UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)
TrustPotency- What it means
- A four-marker test panel covering MGO, leptosperin, DHA, and HMF. A licensed UMFHA lab tests every batch. Numbers run from UMF 5 (entry) to UMF 25 (exceptional).
- Who runs it
- UMF Honey Association (UMFHA), New Zealand industry body.
The strongest certification on the market because it tests authenticity (leptosperin) and freshness (HMF) alongside potency (MGO). Look for the UMF logo plus a license number you can verify on umf.org.nz.
MGO (Methylglyoxal) labelling
UsefulPotency- What it means
- A direct measurement of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram. Independent labs perform the test, but there is no central authority enforcing the protocol.
- Who runs it
- Brand by brand. Manuka Health pioneered MGO labelling and partners with TU Dresden. Other brands use various contract labs.
A genuine measurement when honestly applied, but it captures only one of the four UMF markers. Pair MGO with leptosperin testing (or just buy UMF) for full assurance.
MPI Manuka Honey Definition
TrustAuthenticity- What it means
- New Zealand's legal definition of manuka honey for export. Tests four chemical markers (3-PLA, 2-MAP, 2'-MAP, 4-HPLA) and one DNA marker. Honey must pass to be labelled manuka.
- Who runs it
- Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand government.
Mandatory for any honey leaving New Zealand under the manuka name, monofloral or multifloral. Not a potency rating, just an authenticity gate.
KFactor (Wedderspoon)
MarketingOrigin- What it means
- Wedderspoon's in-house grade. Measures pollen content, not antibacterial activity. KFactor 16 means pollen analysis confirmed the honey came primarily from manuka flowers.
- Who runs it
- Wedderspoon, the brand itself.
Not equivalent to UMF or MGO. KFactor 16 honey may be authentic manuka, but the number tells you nothing about MGO or potency. Compare on UMF or MGO instead.
BPSC Active 8+ / Active 12+
MarketingPotency- What it means
- Older Total Activity (TA) ratings backed by the Bee Products Standards Council. Combined peroxide and non-peroxide activity, which overstated real-world potency.
- Who runs it
- Bee Products Standards Council. Largely superseded.
Phased out in favour of UMF. If you see BPSC Active or TA on a current label, treat it as a legacy reference, not a reliable potency signal.
Non-GMO Project Verified
MarketingOrigin- What it means
- Verifies the supply chain has no genetically modified inputs. For honey this is largely symbolic, since manuka is wild-foraged and GMO crops are not relevant.
- Who runs it
- Non-GMO Project, US non-profit.
Common on US-market manuka. Reassuring for buyers who care about non-GMO across their pantry, but not a quality signal specific to manuka honey.
USDA Organic / BioGro Organic
UsefulOrganic- What it means
- Certifies the apiaries are sited away from synthetic pesticide use and treated only with approved compounds. BioGro is the New Zealand equivalent of USDA Organic.
- Who runs it
- USDA (US) or BioGro (NZ), accredited certifying bodies.
Genuine if you want pesticide and antibiotic restrictions enforced. Does not affect MGO or UMF rating. Organic and high-MGO are independent variables.
Halal / Kosher
UsefulOrigin- What it means
- Religious dietary certifications confirming the honey meets halal or kosher requirements.
- Who runs it
- Various accredited certifiers.
Relevant if these dietary standards matter to you. Does not affect quality or potency.
