If you've been shopping for Manuka honey, you've probably seen labels such as UMF™ 10+, UMF™ 15+, or UMF™ 20+.
But what exactly does UMF™ mean, and why is it important?
In this guide, we'll explain what UMF™ is, how it relates to MGO, and why choosing UMF™ certified Manuka honey gives you confidence that you're purchasing genuine New Zealand Manuka honey.
What Does UMF™ Stand For?
UMF™ stands for Unique Manuka Factor.
It is the internationally recognized quality certification system developed and licensed by the UMF™ Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand.
The UMF™ trademark can only be used by licensed producers whose Manuka honey has been independently tested and meets strict quality standards.
When you see the UMF™ logo on a jar, you know the honey has been tested for authenticity, purity, and quality.
Why Is UMF™ Important?
Not all honey labelled "Manuka" is the same.
The UMF™ certification helps protect consumers by ensuring the honey:
- is genuine New Zealand Manuka honey
- has been independently laboratory tested
- contains the required naturally occurring marker compounds
- meets strict quality and traceability standards
Buying UMF™ certified Manuka honey gives you confidence that you're purchasing an authentic product.
What Does the UMF™ Number Mean?
The number following UMF™ (for example UMF™ 10+ or UMF™ 20+) indicates the minimum certified grade of the honey.
Generally, a higher UMF™ rating means a higher concentration of naturally occurring compounds found in Manuka honey.
Typical UMF™ grades include:
| UMF™ Rating | Minimum MGO (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
| UMF™ 5+ | 83+ |
| UMF™ 10+ | 263+ |
| UMF™ 15+ | 514+ |
| UMF™ 20+ | 829+ |
| UMF™ 23+ | 1042+ |
| UMF™ 25+ | 1200+ |
The "+" symbol means "at least."
For example:
- UMF™ 15+ means the honey meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for that grade.
How Does UMF™ Relate to MGO?
Many people wonder whether UMF™ and MGO are the same thing.
The answer is no.
MGO (Methylglyoxal) is one of the naturally occurring compounds measured in Manuka honey.
UMF™, however, is a broader certification that evaluates multiple factors to confirm both authenticity and quality.
For this reason, UMF™ certification provides more information than MGO alone.
👉 Read our guide: UMF™ vs MGO: What's the Difference?
Why Can the Laboratory Certificate Show a Higher MGO Value?
Customers sometimes notice that the laboratory certificate shows a higher MGO value than the one printed on the label.
This is completely normal.
The label displays the minimum guaranteed MGO level, while the laboratory certificate reports the actual measured result for that particular batch.
For example:
| Jar Label | Laboratory Result |
|---|---|
| UMF™ 16+ / MGO 570+ | UMF™ 18.2 / MGO 710 mg/kg |
This simply means the batch exceeded the minimum certification requirements.
👉 Read more: Why Doesn't the MGO on the Label Match the Laboratory Certificate?
How Can You Verify UMF™ Certification?
Every authentic UMF™ certified Manuka honey can be verified through the official UMF™ Honey Association.
Visit:
Enter:
- the manufacturer's licence number
- the batch number printed on the jar
You'll be able to view the official UMF™ Quality Certificate confirming the authenticity and laboratory test results for your batch.
Which UMF™ Strength Should You Choose?
The best UMF™ rating depends on your personal preference and how you plan to enjoy your Manuka honey.
Many customers choose:
- UMF™ 5+ for everyday use
- UMF™ 10+ for daily wellness
- UMF™ 15+ as a premium everyday option
- UMF™ 20+ and above for those seeking higher UMF™ grades
👉 Read our complete guide: How to Choose the Right Manuka Honey Strength (UMF™ 5+ to UMF™ 25+).
Shop Authentic UMF™ Certified Manuka Honey
At Manuka Canada, we proudly offer authentic UMF™ certified New Zealand Manuka honey from trusted producers.
To provide complete transparency, we also publish batch-specific laboratory test results whenever available, allowing you to compare the actual MGO levels with the certified minimum values printed on the label.
➡️ Explore Our Manuka Honey Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UMF™ better than MGO?
UMF™ is a comprehensive certification that includes MGO testing as well as additional quality and authenticity markers.
What is a good UMF™ rating?
There is no single "best" UMF™ rating. The right choice depends on your personal preferences. Authentic UMF™ certified honey is available in a range of strengths, from UMF™ 5+ to UMF™ 25+.
Can I trust UMF™ certified honey?
Yes. Every UMF™ certified honey is independently tested and must meet strict standards established by the UMF™ Honey Association.
Does a higher UMF™ number mean higher MGO?
Generally, yes. Higher UMF™ grades correspond to higher minimum MGO levels.
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