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

Mānuka Honey is known for its distinctive composition, rich flavour and unique characteristics. It’s no wonder it’s so sought after around the world!

But how can you be confident you’re choosing authentic Mānuka Honey? With different grading systems and scientific terminology used across products, it can definitely be confusing!

Read on to discover the key markers used to identify authentic New Zealand Mānuka Honey. We’ll explain how to make informed choices based on origin, testing, and recognised standards.

Firstly, what is Mānuka Honey?

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

Mānuka Honey contains multiple naturally occurring compounds, including sugars, amino acids, and plant-derived compounds that contribute to its distinctive composition.

Typically darker in colour with a robust, earthy flavour, Mānuka Honey is valued for both its taste and its traceable New Zealand origin.

New Zealand’s native Mānuka trees only bloom for 2 to 6 weeks per year – no wonder authentic Mānuka Honey is so precious!

How to tell if Mānuka Honey is real

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

In a nutshell, Mānuka Honey is:

1. From New Zealand
2. Derived from Mānuka flowers
3. Gets the tick of approval from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI)
4. Contains key naturally occurring markers associated with Mānuka nectar
5. Carries the UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) quality mark
6. Independently verified and certified
7. 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 regard themselves as 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.

New Zealand has a truly special connection to the Mānuka tree, and it’s our belief that the name and spelling Mānuka should only be used when these trees are grown in their native home.

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.

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 parts of New Zealand. Some areas are only accessible by helicopter or on foot!

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

3. Authentic Mānuka Honey is verified by MPI standards

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has established a science-based definition used for Mānuka Honey exported from New Zealand.

This includes testing for four chemical markers and one DNA marker associated with Mānuka pollen to help verify origin and composition.

These markers include:

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

These measures help support consistency and confidence in how Mānuka Honey is defined and labelled. All of Comvita’s exported and domestic New Zealand Mānuka Honey meet these stringent MPI standards.

The four important compounds that are a measure of the quality and authenticity of Mānuka Honey.

4. Authentic Mānuka Honey contains four unique compounds

In addition to MPI testing, grading systems such as the UMF™ and MGO rating systems assess other natural compounds associated with Mānuka Honey.

Leptosperin

Leptosperin is a unique natural compound associated with 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 authentic New Zealand Mānuka Honey. (6,7,8)

Methylglyoxal (MGO)

MGO is a measurable compound that forms from dihydroxyacetone (DHA) present in Mānuka nectar. MGO levels are commonly displayed on labels and are used as part of grading systems.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

DHA is a natural compound found in Mānuka nectar and is the key precursor to MGO. As Mānuka Honey matures, DHA naturally converts into MGO. 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 unique natural plant compound is found only in Mānuka Honey. 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.

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

5. Authentic Mānuka Honey carries the UMFᵀᴹ mark

Look for the UMFᵀᴹ (Unique Mānuka Factor) quality mark on your jar of Mānuka Honey. This quality trademark is used by licensed New Zealand producers and provides a recognised grading system.

UMF™ measures key markers and provides a rating that reflects its composition, and is what makes New Zealand Mānuka Honey unique!

To carry the UMF™ mark, products must meet specific criteria, including:

• Being packed and labelled in New Zealand
• Being produced by a licensed UMF™ brand
• Displaying a UMF™ rating of 5+ or higher

Remember, not all Mānuka Honey is UMF™ rated. Only the brands that have undergone independent lab testing and been verified by UMFHA, including Comvita Mānuka Honey. 

6. Authentic Mānuka Honey is tested and verified

As the pioneers of authentic New Zealand 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 quality and authenticity.

With 23 independent audits and certifications and 45 patents globally, Comvita continues to deliver premium products backed by rigorous quality testing and certification to customers around the world.

Comvita Mānuka Honey is also Certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project, providing independent verification through accredited laboratory testing as an additional layer of quality assurance.

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

Healing, protecting and restoring natural ecosystems and improving biodiversity is 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 reputable, enduring, and trusted producer that is actively working to protect our bees and our planet in the future.

Comvita has been nurturing bees and harvesting authentic Mānuka 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.

Frequently asked questions

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 is tested for authenticity, composition, and quality markers.

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

How do you read a Mānuka Honey label?

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 composition 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?

Genuine 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?

If you want to learn how to spot fake honey, you’ll need to look beyond visual cues. Authentic honey should clearly state its floral source and country of origin and list honey as the only ingredient.

For New Zealand Mānuka Honey, additional verification, such as recognised certification, batch testing, and full 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 to help you make a more informed choice.

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.

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/dmsdocument/17374-Manuka-Honey-Science-Definition-infographic (2018).
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.