With the growing popularity of Manuka honey, it's more important than ever to know how to identify an authentic product.
Not every honey labelled "Manuka" meets the same quality standards. Fortunately, genuine UMF™ certified New Zealand Manuka honey can be independently verified.
In this guide, we'll explain how to verify the authenticity of your Manuka honey and what to look for before you buy.
Why Verification Matters
Authentic Manuka honey is produced from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) plant, which is native to New Zealand.
Because genuine Manuka honey is limited in supply and highly valued worldwide, independent certification helps ensure that consumers receive exactly what they are paying for.
Choosing UMF™ certified Manuka honey gives you confidence that the honey has been independently tested for authenticity, quality, and purity.
What Is UMF™ Certification?
The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) is the internationally recognized quality certification system managed by the UMF™ Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand.
Only licensed producers who meet strict quality standards may display the UMF™ trademark on their products.
Each batch must pass independent laboratory testing before it can be certified.
👉 Learn more: What Is UMF™?
How to Verify Your Manuka Honey
Verifying authentic UMF™ certified Manuka honey takes only a few minutes.
Step 1 – Find the Manufacturer's Licence Number
Look for the UMF™ Licence Number on the jar label.
Every licensed producer has a unique licence number issued by the UMF™ Honey Association.
Step 2 – Find the Batch Number
Locate the batch number printed on your jar.
The batch number identifies the exact production batch of your honey.
Step 3 – Visit the Official UMF™ Website
Go to:
www.umf.org.nz
Step 4 – Enter the Information
Enter:
- the manufacturer's licence number
- the batch number
The UMF™ website will display the official UMF™ Quality Certificate for that batch.
What Does the Quality Certificate Show?
The official UMF™ Quality Certificate confirms the laboratory test results for the batch.
Depending on the producer, the certificate may include:
- UMF™ rating
- MGO (Methylglyoxal)
- DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)
- Leptosperin
- HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural)
These measurements confirm that the honey meets UMF™ certification standards.
Why Might the Certificate Show a Higher MGO Value?
Customers sometimes notice that the MGO value on the laboratory certificate is higher than the value printed on the label.
This is completely normal.
The label displays the minimum guaranteed MGO level for that UMF™ grade.
The certificate shows the actual laboratory-tested result for that specific batch.
For example:
| Jar Label | Laboratory Certificate |
|---|---|
| UMF™ 16+ / MGO 570+ | UMF™ 18.2 / MGO 710 mg/kg |
This simply means the honey exceeded the minimum certification requirements.
👉 Read more: Why Doesn't the MGO on the Label Match the Laboratory Certificate?
What Else Should You Look For?
When purchasing Manuka honey, check for:
✅ UMF™ trademark
✅ UMF™ rating (such as UMF™ 10+, 15+, or 20+)
✅ Country of Origin: New Zealand
✅ Manufacturer's UMF™ Licence Number
✅ Batch Number
These details help confirm that you're purchasing authentic UMF™ certified Manuka honey.
Buy From a Trusted Retailer
Buying from a reputable retailer is just as important as checking the label.
At Manuka Canada, we work directly with trusted New Zealand producers and proudly offer authentic UMF™ certified Manuka honey.
Whenever available, we also publish batch-specific laboratory test results, allowing you to compare the actual laboratory-tested MGO levels with the minimum certified values shown on the jar.
Our goal is complete transparency, so you can shop with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every UMF™ honey be verified?
Yes. Every authentic UMF™ certified Manuka honey can be verified through the official UMF™ Honey Association website using the manufacturer's licence number and batch number.
Is UMF™ certification better than simply showing an MGO number?
UMF™ certification is a comprehensive quality system. It includes MGO testing along with additional authenticity markers and strict quality requirements.
What if I cannot verify my honey?
If a product cannot be verified through the official UMF™ website or does not display the required UMF™ information, contact the retailer or manufacturer for clarification.
Explore Authentic UMF™ Certified Manuka Honey
Looking for genuine New Zealand Manuka honey?
Explore our carefully selected collection of UMF™ certified Manuka honey, sourced directly from trusted New Zealand producers and backed by independent laboratory testing.
➡️ Explore Our Manuka Honey Collection
Continue Learning
If you enjoyed this guide, you may also like: