How do you know you’re buying authentic Mānuka Honey?

Seven ways to be sure you’re choosing genuine, high-quality Mānuka Honey from New Zealand.

Authentic Mānuka Honey is rich in nutrients, deep in taste and prized for its special characteristics. It’s no wonder it’s so sought after around the world!

But how can you be sure you’re getting a genuine product? Deciphering a myriad of scientific-sounding terms and numbers can be tricky. Some brands have created their own grading systems, while others are independently measured using the ‘MGO’ or UMF™ quality mark. It can definitely be confusing!

So, how can you tell if honey is real? Read on to discover the key markers of authentic Mānuka Honey. We’ll explain how to make informed choices and ensure you’re always getting the real deal! 

Firstly, what is Mānuka Honey?

Mānuka Honey is a unique honey produced from the rare nectar of the native, wild New Zealand Mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium).

Mānuka Honey contains amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds. No other honey has the volume or complexity of natural components as New Zealand Mānuka Honey, and it’s garnered a trusted reputation for its unique qualities.

Thick and delicious, with a characteristic dark cream to dark brown colour, Mānuka Honey has long been sought after as an exceptional honey with a distinct, complex flavour and rich aroma that’s very different from ordinary honey.

How to tell if Mānuka Honey is real

There are seven ways to identify authentic Mānuka Honey, no matter where in the world you buy it (spoiler alert: Comvita Mānuka Honey ticks all of these boxes!). In a nutshell, they are:

1. It’s from New Zealand
2. It’s made from Mānuka flowers
3. It gets the MPI tick (Ministry of Primary Industries)
4. It contains four unique compounds
5. It carries the UMF™ quality mark
6. It’s independently verified and certified
7. It’s produced by a reputable, well-established brand

Let’s get into how to check if honey is genuine with these seven authenticity markers.

1. Authentic Mānuka Honey comes from New Zealand

The native Mānuka tree’s roots run deep in New Zealand’s history and culture. From food to traditional medicine, Māori found many uses for the leaves, bark and gum of the Mānuka tree.

In fact, Māori consider the Mānuka tree a taonga (treasure) and that they are the kaitiaki (guardians) of the tree and the knowledge and traditions associated with it. To Māori, the use of the authentic name Mānuka (with the macron above the ‘a ’) means that this precious treasure is being honoured and protected. It’s our belief that no other country has this connection to the Mānuka tree, and the name and spelling Mānuka should only be used when these trees are grown in New Zealand.

Note the macron above 'a’ on Comvita Mānuka Honey – a sign that it’s authentic Mānuka Honey from New Zealand.

2. Authentic Mānuka Honey comes from Mānuka flowers

For honey to be legally labelled as ‘Mānuka Honey’, it must be predominantly collected from the nectar of New Zealand Mānuka flowers (Leptospermum scoparium)1. Authentic Mānuka Honey is a monofloral honey that contains unique, naturally occurring compounds, which are lab-tested to determine its purity and potency.

Mānuka Honey can only be produced in areas abundant with native Mānuka blossoms, which is why our hives are located in some of the most remote, untouched parts of New Zealand, with some areas only accessible by helicopter or hike-in.

Additionally, Mānuka trees only bloom for a very short two to six weeks a year, which is why every drop of authentic Mānuka Honey is so special.

3. Authentic Mānuka Honey is verified by MPI standards

The Mānuka Honey industry is regulated by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This means that all honey sold and exported from New Zealand under the name ‘Mānuka Honey’ meets strict standards, ensuring it’s pure and true to label, giving consumers confidence.

MPI enforces a Scientific Regulatory Definition for exported Mānuka Honey based on chemical fingerprinting and pollen DNA marker analysis. 1 This definition requires minimum amounts of these specific phenolic compounds to be present in the honey:

• 2-methoxybenzoic acid
• 2’-methoxyacetophenone
• 3-phenyllactic acid
• 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid
• along with a Mānuka pollen DNA marker

These compounds are produced naturally in the nectar of Mānuka flowers and therefore naturally occur in Mānuka Honey. 2 All of Comvita’s exported and domestic authentic New Zealand Mānuka Honey meet these stringent MPI standards.

The four chemical markers that measure the quality and authenticity of Mānuka Honey.

4. Authentic Mānuka Honey contains four unique compounds

While MPI sets a definition for exported NZ Mānuka Honey using specific chemical and DNA markers, UMF™ is a separate, independently certified quality mark that tests for additional naturally occurring markers used to verify authenticity and quality. 

The UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) number represents these unique signature compounds (more about that later in this article):

Leptosperin

Leptosperin is a unique natural plant compound found only in Mānuka Honey. It’s extremely difficult to make synthetically and is not commercially available. As this compound cannot be artificially added, it is an excellent marker for genuine Mānuka Honey. (6,7,8)

Methylglyoxal (MGO)

MGO is associated with Mānuka Honey’s distinctive profile and is one of the markers used in quality measurement. There have been cases of adulteration where synthetically made MGO has been added to honey to make ‘fake’ Mānuka Honey. In other words, an MGO rating alone is not a guarantee of the purity of Mānuka Honey. (3,4,5)

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

DHA is a natural plant compound found in the nectar of Mānuka flowers and is the key precursor to MGO. As Mānuka Honey matures, DHA naturally converts into MGO.
As DHA occurs naturally in the nectar and cannot be artificially added in a way that replicates this conversion, measuring DHA alongside MGO helps indicate the honey’s origin, quality and maturation potential, supporting the verification of genuine Mānuka Honey.

Lepteridine™ 3,6,7-Trimethyllumazine

Discovered by Comvita scientists, this is a unique natural plant compound found only in Mānuka Honey. Like Leptosperin, it’s tricky to make synthetically, not commercially available and cannot be artificially added, making it another excellent marker for authenticity. (9,10,11)

Comvita tests for Lepteridine™ 3,6,7-Trimethyllumazine levels as part of our quality programme – another sign of our commitment to delivering quality Mānuka Honey.

5. Authentic Mānuka Honey carries the UMFᵀᴹ mark

Only New Zealand Mānuka Honey brands licensed by the UMFHA can carry the Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF™) quality mark, one of the most comprehensive, independently certified, and internationally recognised quality assurance systems available. It provides third-party assurance of Mānuka Honey’s potency, authenticity, purity, shelf life and freshness.

UMF™ certification independently verifies the presence and quality of the four key natural components that make New Zealand Mānuka Honey unique.

To carry the UMF™ quality mark, genuine UMF™ Mānuka Honey must comply with all five of the following criteria:

1. UMF™ is clearly stated on the front label
2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand
3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed by UMFHA to use the name UMF™
4. It has the UMF™ licensee's name on the front label
5. It has a rating of UMF™ 5+ or more

Remember, not all Mānuka Honey is UMF™ rated, only the brands that have been independently tested and verified by UMFHA, including Comvita Mānuka Honey. 

Look for the UMFᵀᴹ quality mark on your jar of Mānuka Honey – it’s a sure sign of authenticity.

6. Authentic Mānuka Honey is tested and verified

As the pioneers of authentic Mānuka Honey and with nearly 50 years of beekeeping science, knowledge and care, we test every batch through our quality programme, supported by our internationally accredited honey laboratories (our Nature Labs). We rigorously test our honey with more than 34 separate tests to ensure its purity.

With 23 independent audits and certifications and 45 patents globally, Comvita continues to deliver products of the highest quality, purity and potency to customers around the world.

Our New Zealand Mānuka Honey is also sustainably sourced, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified UMF™ Raw Mānuka Honey.

Healing, protecting, restoring natural ecosystems, and improving biodiversity are at the heart of our company.

7. Authentic Mānuka Honey comes from a reputable brand

If you’re still not sure which Mānuka Honey brand to choose, look for a large, reputable and enduring brand that has not only been around for a long time, but is also actively working to protect our bees and our planet in the future.

Comvita is the home of real Mānuka Honey. We’ve been nurturing bees and harvesting honey since 1974 – and our founder, Claude Stratford, had already been a beekeeper for over 50 years by then.

Our sustainable practices honour the natural state of Mānuka Honey, and ensure this precious and rare nectar is available for generations to come. And our harmony plan ensures we leave the world a better place, for bees, trees, people and our environment.

We’re not only about nature, we’re also about science. Our Mānuka Honey products are UMF™ certified, meaning they are tested by both Comvita and independent laboratories to meet strict quality standards for Mānuka Honey.

FAQs

How do I know if the honey is pure? 

The Mānuka Honey industry is regulated by the New Zealand Government’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as well as the UMFHA (Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association). All Mānuka Honey exported undergoes rigorous testing, ensuring that it’s authentic, unadulterated and contains all of the unique compounds found in genuine Mānuka Honey.

As a long-established New Zealand Mānuka Honey producer, Comvita also undertakes more than 34 separate tests to ensure our honey’s quality and purity.

How do you read a Mānuka Honey label?

The simplest way to ensure the Mānuka Honey you’re buying is authentic is to look for the UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) quality mark on the label. This is the most comprehensive, independently certified and internationally recognised quality assurance system available.

The UMFHA (UMF™ Honey Association) has been at the forefront of almost three decades of world-leading research to understand the benefits and quality of Mānuka Honey. They have identified 2,300+ natural compounds in New Zealand Mānuka Honey that contribute to its unique taste, texture, and authenticity.

How can you tell if honey is bad?

Honey is known for its long shelf life, but like all natural foods, its quality can decline over time if it’s not stored properly. Signs that honey may no longer be at its best include an unusual fermented smell, excessive foaming, or a sour taste. These changes can occur if moisture levels are too high or if the honey has been exposed to heat or contaminants. 

Keep your honey stored in its original container, tightly sealed, and at room temperature. Properly stored honey should maintain its characteristic aroma and flavour.

Does real honey harden?

Real honey can become firmer over time. This is a natural physical change related to the sugars in honey and does not indicate spoilage or poor quality. Texture can vary depending on the floral source and storage conditions.

Does real honey crystallise?

Yes. Crystallisation is a natural and expected process in real honey. It occurs when glucose forms crystals, giving the honey a thicker or grainier appearance. This is a sign of minimally processed honey and does not affect its quality or suitability for use.

How do I differentiate between real and fake honey?

Distinguishing genuine honey from imitations goes beyond visual cues. Authentic honey should clearly state its floral source and country of origin and list honey as the only ingredient. 

For Mānuka Honey, additional verification, such as recognised certification, batch testing, and traceability, provides greater confidence. Transparent labelling and independent testing are key indicators of authenticity.

From our hives to your hands

The truth about Mānuka Honey’s authenticity lies in the details. Look for verified origin, recognised quality marks, transparent labelling and a reputable producer with a long-standing commitment to science and sustainability, and you can feel confident you’re choosing the real, delicious deal!

At Comvita, every jar of Mānuka Honey reflects nearly five decades of beekeeping expertise, rigorous testing and respect for nature. When you choose Comvita, you’re choosing traceable, independently certified New Zealand Mānuka Honey crafted with care, backed by science, and produced with integrity.

Simply put, our honey is as pure, natural and authentic as can be! Experience it for yourself and shop Comvita’s complete selection of Mānuka Honey goodness online.

Note: The contents of this blog are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider if you have any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

References:
1. Ministry for Primary Industries. Mānuka honey science definition. Retrieved from https://www.mpi.govt.nz/growing-and-harvesting/honey-and-bees/Mānuka-honey (2017).
2. Smallfield, B. M., Joyce, N. I., & van Klink, J. W. Developmental and compositional changes in Leptospermum scoparium nectar and their relevance to Mānuka honey bioactives and markers. 2018. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 56(2), 183-197.
3. Mavric E, Wittmann S, Barth G, Henle T. Identification and quantification of methylglyoxal as the dominant antibacterial constituent of Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honeys from New Zealand. Molecular nutrition & food research. 2008, Vol. 52, 4, pp. 483-489.
4. Adams CJ, Manley-Harris M, Molan PC. The origin of methylglyoxyl in New Zealand Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey. Carbohydr Res. May 26, 2009, Vol. 344, 8, pp. 1050-1053.
5. Adams CJ, Boult CH, Deadman BJ, Farr JM, Grainger MN, Manley-Harris M, Snow MJ. Isolation by HPLC and characterisation of the bioactive fraction of New Zealand Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey. Carbohydr Res. Mar 17, 2008, Vol. 343, 4, pp. 651-659.
6. Bong J, Prijic G, Braggins TJ, Schlothauer RC, Stephens JM, Loomes KM. Leptosperin is a distinct and detectable fluorophore in Leptospermum honeys. Food chem. 2017, Vol. 214, pp. 102-109.
7. Bong J, Loomes KM, Lin B, Stephens JM. New approach: chemical and fluorescence profiling of NZ honeys. Food Chemistry. Nov 30, 2018, Vol. 267, pp. 335-67.
8. Kato Y, Fujinaka R, Ishisaka A, Nitto Y, Kitamoto N, Takimoto Y. Plausible authentication of Mānuka honey and related products by measuring leptosperin with methyl syringate. J Agric Food Chem. Jul 9, 2014, Vol. 62, 27, pp. 6400-6407.
9. Lin B, Loomes KM, Prijic G, Schlothauer R, Stephens JM. Lepteridine as a unique fluorescent marker for the authentication of Mānuka honey. Food Chem. Jun 15, 2017, 225, pp. 175-180.
10. Daniels BJ, Prijic G, Meidinger S, Loomes KM, Stephens JM, Schlothauer RC, Furkert DB, Brimble MA. Isolation, structural elucidation, and synthesis of lepteridine from Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey. J Agric Food Chem. Jun 22, 2016, Vol. 64, 24, pp. 5079-5084.
11. Stephens JM, Loomes KM, Braggines TJ, Bong J, Lin B, Prijic G,. Fluorescence: A Novel Method for Determining Mānuka Honey Floral Purity. Honey Analysis. Mar 15, 2017, 95.