Manuka is a precious honey with many therapeutic benefits. The honey owes its growing popularity to its strong antibacterial properties. This honey has turned it into a natural remedy for a wide range of conditions.
Manuka Grading
Not all manuka honey is the same. Honey produced in the same season and from the same region may vary incredibly in terms of its content of antibacterial elements and, as a result, medicinal value. This has led to the development of several grading systems such as UMF, MGO or KFactor that measure the properties of the honey.
Grading Systems
UMF 10+ (Unique Manuka Factor): UMF Honey Association runs this grading system. Whole New Zealand consider this grading as a gold standard. Therefore, it is the most reliable grading method for non- peroxide activity (NPA) and purity.
MGS : The Molan Gold Standard (MGS) was created by Dr. Peter Molan, the New Zealand scientist who originally discovered the antibacterial activity of the honey. Thus, it is also a good grading system.
KFactor 22: This grading system was created and used exclusively by one Manuka Honey supplier. Thus, it is misleading in that their grading system (for marketing purposes) measures purity, NOT the antibacterial properties.
Bio Active 24+: Other companies use grading systems labeled ‘active’ or ‘bio-active’; therefore, these are misleading and do not contain significant quantities of antibacterial activity and may not be 100% Manuka.
Which Grading is the Best?
In conclusion, look for a product with the label designation of UMF Manuka Honey and MGS. Above all, third party independent testing and verification ensure the quality of the honey that’s in the bottle will match or exceed what’s on the label. You deserve the best and have confidence that you are buying the highest quality of Manuka Honey from New Zealand.