Mānuka honey is prized worldwide for its powerful health benefits—but it’s also among the most fraudulently labeled foods globally. New Zealand produces around 1,700 tons of genuine Mānuka honey each year, yet nearly 10,000 tons are sold worldwide, highlighting a significant issue with counterfeit products. To ensure you’re buying authentic Mānuka honey, here are five key ways to verify its quality.
1. Check Certification Labels
Authentic Mānuka honey from New Zealand typically features the NZ Fernmark along with traceability , certification for MGO (methylglyoxal), DHA, and leptosperin, key markers of genuine Mānuka honey. Australian Mānuka should ideally have certification from the Australian Mānuka Honey Association (AMHA). These labels provide strong assurance of authenticity.
2. Verify the Source and Company
Always purchase from reputable brands known for quality, such as Genesis Honey Co. Authentic Mānuka honey originates exclusively from New Zealand or Australia. Be wary of jars labeled ambiguously or stating merely “packed in” without clearly indicating their source. Trusted brands typically provide batch traceability, allowing consumers to verify the exact origin of their honey.
3. Price and Packaging Cues
High-grade Mānuka honey is costly to produce, test, and certify. If you find UMF 20+ honey priced suspiciously low, it’s likely counterfeit. Authentic high-quality Mānuka usually comes in sturdy packaging clearly labeled with UMF or MGO ratings and certification license numbers. The absence of clear grading or unusually vague labeling (such as “Active 15+” without further details) is often a sign of counterfeit or diluted honey.
4. Texture and Taste Test
Authentic Mānuka honey typically exhibits a thick, creamy texture—not runny. Over time, it may naturally crystallize slightly but remains smooth. Real Mānuka honey has a distinctive aromatic flavor profile with herbal undertones and a slightly medicinal or mineral aftertaste. If the honey tastes overly sweet without complexity, it may be adulterated or blended.
5. Lab Test Results or Quality Reports
Reputable producers can provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) upon request, detailing lab-verified levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) and other essential compounds. Some quality brands include batch-specific QR codes on their labels, linking directly to these lab results. Lack of transparency or refusal to provide such documentation is a significant red flag.
Bonus Tip: Mono- vs Multifloral Mānuka
Check the label carefully. “Monofloral Mānuka” indicates honey primarily sourced from Mānuka flowers, thus offering higher potency. “Multifloral” or unlabeled honeys typically contain lower Mānuka activity and may be less expensive—still real but less potent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if Mānuka honey is real?
Look for UMF or MGO certifications, verify the company and origin, consider the price, and evaluate the taste and texture.
Is it true more Mānuka is sold than produced?
Yes, significantly more Mānuka honey is sold globally than produced, leading to counterfeit products.
What is fake honey made of?
Counterfeit honey often contains cheaper syrups (such as rice or corn syrup), or low-grade floral honey mislabeled as Mānuka, sometimes with synthetic methylglyoxal added.
Does real Mānuka honey have unique reactions?
While some suggest “throat tingling” as a test, this isn’t scientifically reliable. Certification and lab testing are far more accurate.
Why Trust Genesis Honey Co.?
At Genesis Honey Co., authenticity is our top priority. We source directly from trusted beekeepers, independently lab-test every batch for purity and MGO content, and guarantee transparency. Our ethical practices ensure you receive genuine, undiluted, premium-grade Mānuka honey.
Conclusion
Knowing how to identify authentic Mānuka honey helps protect your investment and ensures you receive its renowned health benefits. By using these practical tips—and choosing reliable brands like Genesis Honey Co.—you can confidently enjoy pure, genuine Mānuka honey.
Browse our range of lab-tested, high-grade Mānuka honey today!
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