EDUCATION
How Much UMF™ Is Enough?
5 Minute Read
Essential Takeaways
UMF™ stands for Unique Manuka Factor and the trademark was created in 1998 by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) to protect genuine Manuka honey from New Zealand.
This honey has been researched for decades; in laboratory studies, higher-grade batches show stronger antibacterial activity. The UMF™ grading system was developed in order to detect, verify, and rate this Manuka honey.
Only pure, raw, monofloral Manuka honey that was both produced and packaged in New Zealand can earn a UMF™ grade.
The higher the UMF™ grade, the more concentrated the signature compounds in the batch of Manuka honey. This helps consumers to decide which grade suits them based on their use, taste and budget.
In the world of Manuka honey, UMF™ is kind of a big deal.
Honey is one of the most faked foods on the planet.
With its famed reputation and higher price point, New Zealand Manuka honey and its honey producers specifically needed protection.
And so, the UMF™ trademark was born.
So what’s the difference between UMF™ 10+ and UMF™ 30+, and the grades in between? Does everyone need the highest grade?
That’s what we’ll explore here.
In this guide to choosing your UMF™, we’ll cover:
Let’s get down to business.
What Is The UMF™ Grading System And Why Does It Matter?
For a number of years now, the numbers just haven’t added up.
In recent years, more Manuka honey has been sold in some countries than was recorded to have been produced worldwide.
How is that possible?
Well, it isn’t.
Evidently, there are a lot of fakes on the market.
With the rise in popularity, demand, and the higher price-point of Manuka honey, protection was needed for both consumers and authentic suppliers.
So in 1998, the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) registered the UMF™ trademark to certify authentic, pure, independently tested Manuka honey from New Zealand - and provide grades to identify its potency.
“The UMF™ Honey Association has a world-leading science programme that is focussed on identifying the unique signature compounds of genuine Manuka Honey, as a way of safeguarding consumers and the industry.”
- Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association
Read more: UMF™ honey and the UMFHA.
UMF™ stands for Unique Manuka Factor.
This refers to the concentration of specific compounds found in genuine Manuka honey.
Much research has been done, and still continues today, into the impacts of different concentrations of these compounds in different contexts.
So let’s delve into what the numbers mean.
What the UMF™ Gradings Mean to Manuka Honey
For Manuka honey to receive a UMF™ grade, it needs to have met certain standards.
Only a pure, raw, monofloral Manuka honey from New Zealand can receive a UMF™ grade. The producer also needs to be licensed by the UMFHA, which comes with its own standards and regulations.
Manuka honey is tested independently for four chemical markers that indicate different quality traits.
They are: methylglyoxal (MGO), leptosperin, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and hydroxymethylfurfal (HMF).
Let’s take a closer look.
Methylglyoxal (MGO)
MGO is the compound most commonly associated with the antibacterial properties studied in Manuka honey.
Whilst regular honeys sometimes contain MGO, Manuka honey can have up to 100 times more. Higher UMF™ grades contain more MGO.
MGO content helps to verify the potency of the Manuka honey.
And when you buy certified, authentic Manuka honey, you’ll see the MGO content alongside the UMF™ grade, so you know how concentrated the product you're buying is.
Read more: What Does MGO Mean on Manuka Honey?
Leptosperin
The Latin binomial name of the manuka plant is Leptospermum scoparium.
Leptosperin is a compound only found in honey made with manuka nectar, so this helps to verify the authenticity of Manuka honey.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
Manuka honey contains uniquely high levels of DHA. This is the compound in Manuka nectar that bees convert into methylglyoxal (MGO) as they make the honey.
DHA slowly converts to MGO over its lifetime. The more DHA in a batch of Manuka honey, the fresher the honey is expected to be.
So DHA is an indicator of the freshness as well as the authenticity of Manuka honey. Click here to learn more about how bees make honey.
DHA slowly converts to MGO over its lifetime. The more DHA in a batch of Manuka honey, the fresher the honey is expected to be.
So DHA is an indicator of the freshness as well as the authenticity of Manuka honey.
Hydroxymethylfurfal (HMF)
This compound indicates whether Manuka honey has been stored for too long or above the average temperature of the hive.
High temperatures can kill the natural enzymes and beneficial compounds found in Manuka honey, so HMF helps to verify its freshness and potency.
Manuka honey is tested in independent labs for these chemical markers and assigned a UMF™ grade accordingly.
The grades help consumers to decide which is right for them based on exactly what’s inside the jar.
These are the levels of each trait required for the most common UMF™ ratings:
- Source: UMFHA.
So higher grades have more concentrated signature compounds — but what does this mean when you’re choosing a jar?
Which UMF™ And MGO Rating Is Right For You?
In laboratory studies, honey with higher UMF™ grades has shown stronger antibacterial activity.
Higher UMF™ grades contain more concentrated levels of the compounds researchers have studied. Choose a grade to suit your taste, your intended use and your budget.
But like many good things, the highest grades of Manuka honey can only be harvested in small quantities, making it more expensive and not suitable for every budget.
Here are our suggestions for the best uses of each UMF™ grade of Manuka honey.
INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLER
| Rating | Typical consumer | Typical uses | Ideas & Information |
| At the lower end of the UMF™ spectrum, UMF™ 10+ is great for regular consumption that the whole family can enjoy. | A natural energy boost, this honey has a relatively mild flavour, so is great for use in raw foods and other everyday kitchen creations. It's also a versatile everyday grade for gut and digestion support. | ||
| UMF™ 15+ offers a little extra MGO kick for mixing into foods, making your own wellness masks at home, simply consuming from the spoon, or adding it to your morning rituals. This is our most popular grading, loved by families and young adults. | With a higher concentration of MGO, it is a popular choice for topical, cosmetic applications on the skin. | | |
| The start of the premium grades, UMF™ 20+ is the first step up for people wanting to do more with Manuka than just eat it. This is popular with mums and young professionals. | People often make UMF™ 20+ part of a daily wellness routine, use it in bioactive skincare, and enjoy it as part of their daily immune support. | | |
| A highly potent grade with significant MGO levels, UMF™ 24+ is often chosen by those seeking one of the most concentrated grades for their wellness routines. | Concentrated potency for daily wellness rituals and cosmetic skincare formulations. UMF™ 24+ is also a great natural energy option. | | |
| UMF™ 26+ represents an exceptional grade of Manuka honey, offering superior levels of natural compounds. It's favoured by those seeking the highest quality for their wellness routines and specific applications. | Perfect for daily wellness rituals (one teaspoon before breakfast), luxury skincare formulations, athletic performance support, and ceremonial practices. Ideal for DIY beauty blends. | • Natural pre- and post-workout superfood • Premium daily wellness rituals | |
| An ultra-premium grade sought after by wellness enthusiasts and those seeking maximum potency. Favoured for its exceptional purity and concentrated compounds. | Reserved for premium wellness routines, cosmetic skincare applications, and elite performance support. Ideal for targeted use and premium wellness routines where maximum potency is desired. | ||
| The rarest of all grades, representing just 0.02% of production. Chosen by people who desire nothing less than the best, and those who want the most concentrated grade available. | Premium daily wellness rituals, elite sports performance, and exclusive skincare treatments. Often reserved for those who want maximum potency. | • Ultra-premium wellness routines • Elite athletic prep and recovery • Maximum strength applications • It can be used for any purpose - here are 176 ways to use Manuka honey |
As with any natural product, it’s always best to check with a doctor before giving it to young children or if you have a pollen allergy.
Get Top Quality UMF™ Manuka Honey from New Zealand Honey Co.
So, what’s the bottom line?
If you buy New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey, you’ll be getting genuine, raw Manuka honey, in all its irresistible sweetness. Tested and certified.
But don’t take our word for it, see what our customers think:
“This is an elixir beyond description.”
- D. Moser, verified buyer | UMF™ 28+ | MGO 1450+
Still unsure which grade is right for you?
Your wellness journey starts with a spoonful a day.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Recieve our latest releases, offers, guides and more.
