What Are The Different Mānuka Honey Certifications?

Mānuka honey's reputation as a luxurious natural gold is renowned worldwide, with its appeal reaching from one hemisphere to the other. However, despite many brands claiming to offer pure Mānuka honey, the team at PURITI believe it's essential that everyone is aware of the different methods used to qualify Mānuka honey purity and potency. 

Many might think there is one singular method to authenticate Mānuka honey, but several certification approaches exist. Different customers worldwide seek specific certifications based on their individual preferences and requirements.

This comprehensive blog will guide you through the three recognised certification methods, offering an exclusive understanding of how each process operates. While some are more commonly used than others, it's essential to be aware of each validation process. Furthermore, we will elaborate on one specific method, widely considered to be the gold-standard certification.

Ready to become a Mānuka honey pro!? 

Methylglyoxal (MGO)

Why Is MGO Considered To Be The Most Important Ingredient? 

MGO, known as methylglyoxal, may be the most well-known biochemical in the Mānuka honey industry. This bioactive component is the critical determinant of potency in Mānuka honey, and its strength often influences which jar our loyal customers buy. At PURITI, our range includes MGO concentrations ranging from 83mg/kg to as high as 1722+.

The interest in MGO has skyrocketed in the past few decades due to several reports suggesting potential antibacterial properties. However, it's important to note that these findings are derived from in-vitro or artificial studies and have yet to be fully validated for real-world applications. Nevertheless, MGO is widely acknowledged for the surge in interest among natural skincare enthusiasts. While there are suggestions that Mānuka honey may contribute to soothing acne-prone skin, further research is still required to substantiate these claims.

Should I Only Consider MGO When Purchasing Mānuka Honey? 

MGO is incredibly popular amongst our customers; true high-quality Mānuka honey needs more than just a world-class natural ingredient! At PURITI, we go above and beyond to set ourselves apart as a 100% pure New Zealand variety of Mānuka honey, ensuring an unparalleled experience for our customers.

Are there better ways to measure Mānuka honey purity than just the MGO? Arguably, there may very well be. Remember, MGO is the powerhouse behind the potency of all Mānuka honey varieties, regardless of the validation method. And guess what? We proudly showcase the MGO concentration on every single label of our PURITI Mānuka honey because we know how much it matters to our valued buyers. Nevertheless, we never stop just at MGO, and we always go above and beyond your expectations. 

Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF™) 

Why Is Everyone Always Talking About UMF™? 

Globally understood as the gold standard of Mānuka honey verification, the Unique Mānuka Factor or UMF™ was established in 1998. This comprehensive method focuses on four critical biochemical factors widely considered to be the driving force behind Mānuka honey purity. One of which is our dear friend MGO, which was mentioned above. The others include: 

🍯 Leptosperin – for authenticity

🍯 Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – for shelf-life

🍯 Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) – for freshness

Each of these mighty components serves a specific purpose, joining forces to create the ultimate "grade" or "score" you're familiar with. With UMF™ grades ranging from UMF™ 5+ to UMF™ 31+, you'll be in for a treat with some of the world's rarest honey varieties!

While all factors play crucial roles, MGO – the potency powerhouse – propels those higher-end UMF™ grades. Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF come into play at just the right concentration to add that magical touch to our extraordinary Mānuka honey.

Just like carats determine the value of gold, MGO drives the worth of our precious Mānuka honey. Get ready for a delectable journey into unparalleled purity and potency!

Why Do Only The Best Brands Showcase UMF On Their Label? 

While some standards may only talk about MGO and DHA, PURITI takes it to the next level by accounting for leptosperin and HMF. You deserve to know that you're getting nothing less than 100% pure Mānuka DNA, untainted by heat or any unnecessary additives.

We understand some buyers out there might only be fixated on MGO levels, and that's okay if you're looking for a natural alternative to refined cane sugar. But for us at PURITI, authenticity is everything. Our Mānuka honey is harvested from far-flung corners, ensuring an unadulterated, raw, and untouched experience. Boasting the true essence of monofloral Mānuka honey, certified with UMF™ goodness.

A premier brand like PURITI knows several customers out there who seek perfection. As purveyors of the finest honey in New Zealand, we make sure we have the certifications to back it up. So, don't waste a moment longer and explore our variety of Mānuka honey products. 

K-Factor

I've Heard People Mention K-Factor, What Is It? 

K-Factor is an intriguing measurement of raw Mānuka honey's purity, rarely used in the industry. Unlike MGO measurement, this unique standard originates from a single company and zeroes in on the honey's pollen count without necessarily assessing its potency (MGO).

You won't find MGO on K-Factor Mānuka honey labels. Instead, you will see a K-Factor 12 for multifloral Mānuka honey and K-Factor 16 for the rare monofloral variety.

Beyond the pollen count, K-Factor adopts a broader, "more holistic" approach, considering various aspects to determine Mānuka honey purity. From traceability of hive to home to staying raw and unpasteurised, this honey meets these necessary standards. While this honey will ensure each product is free from antibiotics, glyphosates, and pesticides - all of PURITI's Mānuka honey comes without these potentially harmful substance residues.

Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA)

Is It Important To Consider NPA? 

The Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) of monofloral Mānuka honey is a classification that takes Mānuka honey's potency and quality to a whole new level!

In 1981, New Zealand's Dr Peter Molan conducted groundbreaking research, exploring the peroxide activity in honey varieties spanning the globe. Up until this point, it was widely considered that HPA (hydrogen peroxide activity) was the cause for any suggestion of antibacterial activity. 

While many kinds of honey lost their antibacterial activity without HPA, Mānuka honey remained just as potent, subsequently implying that it may have NPA antibacterial power. And thus, the classification of NPA was born, revealing the exceptional qualities that set Mānuka honey apart from the rest.

PURITI Can Provide You With 100% Pure New Zealand Mānuka Honey

At PURITI, we produce sensational, creamy and untouched UMF™-certified Mānuka honey that exceeds all requirements to guarantee purity and potency. Each Mānuka honey product we sell exceeds the minimum leptosperin and MGO concentrations set by UMF™HA. As a result, consumers can buy from PURITI confidently, knowing that we are only selling 100% genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey.