.

How is Manuka honey used correctly?

Manuka honey can be used in many ways. It is common to take 1-2 teaspoons per day, either pure, stirred into lukewarm tea or water, on toast, or in muesli. It can also be applied topically to the skin. Please note that honey, in general, is not suitable for infants under 12 months of age.

How can I identify genuine Manuka honey from New Zealand?

Look for the "Product of New Zealand" label, an official UMF logo, or a clear MGO content rating that is backed by a certificate. A batch number for traceability is another sign of a reputable manufacturer and a certified Manuka honey.