How to Recognise Real Manuka Honey: How to Check the Quality
Manuka honey is popular, and where there is demand, counterfeit products also emerge. Not every jar with "Manuka" on the label actually contains a measurable amount of methylglyoxal (MGO), and not every stated MGO value matches the actual content. Fortunately, there are a few concrete checkpoints to help you identify real, certified Manuka honey. Below, we'll go through them one by one.
1. Check MGO or UMF Certification
Real Manuka honey has a certification: MGO (Methylglyoxal) or UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor). These certifications indicate that the honey has been independently tested and that the stated value is actually present in the product. If there is no form of certification on the label, that is a clear warning sign. As an example, view our Manuka honey assortment: the MGO value and test level are clearly stated for each product.
2. Check the label and packaging
A reliable label should at least include the MGO value, the test lab or quality mark, and the country of origin. Some jars even have a QR code on the lid that allows you to directly view the test report for that specific batch. If this information is missing, or if the information is vaguely formulated ("contains MGO" without a number), be extra critical.
3. Pay attention to the origin: "Product of New Zealand"
Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the Manuka bush, which grows almost exclusively in New Zealand (and to a limited extent in parts of Australia). An authentic label will clearly state the origin, for example, as "Product of New Zealand". If there is no country of origin on the packaging, you cannot verify its authenticity.
