.
This whole "Manuka Craze", that even I have found myself caught up in, had led me to do another journey into what I call "The Project" Series in my blog, where I dive into finding the quality version of products I love…..and exposing the bogus ones
Real Manuka production is down in New Zeland, perhaps as much as 80%, but more and more [supposed] Manuka is popping up on the shelves in America….something ain't adding up.
Those "hustlers" know consumers have a tendency to eyeball a "latest craze" word on a product label, grab the product, throw it in the shopping cart, and do very little research on what it really in the jar or bottle…….no worries, I love putting in the work to see who's real and who's fake.
I love putting together a stylish and visually appealing Health Blog for the "Social Media Masses", but this kind of research……..well, this is what I really do!!!!
Manuka, the quick, scientific bla-bla-bla ….
Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush. The major antibacterial component in manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities.
In Manuka honey, MG comes from the conversion of another compound — dihydroxyacetone — that is found in high concentration in the nectar of manuka flowers. It seems, MG and/or "something else" gives this honey its "miracle" properties, however, the specifics of what makes this miracle honey is still hotly debated, and is to a certain degree, unknown, or at least not fully understood.
Take the Manuka Quiz…..
If you wanted to buy Manuka, then which of the brands pictured below are UMF, Unique Manuka Factor Association of New Zealand licensed products (more on UMF in a minute) ????
______________________________________________________
The Answer?…NONE OF THEM are UMF Association licensed products……
Does that mean they are bogus products? "Bogus" is perhaps perspective. What it really means is that the rating you see on the jar may or may not be not be the actual strength and may not be confirmed. Also, its saying, since none of the above products are UMF Association licensed products, (The UMF Association tests and guarantee their MG levels), so, if not UMF licensed, you are taking their word for their rating on the level of key ingredients in their honey.
What determines if a given brand of Manuka "Top of the Line"?
…..a VERIFIABLE LARGE AMOUNT of the key chemical markers DHA, MGO, Leptosperin, and [I think] antibacterial methylglyoxal "MG", and others. All Manuka doesn't have these high level of chemical components (it may be Manuka, but not the desired, potent, most healthy, Highest Grade Manuka), so don't jump the gun and grab anything that says MANUKA.
The high level of "key chemicals" is what we are seeking for all this cash we are paying. Ratings of 10+ and above (10+, 15+, 20+, etc.) are highest grades of Manuka in New Zealand.
An example of "jumping the gun" is the Wedderspoon product pictured above in the middle, it seems to get good reviews on Amazon (and "seems" to be viewed by American consumers as the best Manuka available in the USA), but you will still see reviewers who make comments such as….
"The results of an analysis performed by NZLabs on two different Wedderspoon products were disclosed yesterday. The analysis included a jar labeled as Active 16+ and another jar labeled as Active 12+, both of which were found to have non-peroxide and total peroxide activity of less than 8.2 which is as low as the test goes. This suggests that the potency of the Wedderspoon Manuka Honey had to be either extremely low or nonexistent. It certainly confirms that the honeys were not of the potency that they were labeled as having.
"This is not only unethical and dishonest, it's an absolute disgrace," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International which is a U.S. importer of Manuka honey. "This type of inactive Manuka honey will not yield the same medicinal results that people have come to expect." .
"Wedderspoon has been able to get away with this deceptive and fraudulent practice because the FDA doesn't recognize honey of any kind as being an antibacterial agent. Therefore, they do not have a role in regulating the potency level of Manuka honey. Nevertheless, consumers have come to recognize the numbers indicated on the label as the potency level. Wedderspoon has twisted the general public's understanding of Manuka honey's antibacterial activity by misleading their customers into thinking that they were getting more than what they paid for"
My Note: …on Wedderspoon, is that it is "perceived" to be the top of the line, best readily available Manuka in the USA, for those who have not researched the subject and are just grabbing something off the shelf …..just an observation and opinion
Synergy Healing Honey, the one on the right above, was the one I was always using (or more aptly put, wasting my money on), in the end, the whole color, look, and texture of Synergy honey changed, and someone wrote Synergy was not real and true Manuka, and this is how I dived into all this (which is something I do when a company pisses me off…they picked the wrong dude to rip-off)
Airborne, (above left), was tested and found lacking too: read this review for more info
______________________________________________________________
…if you don't see a yellow and black logo like the above left on your Manuka, then it is not one of the 90+ UMF licensed companies (there may be variations, like the above right Mossups, my current brand that has a 5+ or 10+ inside of the yellow octagons above and no words underneath the logo).
ALTHOUGH, some legit UMF Manuka is distributed by USA resellers, and you might not see the logo, but you at least should see the UMF License number from the original UMF Company that supplies the UMF Manuka or something on the label to trace it back to the original UMF manufacturer. For example the Medi-Bee Manuka on the AMAZON list below has a Red Cross UMF Logo, but has the address of Comvita, a licensed reseller.
What is UMF?
In New Zealand, Honey producers have developed a scale for rating the potency of manuka honey. The rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor.
The UMF rating corresponds with the concentration key chemical components in Manuka . To be considered a Manuka tested and confirmed with various chemical component levels, the manuka honey needs a minimum rating of 10+ UMF. Honey at or above that level is marketed as "UMF Manuka Honey"
There are only around 90+ companies licensed via the UMF association, although it seems that anyone can place a number on their Manuka Honey jar and/or call it active (As I understand it UMF doesn't even like the name "Active" anymore because they don't want words that imply Therapeutic claims on food labels)
certified UMF licensed Manuka on AMAZON (or in USA)
(the legitimate UMF Assoc. Licensed Manuka on Amazon should say "UMF" somewhere in the Amazon description, not just "ACTIVE" or "MANUKA" or "MGO". If a link below is out of stock, do a search on AMAZON on the name you're interested in because, as an example, any UMF 15+ that I link to below may be out of stock, but the same company's UMF 10+ strength may be in stock.
…. Also, remember many companies sell BOTH lesser grade non-UMF Manuka, and UMF certified Manuka so make sure the label says "UMF".
Pacific Resources Manuka
This link will show up on Amazon with different honey and labels because the same supplier supplies different brands, but they all are legit. This is the same company the imports the Mossups Manuka that I purchase, The source supplier of this company is Arataki Honey Limited (Hawkes Bay), UMF license 1004, so this honey is legit, even though the UMF logo might not be on the jar since Pacific Resources is a USA storefront reseller, and not one of the New Zealand UMF companies (though you will see Arataki, UMF license 1004 on the jar)
Mossops Honey
Off and on on Amazon. I used to call it one of my fav's, but like I've been saying recently, I can get any UMF Manuka on this list and feel I'm getting the same thing at the same a particular strength [10+, 15+, 20+] . They all look and taste the same. But I really like this honey, I make that expensive jar last as long as possible, and use a cheaper Whole Foods Local Wild Honey for other purposes like when I have honey heated up in tea or a cooked food recipe, since I assume, but don't know, some nutrients may be destroyed by the heat
Kiva Manuka
Distributed by the reseller Hawaiian Health Brands, from the original Manuka Producer Midlands Apiaries LTD, UMF License #2888. This is the current brand I'm also trying because this is the first UMF 20+ I found on Amazon. However the $70 price tag is for the small 8.8oz jar, where many 16oz jars of other 10+ UMF Manuka may be a lesser price. I just want to see if the 20+ Manuka is more potent for skincare and such. The Kiva UMF 20+ is in and out of stock on Amazon, the 20+ has been my most recent purchase
"Three Peaks" UMF Manuka
UMF License #2112. Another new one I happened to run across in 2017, in late October. I think [though not sure] the Three Peaks is the only UMF Manuka that has some of its products in glass jars [though I think only the higher strength, more expensive ones are in glass]. Their tapered glass jar is very stylish, which "might" have some aesthetic meaning if you want to keep a jar in your bathroom for cosmetic purposes. That may not mean anything to most people, but "style points" are my thing, especially for holistic gifts and Xmas presents I give to women to "lure" them into the Holistic Lifestyle 🙂 If you check the comments below for their comment dated 10/19/2017, they left a phone number, and that anyone is welcome to call them and ask them questions about UMF Manuka.
Onuku UMF Manuka
UMF License #2272. Another one I ran across in late 2017. They are the first I have run across where I've seen a UMF 25+ strength, though that Onuku 25+ strength is a WHOPPING $220 a jar. A little too rich for my blood at this point. Their other strengths ,
Onuku 5+, Onuku 10+ , and Onuku 15+, are priced in line with all the others . Onuku is a classic example of a point I have been trying to make, in that you have to be careful when shopping this brand on Amazon, because they also sell UMF Manuka that is not UMF rated, in a Jar that looks the same as the UMF rated honey (that Jar looks the same, but is called "Onuku Clover Honey"). The other difference is that you won't see that UMF octagonal yellow logo on the non UMF label. So if you pull up all the Onuku, you might "jump the gun" and grab the lowest priced jar, which is not their UMF certified honey. Their non UMF Clover Honey is probably a good honey, but no doubt not with the same level of important chemical components were are looking for compared to UMF
"Steens" UMF Manuka
UMF License #2204. A new one I happened to run across on the first day in 2017. Seems to be an interesting company. I'm actually gonna try this one next (though all the UMF Manukas seems the same to me, It's more about best price at a certain strength between UMF brands). They also have an MGO rating on the jar, but the also the UMF Yellow Octagon, so with that and the UMF License # on the jar, I know they are legit. They have tracking bar codes on their jar so you can track back to exactly where the bees were raised and the honey was created for your particular jar of Manuka. Not sure if all that is necessary, but I think it adds to a company's legitimacy when they are that transparent.
Tahi Manuka
UMF license #2035, a "new kid" on the block [I think] because I hadn't run across them before. This one I have been buying the most in 2016 because it seems to be the best price for the UMF 15+ compared to the others. Make sure you check out their Facebook Page and their Website for more Manuka info on this eco-friendly and socially conscious company (make sure you read their comment below in this article's comments section, good 20 second Manuka education). They have 5+, 10+ and 15+ on Amazon, so if the link I gave for 15+ is out of stock, make sure you search for the others.
Comvita New Zealand Limited
(one of the more reliable companies in UMF Manuka available in the USA)
Manukora Manuka
(UMF License #2888, another I ran across on Amazon in 2016 , they are one of the few who I've seem with the most potent strength honey, the UMF 20+, though remember the $60 to $80 for the 20+ will be in the smaller 8.8 oz. jar as opposed to the larger 16oz. jar. I purchase 20+ when I can, and just make it last, for me it's worth the extra money)
Happy Valley UMF Manuka Honey
(You will see a yellow UMF Octagon on the label and UMF License #2024 for Happy Valley Honey (NZ), to confirm this is a a Legitimate UMF Manuka)
Taku UMF Manuka
(A new one I ran across in 2016, UMF license #1098. When in stock, they have a UMF 5+ , a UMF 10+, and a UMF 15+ on their Amazon storefront)
API Health UMF Manuka
UMF Lic #1052. they were off Amazon for a while, but noticed they have a 15+ and 20+ strength on Amazon in early 2018
"All Blacks" Pure New Zealand UMF Manuka
UMF Lic #1037. Love that "All Blacks" name from the infamous New Zealand Rugby team. Ran across this one on Amazon in early 2018
Wilderness Valley UMF Manuka
UMF Lic #2232. Another New one I ran across in Jan/2018. they have several different strengths, my suggestion as with the others is to buy at any strength you can afford. I think consistent use of 10+ or more is all you need (I consistently use 15+ of varying brands of Manuka on this list, and maybe 10% of the time I'll use 20+)
Golden Hills Manuka
(this one is supplied by the same UMF license 1027, Cambridge Bee Products , I haven't seen the jar labeling, but expect no UMF logo, but look for UMF license 1027, I this brand is mostly marketed in England, but it is now on Amazon, at the least, off and on)
Haddrells of Cambridge
(This is the original UMF [licensed #1027] supplier of Golden Hills Manuka on this list. This link is for the 20+ and is SUPER expensive. Their 5+, 10+ and 15+ are on and off Amazon sporadically)
Natural Solutions Limited, East Cape Manuka
The one I first tried (Thumbs Up), but often out of stock on Amazon (although one activity level, like East Cape UMF 20+ may be out of stock while UMF 15+ may be in stock, so do a thorough search on Amazon of all East Cape Manuka)
Honey New Zealand Manuka
(UMF license #1043, Honey New Zealand International LTD)
Wild Cape UMF Homey
(UMF license #1075, Savage Horticulture, imported and resold in the USA under the "Wild Cape" name by a New Hampshire Based company called World Wide Access USA)
Medi-Bee Manuka
(The labeling on this jar is a little different and confusing but I am 100% sure this is UMF Manuka. There is no UMF Logo or license # on the jar from what I can see, but there is a UMF logo that is a red cross. But if you see the letters "UMF" on any Manuka label, it for sure MUST be a UMF certified Honey. Upon further research, I found the original supplier to be Comvita listed above. There the address on the jar is the address for Comvita, so for me, that is enough verification)
Prince Gold Manuka
(I'm sure this is legitimate UMF Manuka from a San Francisco based reseller named Prince of Peace, but I can't find out who is the original supplier. I would have to find that info on the web, or see the actual jar)
Manuka Honey USA
(UMF License #1033, Not On Amazon Yet, but available in USA from their website)
Egmont UMF Manuka
(UMF License #2218, A New one I ran across in Summer of 2018 but the prices are absurdly high, like over $100 for a 17 oz. 10+, when other 16-17 oz. 10+ on this list you can find in the $45-$60 range if you look hard enough [and even the lower price can be considered absurdly high for a pound of honey], but listing the link because prices vary and they may be cheaper in the future)
UMF 15+ Honey (for Wounds and Burns)
(Worth posting because I know first hand UMF manuka does work on minor burns, cuts, mosquito bites and so forth. Might be good for a medicine cabinet, camping, first aid kit, or whatever, though you could simply use a little of edible manuka for these treatments. The Pacific Resources Manuka mentioned above creates this product, and since it says UMF on the label, I'm 100% sure it is real Manuka, not sure what else is in the tube )
"reNu" Manuka Honey Cream Healing Moisturizer Skin Care UMF 16+
(Just wanted to post this one to show there are a variety of products popping up with UMF manuka, however, you can do your own DIY products with regular manuka. One note is this product contains Aloe Vera, which many women love, but a small percentage of people find Aloe Vera irritating to the skin. If anyone buys and tries it, let everyone else know what you thought of it)
… I'll try to keep this list updated best I can, but this should be enough to find something, since half of these can be out of stock at any point in time on Amazon
Below is just a cool honey photo (I like adding photos), you will find real Manuka to be a deeper colored dark brown, and not so transparent, and fairly thick, like melted dark caramel, or maple syrup, just F.Y.I.
The Science of Ratings, still being debated…
MGO ratings are now on some Manuka, and they refer to the level of Methyglyoxal in the honey. "Methyglyoxal is a marker of Manuka honey but it argued about its true correlation with non-peroxide activity, an thus there seems to be confusion on what actually to test to even rate Manuka, and how to regulate the testing, bla bla bla……………..
A good read on the "Manuka Rating wars, UMF vs. MGO". (I don't agree with their assessment of MGO being better than UMF, I think they are trying to bring down the King of the Hill, UMF. This is what makes it all so confusing, and to be honest, I'm kinda burned out researching all this. Sometimes, you have to stop and make an informed choice, and I'm confident with my choice, which is UMF)
….the reason I disagree with the article above (though I linked to it because I believe in presenting all points of view when possible, I'm not trying to be right, I'm just trying to find truth, gotta look at all sides of a thing), is they say UMF measurements vary too much from batch to batch and test to test. To me, that is like saying one basket of apples is "sweet" and another basket of the same type of apples is "not so sweet". Both baskets of apples are still the same thing, and are just as healthy. In nature, you can only standardize and so much, because in nature, there are always natural variations of color, chemical composition, etc., of the same thing.
UMF has its critics…..
….like if you look on the Synergy Healing Honey website, it says UMF is just a "marketing tool". I told someone I researched UMF as thoroughly as humanly possible for any consumer, and I just don't believe that. With all this confusion, sometimes you just have to go with your gut, and use simple logic.
I told the person if UMF were a bogus ratings system, then Synergy Healing Honey's independent testers would have long ago grabbed any UMF honey off the shelf, tested it, and found its claims of potency levels false, and proclaimed that info to the rest of the world. From what I can see, that has never happened, and it seems that UMF Certified Comvita often tests out with a higher level than what is on the jar, like if the jar says UMF 5+, Comvita will test out at 7+.
I would never say the Manuka with independent testers outside of the UMF network (like Trader Joes, who started out UMF certified but now have independent testers, not sure about them) are legit or bogus, I think they can be legit, but it so hard to tell, I think UMF Manuka is the best choice for me.
UMF Manuka Key Points……….
** Scientific research at New Zealand's University of Waikato discovered that some strains of New Zealand manuka honey contains an extraordinary,naturally present, very stable and more powerful unique antibacterial activity not found in any other variety of honey.
** This unique antibacterial activity is a non-peroxide activity and comes from the nectar of the manuka flower – it is quite distinct from the enzyme/peroxide activity that is common to most honeys.
** IMPORTANT!!! Not all manuka honey has the unique activity and among those that do the strength varies.
** To determine if the special antibacterial activity is present in manuka honey each batch must be tested (after packing) in specifically approved laboratories using stringent criteria laid down by the UMF Honey Association.
** To test for the unique activity the UMF Honey Association utilizes a range of internationally recognized biological and chemical methods in approved laboratories both in New Zealand and internationally.
** As part of the testing process every batch of honey must also go through a series of additional checks and supporting programs to ensure the ultimate in authenticity, quality and safety.
** The quality trademark UMF can be used only by licensed users who must be a New Zealand company and meet set criteria.
** All UMF license holders are independently audited to meet stringent standards in terms of production, manufacturing, sampling and handling.
** The UMF designation and rating is a highly sought-after and well-respected quality trademark.
The Power of Manuka
All wild raw honey has home health and healing value, but Manuka is head and shoulders above all others due to its chemical composition and anti-bacterial properties. It has been know for:
Reducing high cholesterol
Reducing systemic inflammation
Treating diabetes
Treating eye, ear, and sinus infections
Treating gastrointestinal problems
Externally for youthful skin (great as a pre-shave face mask)
My article on a woman who said it totally healed her acne and bad skin
Treats Skin Conditions such as Acne, Psoriasis, and Eczema
Like all quality honey, exponential benefits when combined with cinnamon
Go forth my Honey Lovers!!!
I hope this post saves someone some time and gives a little direction when trying to find a quality Manuka product.
I've learned once you get over that "research hump" with many of these products, you can have an amazingly healthy product right in your home that will provide health, healing, and cosmetic benefits for decades to come.
…….and maybe even tacking an extra decade or two, since products like Manuka contribute to longevity!!
more info can be had at the UMF Association Website
...you also might want to check out a good site devoted to Manuka, called BestManuka.com
photo credit Cammels UMF Honey
you might also like…….
"The Coconut Oil Project"
(…how to identify the highest quality Coconut Oil)
"The Butter Project"
(…is any real Grass Fed Butter left on the Planet?)
"The Stevia Project"
(…weeding out the "Sweet Talkers")
"The BPA Project"
(…the quest for non-BPA lined cans)
click here or photo below for
all my articles in "Eat Smart"
Copyright Disclaimer: Right to use photos claimed under: Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use
235 Responses
Happened across your site and really like it brotha. Great content, great layout and very visually appealing. Keep spreading the word about holistic living and natural wellness.
PEACE & BLESSINGS,
J.
Hey Dude,
Thanks for the comment. I’m non-profit, and thus comments like your are my payment. I added your Young Living Essential Oils link to my favorites, on the lower right side of my pages…..something I do for any legitimate wellness business or wellness website that takes the time to write me, and seems to be doing something positive as pertains to health and wellness.
~stay healthy~
–Doug Wallace
Dude, thank you so much for this. I am about to transition to using honey to wash my face and hair and since I've heard that Manuka honey is the best I decided to look into it. I felt the UMF aspect was valid and I looked for it at nearby stores. I almost bought Wedderspoon at The Vitamin Shoppe for $40 but my intuition alarmed me. So I decided to do more research and this blogpost was the first thing that popped up. Thank you so much for taking the time to research this and provide great information. I think I am going to try Comvita since it is the cheapest. Thanks again!
Thanks for the comment. I use the Mossups Manuka with a little olive oil and Argan oil as a pre-shave facial mask and after my shave, my skin is as smooth as silk. You can’t go wrong with any if the legitimate UMF Manukas, let us all know if what improvements you notice to skin and hair.
~stay healthy~
Great info, thank you. Going crazy for hours reading everything about getting the right manuka honey and your website is about the best I found. I have a question about Trader Joe's honey. It's only rated 10+. I read that the number should be 15+ or higher or else you're wasting your money. I'm confused, obviously. Can you help?
Hi Crissie,
Thanks for reading and commenting and I’m glad the article was of some help. I can only give you my opinion on Trader Joe’s. I just ordered some Amazon, and I think its a good buy. I don’t think 10+ is a waste of money at all because any Manuka with a 5+, 10+, 15+ or 20+ rating is still gonna me miles ahead of regular honey so far as the health and healing nutrients in the honey. Most Manuka doesn’t have enough antibacterial MG to even register above 5+ . Any honey with a 10+ rating may actually have a strength of 12+ 13+ or 14+, which means it is could be “possibly” right near 15+ in antibacterial MG strength (ratings are labeled in 5 point increments, hence the “+” sign).
Obviously, you wanna go with the best strength you can afford, and the 15+ and 20+ Manuka are obviously the best, if you can shovel out the 50-70 dollars per 16oz jar. I’m buying a 15+ and 20+ Mossups Manuka as a gourmet honey for more the most important purposes, like my morning taste of honey and cinnamon before I eat anything, for my digestive system, and I use the Trader Joe’s for “slightly” less important uses. If someone has a reason why they say 10+ is a waste of money I would like to hear of it. As I understand it, the UMF Association testing goes as low as 8.2+. which would imply that anything above 8.2+ has the premier antibacterial properties. Like I said this is all my current opinion, as I mentioned in the article, I have got burned before on the Synergy Healing Honey, and still learning as I go, so my perspective could change.
Also wanted to add the note that, as I understand it, All UMF Manuka of 10+ or above is classified as “Theraputic”, but don’t quote me on that.
Even with your question, at least now you have a good list of valid UMF Manuka honey to go after and can make more detailed decision from there……..GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
I bought a jar of Manuka honey from TJ (your pic above) but there is no UMFHA License number on the bottom as pictured. There is a BT # and B-B #, which I assume to be Batch and Best-Buy, but again no license number. What do you make of that?
Thanks
Hi,
Does it have a sticker on the lid that says “10+” and does it say UMF 10+ on the front of the label?
let me know…….
Doug Wallace
There is some debate even in New Zealand about how to test Manuka honey to measure antibacterial activity.
From 2009: http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/study-adds-further-fuel-manuka-honey-testing-debate-103046
This is just to say that you may have some legitimate New Zealand Mankua honey that has not been AMHA tested. Just do the research on the individual brand you are thinking about buying.
I totally agree with what you are saying (I’d post your comment even if I didn’t agree). To the point where I had to reword some text in the article, and I added sentences like “ there seems to be confusion on what actually to test to even rate Manuka, and how to regulate the testing” .
I’m trying to say in my updates that this whole thing is being hotly debated. I dived even deeper into manuka testing since this article became popular and it seems to me the mechanisms that make the best manuka are not even fully understood. Of course, it is the high content of MG, but it seems to not be just that, which is why I changed text that referenced “high levels of MG” to say “high levels of key components”
If you are into research, this whole thing is pretty interesting. Since most people are not, I’m really only trying to say, grab a UMF certified honey, and learn more later if you want.
Thanks for commenting……..
Hello,
I found your site tremendously helpful regarding Manuka Honey. I am using the Mossop's brand and I understand that is your favorite. I noticed on the front label of the bottle it says "UMF 15+" but I am confused by the yellow and black logo on the right side of the bottle that says "5+ UMF" (also as pictured in your blog). Does the lower UMF number in the logo mean that I am actually not getting the UMF 15+ grade that is stated on the front label? Thanks if you can clarify this!
Your Comments
Totally valid question!!! I actually had to write them about this myself. Basically, the 5+ on the back of their label is their universal seal that they put on all their honey jars, that applies to any honey over 5+, like 10+ or 15+ or 20+. They said the way they designed their labels, they couldn’t have a different seal on the back for each grade of Manuka (and most companies have only 1 seal as well). They said that the number of the front is really what matters. But they assured me that the 15+ on the front is the true rating, because they would lose their license if the they labeled it 15+ and the independent testing found it to be a 5+.
So I’m comfortable with Mossops, but I was paranoid about the same question. I’ll see if I have the email they sent me and I’ll forward it to your yahoo email.
regards,
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hi there, just wanted to say thanks for all the time & effort you put into your research on this! I love researching products myself & am in the process of trying to go all natural with everything I eat or put on my body & sometimes trying to find all the HONEST answers on your own can be daunting. Thanks for making my life a little easier you seem legit & trustworthy!
Hey, Tiff,
Glad I could be of help, I didn’t know that article would get the reception it did. I will stay forever “not-for-profit” so I have no vested interest in what I say, most of the stuff I write about is what I put in my body. I kinda like digging into that stuff. I do believe you can find the truth and valuable info in things that pertain to you, in spite all the misinformation on the web. Good luck in you research and wellness journey!!!
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hey I forgot to ask you if you know anything about Ora Manuka honey? http://www.nzmanukanatural.com/products/UMF-15-Manuka-Honey
Ora is definitely a legitimate UMF Manuka Honey. It is licensed under UMF License #1042. They tell you their UMF license # and that license does tie back to the UMF list of licenses on page http://www.umf.org.nz/licensees . Ora is somehow affiliated with NZ Health Naturally, UMF License #1045
The Ora website is still under construction, so I am assuming they just got their own new license. Nonetheless, Ora is a legit UMF MAnuka, though I have not seen it on Amazon USA, so it is therefore not on my list. If you see it on AMAZON or anyplace else for sale in the USA, let me know so I can add it to my list.
Regards,
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Sorry. Posting again to cancel my previous post. I see that you answered my question for another poster. Thank you. I would apprecite any emails, if available, from the company in response to your inquiry. Thanks for your research. I am still pretty comfortable with the Healing Honey — have been using it for over 10 years — it takes care of scratch throat for my family. It is sold by a reputable company (The Synergy Company). Their website explains why the Healing Honey does not have the UMF symbol/certification. I would welcome your thoughts on their explanation.
I’ll take a look at the Synergy Website this evening. Synergy was actually recommended to me by a person who says it helped heal his psoraisis. So at least at one point it was a relatively good product. It seemed to me, as I say in the article, the whole texture, and look of the product changed. That doesn’t necessarily mean the quality changed but many reviewers were saying it was becoming a lower quality product.
Thanks. I look forward to your reply. The information on the honey, including UMF designation (or lack thereof) can be found on The Synergy Co.'s FAQ section of their website.
Synergy presents a very “interesting case”, which puts us, as often happens in wellness research, at a point of conflicting information. Trying to make my comment concise, knowing I could be dead wrong, I can only give my opinion about Synergy. Their Manuka may be active 15+ as they claim, because the “independent tester” does seem to be legit. However, I dug as deep into UMF as humanly possible for a consumer, and I got the impression UMF had independent testers as well. If UMF honey was bogus in any way, then Synergy should be able to take any jar of UMF honey test it at their independent lab and show it lacking. This is something that has been done with non UMF honey, like Airborne and Wedderspoon. I don’t get the impression UMF is a “profit driven marketing tool” as Synergy puts it, but I’m just going by my gut and and using my logic for all I learned. The whole subject is a deep rabbit hole, but the more I got into UMF and how it works, it seems very reliable to me…………….that’s about all the comment I can make, unless someone could show me examples of UMF Manuka honeys being tested by independent labs and found bogus. I think the reason there can even be an argument or fight between companies is that there is still no agreement in how to even measure the potency of Manuka, because it is not clearly understood, and thus how UMF rates and tests Manuka can be contested to be not legit. Personally I think Synergy put that comment out there to put doubt in people’s minds…….but that’s just my gut. In the end, I’m just a Joe-Blow consumer just like everyone else, and I can only present my thought process, be it right, wrong, or ever-evolving. I truly do think the proper message to advise people is the way to take advantage of the “miracle honey”, which is known to be a real claim, is to grab the UMF label, that’s the most practical approach
I spent a good hour on Amazon, trying to figure out which label was authentic. I had picked Trader Joes, but decided to see if I could find some information, it was all a bit confusing. Your breakdown was very informative, thank you so much for the tips.
lMc
Hi Linda, although it may not stand out in my article, a legitimate UMF certified Manuka will say “UMF” somewhere in the Amazon title, not just “Manuka”, or “Active”, or “New Zealand Honey”, or “MGO”. Remember that a honey can actually be Manuka, but not the “Special Manuka” with the highest levels of potent nutrients. That’s how they get us. But, you’re right its a lot of chaos trying to find some legitimate info, it’s like a maze that goes nowhere, I couldn’t find any concise in either, so I figured I’d write something that everyone can use.
~stay healthy~
Thank you so much for this article. I have been buying the Wedderspoon brand for years, and now I see many different options. Manuka honey has pretty much kept me off heartburn medicine for 2 years now! Imagine if I was using the better products (that cost the same, and are on the same shelf as the Wedderspoon in Whole Foods)!
Hi Emmabina,
You’re welcome, I’m glad that article is helping a lot of people find their “MAnuka Way”. Everyone get burned by this until they get the right info, as in many things, we have to dig a little deeper. Not sure if you ran across my article on how one lady used Manuka to clear up her skin, but here it is ………… https://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2015/01/22/how-manuka-honey-save-my-vanity-sanity/
~stay healthy~
Great article, thanks so much.
I just got some TJ's MH but the lable is different enough from yours that I'm frustrated. Can you check it out? It's a wide horizontal image with 3 panels.
lid, ingredients and honey shown.
Peace, Maria
http://www.mariailardidesign.com/TJsManuka.jpg
Hi Maria
I honestly can’t tell….I need to do some further investigation.
I can’t see the part of the photo below the “Ingredients” , your label photo cuts off on the line that says “Monrovia, Ca 91016”. I think this might me manuka teated by and independent tester, but not UMF certified manuka, but I can’t say. MAny of the honeys have a lighter color, i just bought a Jar of UMF East Cape Manuka, and it was lighter as well so that doesn’t bother me, I think color depends on the variations in plants themselves.
Remember although this MAnuka may not be supplied by a UMF certified company, but that doesn’t mean that it is not legit 10+ umf. It means that if it is not a UMF certified Manuka, you are basically accepting someone else’s word on the potency of the honey. It could be that Trader Joes is getting has a new supplier that is legit, but not a UMF certified company, but a company using IANZ, which is another accredited tester, as opposed not the UMF organization, I would be surprised if Trader Joes would be doing something “shady”, they always seem to operate respectably to me.
So send me a photo of the bottom half of the label, and the front of the label, and let’s try to dig into this a little further.
Hi Doug, thanks for answering so quickly. Sorry for the bad crop on the photo.
Here's a better version. The honey kind of reminds me of joyal jelly.
http://www.mariailardidesign.com/TJsManuka2.jpg
No problem,
I can only give you my opinion on Trader Joes. I think Trader Joes as a company is legit, but I’ve bought a couple of Trader Joes Manuka jars, and I can’t “totally” figure them out. Remember I’m just a “Joe-Blow-Schmoe” consumer like everyone else, I just dig deep into stuff I use everyday. When I got their first jar of manuka, it seemed lighter than the others. On the photo you just sent me there is no UMF license 1027 like on the jar. That tells me that they have some other supplier and they have tested it via some other organization than the UMF network.
I had to get a new jar of Manuka, cause I was running low. I decided not to get Trader Joes and go back to the way more expensive Mossups. Mossops was out of stock, so I went with East Cape Manuka, the first brand I ever bought. East Cape and Mossops have a deeper color like Maple Syrup, although the East Cape seemed a little lighter as well. Although I can’t say if Manuka should be a certain color, it depends on the flowers, the season and other factors. I only did that because Mossops and East Cape are 2 or the Certified Manuka brands, not third party reseller like Trader Joes. I’m only saying I can’t figure out what is going on there, just like you can’t. When I am in that situation with any product, I would rather spend the money and get something I’m more certain about.
Looking at your latest photo again I noticed it now says “10+” as opposed to “UMF 10+”. I don’t think they are scamming, I think they just have a new supplier but who the hell knows. I really can’t tell you how to approach Trader Joes, I can only tell you that I had to “hold off” on buying them, and I will probably stick with Mossops and East Cape just to play it safe. I think Trader Joes is for sure a Raw Manuka Honey, but the issue is how potent are the nutrients. Most Manuka is not potent enough to be rated at even 5+. Trader Joes says they are 10+, and they “probably” are, but the question is do you wanna take their word for it to save money? I’d rather go with a brand that is “for sure” ……………..
that may or may not help……………………..
Just FYI — I currently have two jars of TJ's Manuka honey. One was purchased about two mos. ago and the other was purchased last week. In that time, TJ's has evidently changed their source. The earlier honey has on top of the jar a large circular gold colored sticker that says "UMF 10+" with small print that reads "Unique Manuka Factor and UMF are registered trade marks of UMF Honey Association (U.M.F.H.A.)" and "U.M.F.H.A. License No. 1027." The one purchased last week has a similar sticker that reads "10+" with small print that reads "This honey is tested at an independent lab with IANZ accreditation to ISO17025 international standards to ensure the level on the label is correct."
Not sure which "lab" is more legitimate. TJ's honey tastes more like Y.S. Eco Bee Farms Raw Manuka Honey (Active 12+) — and very inexpensive. I use these to sweeten my tea. My favorites (for medicinal use) are the Synergy's Healing Honey (Active 15+) and Mossops (UMF 15+). They both do wonders for scratch throats, minor cuts, and tummy aches. I wish Mossop's came in a glass jar. TJ's bottles are also plastic. Healing Honey uses glass jars.
Hi MK,
Read my previous right above this one. . So funny, cause I came to the same conclusion about Trader Joes….
This is really useful, I buy Comvita they have passed independent tests in the UK whilst other brands have had a real kick in.
Comvita is definatly a good brand to buy.
Hi Jenny,
Whenever I read about these random test, it seems that Comvita is testing better and higher that the potency on the label. For example, if the labes is UMF 5+, the Comvita is testing at 7+. Or if the labes is UMF 10+, the Comvita is 13+. But I suppose UMF 10+ means anything from UMF 10+, 11+, 12+, 13+, or 14+, since everything goes in 5+ increments on labels.
A representative from Comvita actually contacted me to explain how a lot of this stuff works, and how many companies get away with “questionable” business practices. That’s why I noted in my article that “Comvita is one of the more reliable names in UMF Manuka”. And I’m glad people are using the article to just grab one of the names I listed if they don’t feel like researching this stuff
Thanks for commenting
~stay healthy~
Thanks Doug and everyone else. I will likely try Mossops or East Cape for next purchase.
No problem Maria,
The funny thing is I noticed that last jar of Trader Joes I bought does not have that UMF license on the back. I never noticed it until you wrote your comment. I removed Trader Joes from my article because it seems their current Manuka is no longer UMF Certified. As I keep saying, for anyone reading, that may or may mean Tader Joes is bogus or is not the 10+ that they advertise, the question is, do you want to take their word for it since it is no longer backed by the UMF ratings system? For me, it is not an issue of taking their word for it, but for me, it’s a safer bet to get a UMF certified Manuka, in that I have yet to hear of any UMF certified Manuka to be tested and found not to be at that it is labeled. Comvita as an example, seems to always test stronger than the label, as in, if the Comvita label says 5+, the Comvita will actually be abut a 7 or 8.
~stay healthy~
Absolutely loved this post! Still finding helpful, years after it was written. Thanks!
Liyah,
Thanks for the comment. I’m happy a lot of people found some value from that posting. 🙂
~stay healthy~
Hi Doug,
Great work on the article!! I import Tahi Manuka Honey (www.tahihoney.co.nz UMF licensee #2035) into the US and I'm constantly talking about these things with consumers and retail buyers alike.
The beekeeping and manufacturing techniques are important too. Tahi's bees are free to roam native New Zealand bush land and are not moved about or taken to orchards (where they pick up pesticides). They eat wild nectar and their own honey (rather than having their honey stripped from the hive and fed sugar syrup and given other chemicals). And the honey is so minimally filtered, and pollen catchers aren't in use that all the pollens and honey goodness remains in each jar. Not only is this honey amazing in all four key characteristics of honey (taste, aroma, texture and color) it's hard to beat for eco-friendliness. Tahi Estate is carbon neutral, reduces, recycles and reuses where possible, GMO free and have won several national and international awards for their environmental initiatives. The motivation is looking after nature, but when we look after nature, nature looks after us. Search Amazon.com for "Tahi Manuka Honey" the beautiful bird label is a nod to the conservation efforts on the property. Try it, you'll be hooked!
Regards, Sarah (The Kiwi Importer)
Hi Sarah,
Added you to the article. Love the Kiwi Importer Facebook page!!!….CRAZY HONEY BODY ART and bee beards!!!
~stay healthy~
Thank you for the great research on one of my favorite subjects. I take one teaspoon a day to promote general health and fight off colds/coughs. Being a double lung transplant recipient, I don't need any chest colds. Just this year, I made the move to only UMF 15+, after finding many of the things you did. In January, I felt a cough coming on, so I upped my dose to three tsps a day. With in a week, the cough never 'dug in', and was virtually gone. I've been using the East Cape, which is available every day for $59 for 500g from Koru Naturals. Today on eBay, I found TWO 500g jars of Mossops 15+ from Pacific Resouces, for an astounding $85. Anxious to try it, as I really like the East Cape, it has an almost orange-tinged flavor. Keep it up, Manuka is an amazing thing.
Hi “AJS”,
Thanks for commenting!!! I’ve that same thing so far as when a litte cold is coming on, I take some Manuka on a spoon, and that cold never kicks in. As I wrote in the article, a little cinnamon with the honey is supposed to have an exponentially better effect than just honey alone, or cinnamon alone, something about the essential oil in the cinnamon mixed with chemicals in the honey.
….I hope people read your comment, it migh help them in the brutal winter!!!!
~stay healthy~
Thank you for this page and the information about honey. A great article! Not all honey is the same. Just as not all Manuka honey is the same. Manuka honey is clearly a Premium honey, but consumers should make sure they buy from reputable sources and companies that have good working relationships with the New Zealand beekeepers such as Manuka Honey USA. They have high quality Manuka honey products. You can visit them here: https://manukahoneyusa.com. They are one of the original Manuka honey companies in the USA, with over 21 years of being in business.
thanks so much for this article. I have been waiting for the Trader Joes manuka honey to re-appear this year. I saw it yesterday and bought 6 jars because it is so good. I opened it and it is different. It isn't runny like last year's. I then read your article and saw it is not UMF this year! I just took it all back to the store. So disappointing.
Hi Nikki Olivia,
I was in the same situation with Trader Joes, I didn’t even know it was no longer UMF until a reader brought it to my attention, and I went in my cabinet to look at the label. I removed Trader Joes from the article except for the note that their claim of active 10+ may or may not be legit, you have to make that call. I like Trader Joes, and don’t think they are trying to screw us, maybe UMF honey can’t be kept in stock so they go with another supplier, who knows, I’m sticking with UMF certified Manuka.
Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
~stay healthy~
Doug Thank you for this… and I’m glad to see a fellow "Consumer Watchdog" at work, and exposing those unscrupulous companies and websites that seem to have forgotten that there even are truth in advertising laws on the books… getting someone to enforce them is another story since too many corporations became too large, and I'm sure this adds an intimidating factor to any oversight that otherwise would hold them accountable.
THAT'S where people like us come in, although I do not publish a blog, although might consider it at this point, I DO go head to head against companies who are misrepresenting products or services…and have elicited changes from companies such as HP, Epson, Walmart, Newegg.com to name the more popular ones, however my battles seem fruitless with eBay and Amazon, but I haven't given up the fight, and may even put up a website for people to register their own experiences when the site fails to uphold their own listing policies, for high volume sellers getting preferential treatment while an average one will lose their PayPal privileges the moment a case is opened against them.
These are just a fraction of the circumstances I have encountered, and documented evidence of their failing to respond to reports of said violators.
So you can see why I am ecstatic over finding another who may not LOOK for these problems, but don't just "move on" without a care for others less resourceful, articulate, or intelligent enough realize what is actually going on in some cases, and willing to push for accountability of those who would otherwise fleece anyone who doesn't challenge them on it, for which their first response is a refund, figuring it will let them go their merry way and never be found out, that "buyer protections" are really "SELLER" protection, keeping their highest volume sellers ripping off everyone who don’t catch them, and of them, SAY something!
So thanks again for kicking tires and keeping consumers better informed and a little safer for the companies who know "SOMEONE IS WATCHING"! Sometimes, this is all that is needed for them to preserve a good reputation!
Peace, Love, and Light,
Daniel
Hey Daniel
Thanks for the comment, the whole “Watchdog” thing has always been in the blood (I guess that makes me more of a bloodhound), and this is the point in life where it comes out. I just didn’t want to spend all my time “Raging Against the Machine” so to speak, angry at the system all the time, so my blog spot really became a place to be aware, but just enjoying your life, family, food, and so forth in all this craziness. Someone recently was complaining about all the toxins in water and food and what could she do, and I said, “find a good recipe with cilantro”, in that Cilantro pulls mercury and heavy metals from the body. So, to some extent, it’s about trying to win your personal game of health and wellness and just write about how you did it. I have that same seething hatred and anger towards big business, and “the system”, my blog is place to “soften it up”, and try to find some enjoyment in all this madness.
But I’m definitely appreciating your comment, keep fighting the good fight in your own way, we all have a part to play.
Best regards,
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Actually Doug, THAT'S what I did too…I USED to have all that hate and angst, but I learned some time ago that I can NOT save the world, as hard as I tried, and when the peace that came upon letting that go had healed a lot of those scars, I found that I can now save the pieces of it that come onto my path along my journey, and THAT is as much as I should have ever expected of myself.
So instead of searching for everything that is broken and being overwhelmed, I simply responded to those that cross my path, without looking for them, but also not turning away from those I see, because with the qualities possessed to be able to DO this, comes a responsibility TO do it for those who cannot do it for themselves, and this is why we are guided to find them by whatever means or motivations.
The peaceful sleep that comes after each win is all the reward I need, that sense of accomplishment, and knowing I did not just look out for ME, but ensured everyone will get fair treatment going forward and this lends to the value I see in myself….that's where the "me" comes in for me! LOL!
My biggest peeve has always been deception, manipulation, and taking advantage of others and feel that the ONLY thing worse than deception, is deception for a profit!!!!
Peace, Love, and Light,
Daniel
P.S. Although I got this notification by going to my wordpress dashboard, your emailed "confirm follow" link is not working!
P.S.S. Why is spell checking disabled here? I Can spell well enough but typing is another story! LOL! Just a couple FYI's!!
First of all, I need to thank you for all your research. It really made my day quite easier. As Manuka honey is quite expensive, I'm trying to buy iit here in Portugal. But the only brand I find is this one: Mel Manuka Active (http://celeiro.pt/produtos/261739-mel-manuka-active-12-250g-250-gramas-kg-pure-gold?search_query=manuka&results=20) . Can you please give some info on it?
Thanks for your time
Hi Eliana,
I never heard of Mel Manuka Honey before, but it can be a classic example of what I am talking about. At first glance, I don not see “UMF” on the labels, and can conclude it is not a UMF certified strength honey. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is bogus, in that many honeys have their honey rated and tested from independent labs outside the UMF network. Those independent ratings claims can be legit or bogus, it’s hard to tell. For me personally, when given a choice, I will stick to a UMF certified product.
If this is the only Manuka available in Portugal, then that is somewhat of a dilemma. If you think it is worth the money, I would go ahead and try it, it is probably real raw Manuka, it may or may not be the 10+ that it claims to me. Whatever it is, you might find yourself applying it to your skin or whatever and seeing some difference not matter what the strength factor of the key ingredients truly is. OR you could contact the company and find out more info. Hope that helps a little, that’s how I would approach it. The reason I listed the Amazon.com manuka for American consumers is that there will always be a few UMF choices.
~good luck~
Sorry but I forgot to ask about the brand Dr. organic, as they also produce several product with manuka honey.
I never heard of Dr. Organics either until you mentioned it. Once again. Here is the same dilemma which got me into writing the article. That being, is this a legitimate product, or some company taking advantage of slapping the Manuka name on their label because they know a lot of people will buy if they see that word? Looking at their products, I’m at the level where I’m making most of my bodycare products, although most men like me only use a few, and I don’t have to take the chance on Dr. Organics. I make a Manuka pre-shave mask with UMF manuka, Argan Oil, Olive Oil, Cinnamon and Ginger. Since I don’t know truly what is in Dr. Organics products, I’d rather make my own and perfect them as I go.
That may or may not answer your question but that’s my thought process. I’m not the biggest fan of running out buying something that says Manuka on it, but that is just where I’m at. Even if you have a lesser grade of Manuka, you still might see good results, but I think the goal should be to use the most potent manuka, and not a lesser grade if you can find it. Personally I think top of the like Manuka is too expensive for companies to put in their products, so they have to use lesser grade to make a profit. You only get the best results from Manuka when you know you have the most potent, 10+ 15+ 20+ Manuka, and the best way to insure that (in my opinion, some may disagree) is the start with a UMF certified Manukas.
Good luck!!! let me know what you end up doing………….
Greetings,
I realize I'm a bit late to the party, but given all the time you've spent researching manuka honey, I thought I should share a link to another identification resource to add to the debate. All New Zealand honey is subject to certain labelling standards. As a food item, producers are forbidden to make claims about medicinal properties, but may list certain ingredients. The NZ Ministry for Primary Industries has involved themselves somewhat in the controversy in order to assist (to some degree) in clarification regarding NZ honey products. This appears to be an act in progress, but one might reasonable assume that the producers are fully aware of same, as they will be required to comply.
Here's a link to the Ministry's interim labelling guidelines for Manuka Honey:
http://archive.mpi.govt.nz/food/food-safety/manuka-honey
And to the Ministry website,where you can enter a search for Manuka Honey:
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/
Best to all!
Hi Claire
Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out since I’m so immersed in this subject…………….for whatever reason it pulled me in. I did make the note in teh article that “UMF actually doesn’t like the word “Active” anymore in that it implies medicinal capabilities. And I have noticed UMF honey labels with the word “Active” removed, now they often just give the number, like UMF 10+ as opposed to Active UMF 10+
~stay healthy~
Thanks for sooo much info!! Next question… what's the deal with "plus Bee Venom"… Id there anything to it??
Hi Cheryl,
I think there is something to it, but I am still in the research phase on that. There is Bee Propolis which protects the hive, Bee Pollen, Bee Venom, and some other “Bee Stuff”. I’ve only heard about the bee venom in passing, so I honestly can’t say much about it. Bee pollen interests me most only because purchasing bee pollen is not difficult. I’ll keep you posted, though that type of research takes me a couple of months, and I confess that I really don’t get deep into the research until I decide to use it for myself. Sometimes, that can be a year down the road because I’m so paranoid about what I put in my body. But a little paranoia is a good thing…….
Thanks for reading and commenting
I have a skin disorder called DSAP (Dissemnated Surface Actinic Porokeratosis). I was reading on http://www.dsapinstitute.org that Manuka Oil can reduce the redness of DSAP lesions. That led me to your website link about Manuka Honey which I found to be very interesting and useful. Can you tell me if Manuka Oil is UMF tested as well for MG levels? I want to get the most benefit from the oil I decide to purchase. Any information you can offer is much appreciated!
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for taking the time to read, comment, an share your experiences with others in that someone with similar issues may be helped.
To be honest with you, I have only been hearing about Manuka Oil in the past month. My guess is Manuka Oil does not go through the same certifications as UMF Manuka honey, based on my Honey research. I would suggest you contact Tahi Manuka, the second Manuka on my Amazon list. They have been corresponding with me, and might have more insights on Manuka Oil.
It is always a catch 22 in this situation, because it could be a great product, but I know that words like “Manuka”, “Antioxidants”, “Acai”. and other catch phrases are being slapped on any product possible to get us to grab it off the shelves……so do your homework, and let us know what you find. Sorry I can’t be of help.
I can give my opinion that the website you mentioned, if they are passionate about UMF Honey only (they linked to my article), I would think they are serious about quality products and worth looking into. At the same time, a Stevia Company linked to my site, and their product was found to be bogus. Sometimes people link to legitimate sites for previewed credibility. That’s why I dived into manuka in the first place. Sometimes you might have to invest $40 and see if you get results from a products, if you do, then you have a great find.
Good Luck and Stay Healthy 🙂
Hi Doug,
I recently was researching for raw honey because I know that the ones sold in the supermarket are not real I also know that the difference is huge, I just want to find Real Raw Honey uncooked, unprocessed, with all the enzimes and the polen, but then I came across this Manuka Honey and it is interesting, but I'm unsure about which one has some or not of the properties of the Manuka, after reading your article I got a bit disapointed because I had bought some honey on Amazon and one of the brands is Weederspoon and you said is not real antibacterial or not as they advertise, my question is, this honey that I bought is real Raw and not heated and has traces of polen? those are at least the properties I want in the honey for now.
Then I had another brand and it doesn't have the UMF logo you said but has the MGO measurement, please let me know if you know a bit more about this brand.
It is from a company called Manuka Health and here's the product on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZM6BME?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00
Here's their website: http://www.manukahealth.co.nz
I've checked their certifications on their website and look legit.
Thank you so much.
Hi Oritz,
Two things. There is no way you can’t get “burned” on this Manuka Honey issue unless you read an article like this first. The same happened to me with Synergy honey.
Secondly, I am familiar with Manuka Health, but it is not [if I am correct] a UMF certified honey. As I say in the article, “that doesn’t mean it is bogus, it means that you are taking their word for the rating on their honey”. Also, as I say in the article, some honey is trying to use MGO as the new ratings systems instead of UMF.
What you might want to do, is try the Manuka Health product until it is gone, and then purchase a UMG honey, You might have the same results, or the UMF or be better or whatever. It’s all so confusing I know, that’s why my opinion is to stick with UMF certified honey, and you have the best chance to avoid what happened with Wedderspoon having been tested to have no active nutrients in it at all.
Good Luck!!!
Thank you so much for your response!
You're right it is confusing, until you dig a bit more and understand the grading system and do some serious research.
I'll take your advice and finish that Honey and use the other one to sweet my tea since it lack of properties I'm not burning the actives with the heat.
And I'll start buying the UMF one, what makes a lot of sense to me after reading your article is that is better going with a system that is already proved rather than going with the new trend at least I'm sure the ones that has the certification will not risk losing it.
Another thing I want to point is that after all the reviews I found online some people complaining about the quality or consistency from the brand they're use to buy saying that the quality of the honey was degraded after buying it again is because real honey change their properties from harvest to harvest based in weather conditions of the region example after long periods of drought, cold, etc etc
Thank you.
Hey Oritz,
Your last point is very important, and the reason I think Wedderspoon and others are vulnerable to having a honey less than advertised, because it hard to keep it so consistent. Supposedly, UMF certifications has checks and balances, independent testing, testing after packaging and so much more that it seems [note I say “seems” cause in the end who the heck knows] that UMF ratings are consistency and reliable.
Also as I mentioned in the article, if UMF were a bogus ratings system, and independent tester would have pulled any UMF honey off the shelf long time ago, tested it, and exposed it as bogus. So far, that has not happened, though it has happened with many non UMF like Wedderspoon and Airborne Manuka.
Glad you got some help from the article…..
Happy Honey Shopping……..
Thank you so much for this info. I was recently down with a flu and was researching about Manuka Honey. I live in NZ and know of Manuka Honey and UMF from people but previously have not known the science behind it. I use Manuka Honey often and because I have (in my fingertips) choices of available Manuka Honey in the supermarket, healthsore, weekend markets ( I live approximately 60 km from the Comvita Headquarters in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand), I am spoiled with choices for Manuka Honey. Because of the price difference, I often used locally produced Manuka honey without the UMF. However, when I was down with flu recently, I used the UMF 15 East Cape Manuka that I bought during our trip to Eastcape last April . Unfortunately, there were only approximately 2 tablespoon and I needed to buy from the supermarket for another bottle. This prompted me to research , hence, came across your article.
I want to share with you the official UMF website that I came across while researching and the list of 67 companies licensed by UMF to use the UMF trademark.
Here it is:
http://www.umf.org.nz/licensees
Regards,
Lei
Hello
which website is most reliable to buy Mossops honey? Thanks
The amazon link in the article is the only place I have ever bought mine. However it is currently out of Stock.
However, Pacific Resources Manuka is actually Mossups Honey, except it is under a different packaging from a Third Party Seller, that link is here…..
http://www.amazon.com/Manuka-Honey-UMF-1-0-Pounds/dp/B004RA04N2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1414393559&sr=8-7&keywords=UMF+manuka+honey
Good Luck!!!!
Thank you for the above link! I am currently debating between the Mossop's honey and the Tahi honey. Have you tried both? If so, whats your thought? Thank you.
Mossops is my personal favorite, but that is just personal choice. Since Mossups is out of stock, I’m comfortable with my next Jar being of the UMF honeys. I think as long as it us UMF you are gonna be basically be getting the same thing, unless you get a 15+ vs. a 10+.
I found the official importer website which I feel safe from buying:
http://www.shoppri.com/10-UMF-Mossop-s-Manuka-Honey-p/mo-7-33726-80127-8.htm
since you brought up 10+ vs 15+ , what would you recommend for a newbie taking manuka honey? I am taking it for the sake of maintance of good health and also I hope it can help me have more bowel movements as I was told this helps. I plan to take the honey daily if need to. Thanks!
In general, expect to find the 10+ most available, if you can find 15+ then go for it. My humble opinion is that as long as you use it consistently, you can save the money and deal with the 10+ . Keep in mind, the 10+ can be anwhere up to 15+, such as, it may actually be 10+, 11+, 12+, 13+ or 14+. They normally rate the jars in increments of 5, so hypothetically, you could buy a 10+ and the true strength of that batch could actually be a 13+ or 14+, which is close to 15+ but for less money.
Thank you very much for the info.
I saw in your comment that you use the high quality for most important purpose, can you give me sample? I likes to drink honey with lemon with hot water. Should I use the high quality or doens't materr? THanks
Hi Duy Tran,
I probably should have worded that different……
I think any use of manuka honey, either eaten, or on the skin is a “most important purpose”. What I use the cheaper honey for is for anything where I have to heat up the honey, like in hot tea or in any baking recipe. I’m not certain, but just going by basic logic that heat kills some if not all of the active nutrients. For me all that really means I don’t put Manuka in my hot tea.
~stay healthy~
Excellent article Doug!
What do you think of Manuka Doctor Bio Active by apiwellness? I see no UMF seal on it,
Tweet
Hi Roger,
Manuka Doctor by API is a classic example of what I am talking about. If you look at their website, they do advertise a UMF honey. However, if you look at the products on Amazon, there is no UMF on the logo which means one of a few things:
1) They sell several products, one of of which is a UMF certified honey and others that are not.
2) There were at one point being rated withing the UMF network, but are now being rated by by an independent lab tester outside the UMF network.
…I can see for sure from the label that the ones on Amazon are being rated by independent testers. Once again, the consumer would have to decide if that is reliable enough to be assured the 10+, 15+ or whatever strength is on the Jar. Me personally, since there would be no way for me to tell as an average consumer, I prefer to stick to UMF rated honey. Mainly because, as mentioned in the article, a non UMF network Honey can be vulnerable to be at less strength than the rating on the jar, UMF rated honeys have never been found to be at less strength than claimed on the Jar (at least from what I have researched). However, me not being able to tell about the ligitimacy of Manuka Doctor has no bearing on if it is legitimate in its independently rated strength claims or not.
~stay healthy~
Hi Doug,
Do you know if any of these honies are in glass jars? I notice comments on some of the manuka honies stating "non-BPA," indicating they are possibly in plastic containers.
Excellent article, thx for sharing all your research.
Hey Jane,
Good, question, ….. I have not run across any in glass. I’ve tried Mossops, East Cape Manuka, Pacific Resources, one or two others. I am betting none are in glass, but that is just a guess from looking at the container. I’m assuming that would make production costs higher than what they are.
But I’m like you, I prefer all my favorite things in glass, like Coconut Water and so forth, nothing beats glass.
Doug at Gaia health Blog
Thx, doug, I understand the shipping issue, too bad there appear to be none in glass jars, I guess the best thing to do would be to remove the honey to a glass jar asap.
Looks like I need some, seem to be losing my ability to spell, noticed I wrote "honies" for honeys, oh well . . .
Hi Jane,
When I mix my honey with cinnamon, tumeric, ginger, and Argan Oil for my Pre-Shave Face mask, it goes straight to glass, airtight container for the Bathroom.
I’m actually the worst speller, so don’t feel bad, sometimes I need to just stop and read what I’m saying.
Good Luck!!!
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Doug, great research! I have been buying Comvita Manuka Honey UMF 15+ for a friend of mine with serious digestive issues and it was recommended to her to also eat honey based royal jelly. I have been trying to find royal jelly mixed in a "UMF" Manuka honey, but am not having much luck. It doesn't seem that Comvita has it…
Any suggestions? Are there ratings for royal jelly as with Manuka honey? If so, what brands would you recommend?
Thanks!
Allen
Hey Allen,
I haven’t dug deep into royal jelly, but when you do honey research, it keeps popping up (along with bee pollen and even bee venom).
I might not be of much help there, but if I “happen” to run across anything, I will contact you at pitt.edu. If you find anything, please leave us all a comment on this page and update.
Sorry i can’t be of much more help 🙁
~stay healthy~
Hi Doug,
I have purchased Melita's Premium New Zealand Manuka Honey UMF 10 + and it was so devine! I use it in my cooking, lemon honey drinks, as a face mask and on toast! They have a UMF certification and are based in New Zealand. They also only produce Manuka Honey. I noticed someone mention honey in the plastic jars, Melita pack their Honey in a dark amber plastic jar as Manuka Honey is UV sensitive as the UV light/rays can kill the antibacterial properties. If anyone else wants to try Melita their website address is http://www.melitahoney.com or facebook https://www.facebook.com/melitahoney
Thanks
Bobbi
Your Comments
Looks like it's only available in New Zealand? I looked at the website and started to check out but it appears they don't ship to the United States.
Allen
Hi guys,
I've being using this product for a few months now and so far is great! I check the label and is certified I also looked up the license number on the Manuka certification site and is there, so the company is legit, I have to say that this honey taste great, in my house my family had flu a couple of times and I didn't get flu, nothing!!!! before I used to be sick all the time now I'm fine.
Check it out in this link, is a bit expensive but is a good deal for a pound of honey is UMF 10+ some people claim to get 15+ for about $40, I personally don't believe that I think is good 10+ means it could be a bit more strong than that, what do you think?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RA04N2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Hi Oritz,
Obviously 15+ is gonna be more potent than 10+ but I mostly use 10+, I’m consistent with it for a couple of years now, and I think that is all I need.
~stay healthy~
I wish I would've found your Blog sooner. So much great info, thank u for the due diligence. I have one Important Question, Why can't I find a (100% Organic Non GMO–UMF Certified Manuka Honey ? So far I've checked 17 -UMF Manuka Honey company's starting with Comvita, and Not one of them offers a 100% Organic UMF Manuka Honey. Why is that ??? I can purchase several types of Raw Organic Honeys at my local grocery store but I can't find One Organic UMF Manuka Honey. I just sent an Email to Comvita and The UMFHA Asking that very Question. Hopefully someone responds. I was surprised that Not One person asked you that question In your blog. I think like myself we get so caught up in trying to find the right UMF honey that we forget to find the ORGANIC-Certified-UMF Manuka Honey. This way we know it has No Pesticides and No GMO products, it's not just a claim. Thanx Ron
Thanks for the comments about my blog, comments like that are my only payment for my not-for-profit work.
I have learned a little as pertains to Honey on that subject, though about honey in general, not so mach Manuka, but one can extrapolate to Manuka. I talked to a local honey company in Portland Oregon on why their honey was not Organic. The short of the answer is that the USDA Organic certification was difficult because of how honey processing works in that they is no way to confirm, even if a Honey Manufacturer’s plants and flowers were organic, that a bee could have flown from 11 miles away, and sit on their plants, whereas 11 miles away, that same bee was on a GMO plant. I think the nuances of the rules behind USDA certification cause that issue, and I think they told me it was too expensive to deal with it all since they were a small local company, better just to promote themselves as a qualtiy, unprocessed honey
My other opinion, which is only opinion, is that Manuka is a native New Zealand product and I think they think it is not worth their time to get a USA certification, since their honey is in general organic, but possible circumstances like the one I mentioned above might not guarantee its organic status.I’m not even sure if the USA is their biggest market.
That may or may not help, but that’s what I learned in this research…..
~stay healthy~
Thanx again for responding. I found the same response as u, that supposedly the Bees Range is so great that they couldn't possibly guarantee the honey to be 100% organic. And it does make sense. But, if that were really true, than why are there so many Organic Honey's to choose from online. Even Chain stores like Target and Whole Foods have there own line of 100% Organic Honey. But not One Organic UMF-Certified Manuka Honey. When I see company's like Comvita charging $129 for the Small bottle of UMF 20+ Manuka Honey, it's Really hard to believe they can't afford an Organic Certification. Who knows, Maybe one day the UMFHA will Do there own Organic Certification…Until then I have to assume they're using pesticides on these flowers, if they weren't It would surely say–Pesticide Free–on Every Label. Hopefully, it won't be long before someone figures out how to grow these Flowers Organically. And when they do, there probably gonna charge a small Fortune.
Hi Ron,
Trust me, I was at the same point you were, and I kinda shelved the issue. But you are correct, that some honeys are organic. I think I remember that Honey Company in Portland saying that the location of you bee farm in proximity to “something else” determines a lot, in that bees only have a certain range. I think he was saying if you have a bee farm in the middle of nowhere, it is easier, if your bee farm is near a farm, then it is harder.
Thanks so much for this information. I just ordered East Cape Manuka 15. It has all the certifications. Any thoughts on that company? Thanks so much!
Hi Gia,
East Cape is the first brand I ever bought. Very good honey. No real reason I buy Mossops over East Cape except that East Cape was out of stock for a long while on amazon. They both look and taste exactly the same to me…
All of th UMF certified Manuka seem like th exact same thing so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
~stay healthy~
I'm overly suspicious, but is the UMFHA license number the same as UMF license number? There's a new kid in town called Kiva UMF Certified Manuka being sold at introductory prices on Amazon. Any thoughts on this product?
Hi Maureen,
I think being “overly suspicious” is a good thing, in that I am the same way, and it has saved me several times.
But, to answer you question, I ran across that question also and UMF and UMFHA seem to be the same thing, with UMFHA being the UMF Honey Association. The easiest way to confirm any suspicions is the take the UMFHA number and go back to the original UMF list and make sure that number is on the original list. I have the UMF list link in my article.
Haven’t heard of KIVA, but knowing how thing works now and looking them up, Kiva is Hawaiian based importer of a New Zealand Company called Midlands Apiaries LTD, UMF License # 2888 (whenever you see “UMF” on the jar, assume it is legit). So this is a legit Manuka, I will add it to my list. And I might buy it for my next Manuka Jar, because their UMF 20+ is around the same price point and other UMF 10+
Glad that I came by your website while doing research on which Manuka to buy. Information are very useful, clear and easy to understand. I'm a research freak myself, so cheers!
One thing I suggest is, the font, it is hard to focus and read if I do not zoom in to 125% in Chrome with desktop. Something more clear with less "arts" will be better for readers eyes.
What is your opinion on Kiva raw Manuku honey UMF 20+?
Hey Tyson,
Kiva 20+ is actually the brand I’m currently using. Thumbs up….. I ordered it because it was the first 20+ I saw on Amazon. I removed it from the list because when I went to reorder, it was no longer on Amazon (Trying to keep my list to mostly Amazon so people can easily get at them). However, I see it is back on Amazon, So I am going to add it back to the list.
The only caveat about Kiva is that it is VERY expensive. When you pay the $79.99, it will be for the small 8.8 oz jar as opposed to many of the 10+ and 15+ brands that have the 16oz jar at about $60-$70. So if you haven’t purchased yet, be prepared to pay a lot more for a smaller jar. But for me, it’s worth the money, and I suppose that depens on how much money you have to devote to this stuff.
~stay healthy~
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hi Doug,
I just happened upon your site. Awesome stuff brother! Keep it up my friend.
This blog post prompted me to check out UMF vs MGO. It looks obvious to me that UMF is a licensing authority for all Manuka honeys. And company's have to comply with the UMF standard to have that license.
MGO, however, is a trademark of ONE specific company that puts that label on its own products ONLY. Kind of deceptive that were even forced to have this discussion on the difference between the two.
One is an industry standard to keep manuka honey producers accountable to their claims. (UMF)
The other LOOKS like its just a marketing strategy for "Manuka Health Company" to upsell their clients with a higher MGO level. It may or may not be as good as UMF standard because its only used by ONE company lol. So we will never really know…
Thanks a million for the heads up Doug! I woulda wasted lots of money on "Wederspoon Manuka" and "Manuka Health Honey".
Stick with the UMF everybody!
I also wanted to ask you Doug. What is the best way to take UMF manuka honey to maximize its medicinal effects? Morning and evening on an empty stomach? Teaspoon/tablespoon? Before meal/after meal? Is it good also to apply directly to the skin for eczima?
If you could suggest a daily regimen, that would be awesome.
Thanks a million my friend! Keep up the amazing work!
Peace everybody!
Hey don,
Thanks for the great compliments about my work. I am not for profit, and those comments are my only payment.
Also thanks, that great info about MGO, I hope people read this comment. I wasn’t impressed with MGO, but I had not got in all the details. but thanks for getting me and my readers up to speed.
So as as the best way to use manuka, I can’t say my approach and advice is law but, first read this article I wrote on the powers of honey combined with cinnamon.
https://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2012/12/17/natures-dynamic-duos-honey-and-cinnamon/
If I could suggest a regiment, one option would be to take a little Manuka on a spoon with a little Ceylon Cinnamon (ceylon has a minder taste, very smooth), as the very first thing you eat in the morning to get the digestive track going.
I admit I only do that occasionally, but I add UMF manuka and cinnamon to my daily smoothies in the morning with the rest of my fav’ superfoods (my smoothie is my breakfast).
On workout days, I add Manuka cinnamon (along with pink Himalayan salt, 4/5 water and 1/5 coconut water, and a teaspoon of my latest find, Baobab superfood) as my workout electrolyte drink.
I’m not saying that is the ultimate or best routine, But I suggest to people to get a routine going that is most convenient for you, so you will eventually do it all time.
Home that gives some insight.
~stay healthy~
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
This has been a life saver. Thank you for going out of your way to help others to not make the mistake in puchasing a pointless jar of Manuka Honey.
Sandy
Hey Shalanda,
I think everyone gets burned on this until they see what is going on. The issue here is this stuff is too expensive to not educate ourselves on what is the best product. And I’m convinced the best products will give us better results.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Doug, thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this reasearch and putting it out there for the rest of us. Your blog is our bible in our project of using manuka honey to treat a very difficult bedsore (it's working.)
We just learned from a doctor friend that Koru Naturals in North Carolina imports both Comvita and Natural Solutions East Cape brands, and carries UMF 10+, 15+ and 20+, including the larger size jar of the 20+, and they have free shipping.
Since Amazon has been so hit or miss in terms of availabilty of the UMF brands (especially selling out of the 20+) and pricing, plus shipping is pricey if you want it within a couple days, we're going to try switching to Koru as our supplier.
Hope this info is helpful to others.
Hey Jeanette,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I’m glad this article is so much help to so many people, it is my most popular article. I’m glad when people write about certain ailments and skin conditions getting healed via Manuka, it help other people get the motivation to purchase UMF manuka.
~stay healthy~
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hello,
I was interesting in purchasing some Manuka Honey as a gift for a honey a afficianado for the taste and health benefits. He is very knowlegable of this stuff, but I am a bit of a novice. I was hoping you could help me. I can't find the Mossops you recomend on amazon prime. I was looking at the Kiva 15+ or the Manuka Health 400 MGO. I know you recommended the Kiva 20+ above, but I could only fine 15+. Manuka Health is uis MGO but it looks it is very popular. http://www.manukahealth.co.nz
Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
Mossops is hit or miss on Amazon, in and out of stock.
Manuka Health MGO is not a UMF certified Honey. As I say in the article, that doesn’t mean it is bogus, but I stay away from non UMF certified Manukas. IT could be legit in its potency, but is harder to know in my opinion.
I actually have Kiva 20+ as my last purchase, and you are right, the 20+ Kiva is no longer on Amazon , they now only have the 15. I would go with the 15+ Kiva, that is still a good strength. 20+ in general is hard to find.
Tahu Manuka currently has an 20+ on amazon, though it almost $100 http://www.amazon.com/Certified-Manuka-9-87oz-ecofriendly-Tahi/dp/B01B6UKYHG/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1456853252&sr=1-3&keywords=tahi+UMF+manuka
Good Luck!!!
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
I just purchased a jar of Manuka Doctor 24+ Bio Active Manuka Honey. On the jar it says Certified origin Oritan.com/CTK352. In looking up Oritan.com it does state that they they have verified the product. However, I want to know if the product is actually from the Manuka bush, I purchased this to assist me in ridding a respiratory infection instead of using antibotics.
Hi Cathy S,
Manuka Doctor is a classic example of this issue. It us not a UMF certified rating, so a person has to make a decision of if its rating it legit. I would bet it is real manuka, but unless it has a UMF rating, the level of potency and strength would be in question for me, unless I knew more about their ratings system. For me, that all doesn’t mean its not legit, just a “I can’t be sure”
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hi
I am have been use Manuka for over year, as you know some of prdoduct is out of stock. I just order Pacific resources internationsl Mossops Manuka Honey UMF 15+ on amazon. Hoever, I read some reveiw on amazon say that the label said UMF15+ but it state UMF seal is 5+. Do you know what they are talking about ?
Hi Dui Tran,
Yes I actually do know because I purchased and had the same question. I actually called Pacific Resources to find out what is going on. Basically the 5+ symbol is on all of their UMF no matter what is the real strength. The front of the jar tells the real strength. Basically they told me that the way they make their labels in that the back of the label is the same for all jars, no matter what strength is on the front, but they assured me the symbol on the front is invalid, and I get the impression their would lose their UMF license if they misrepresented that 15+ rating on the front of the jar.So I was satisfied with that. Further more the plus sign means the strength can be anything over 5 so if the symbol says 5+ and the front of the jar says 15+ then the 5+ symbol is technically not invalid.
Hope that helps, write back if you are still confused.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Thank you. I love you. 🙂 I appreciate your insight and research, this article is powerful. I first tried manuka when I had a recurring MRSA infection from a brown recluse spider bite and it actually worked. In only a few hours the redness, pain, and swelling was gone (it had been there and spreading for a week) and I noticed that the size of the wound shrank considerably. I don’t know where the honey came from because it was given to me by a stranger who suggested that I try it. I found some of the Wedderspoon honey at a health food store but it didn’t do the same thing as the first manuka honey I tried. Plus it was way too expensive and I guess it would have been a ripoff if I didn’t just lije the taste of it. Now I know what to look for, thanks to your passion and guidance. You are greatly appreciated, sir.
Hey David Daukei,
I just cur mu shin at the gym last night and applied some Manuka and then put a bandage over it. Next morning I was fine, though is was not a bad cut. But it is something I do all the time for minor cuts and burns. The comments on this page are starting to fill up with various ailments that the honey has addressed. It’s really good stuff when you know how to get the most potent brand
…and know you know right?
Thanks for reading and commenting
~stay healthy~
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Just what I needed! Great article..You saved me hours of research! I decided on comvita and happy valley. Thanks much!
I guess we can all thank Synergy for pissing you off, it lead to something very positive! Thank you for such great information. I'm excited to read from the rest of your blog… Do you know of any UMF Manuka honey that is unpasteurized and raw? Also which company ships direct from the source in NZ? I'd rather not get it from a distributer.
Hi Lily,
I’m assuming from what I understand that all the UMF Manuka are pasteurized and raw. When you look for one that is not from a distributor, that’s where you have to go back to the NZ UMF list and try to find out who delivers Overseas (Though I’m quite comfortable with the third party distributors myself)
GOOD LUCK!!!
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Comvita also has a UMF 20 at $129.99 – same size – do not know if it is more reliable than Kiva.
I want to try it for my skin and I understand that the more UMF the merrier… correct?
Also, should I leave it on my face less time if it has more UMF? 30min?
Finally, Raw or not raw?
Please let me know – Thank you
Elodie
Hi Elodie,
I personally think the more UMF the better, I’m not so sure if the more UMF, the less you should leave it on your face. Comvita is considered one of the more stable companies in UMF with the largest volume of honey sold, so I think Comvita is always a safe play. I have been trying various brands of UMF, i.e., Mossops, East Cape, Kiva, Comvita, Tahi, and to be honest, they all seem the same to me, so now, I just go for the best price and the highest UMF I feel like paying for at that time
My hast purchase is Tahi (from the Kiwi Importer) its a UMF 15+ in a 14 oz Jar for $54, that is the best deal I found recently. The UMF 20’s are normally in the small 8.8 oz jar for $80 and up, if you can even find them, I think if you can afford 20+ go for it, but if not, just get whatever you feel like paying for. I think using 10+ and 15+ consistently is enough to get UMF benefits if you don’t want to spring for the 20+
Thank you very much Doug for your quick response.does raw or not raw make a difference? (Skincare)Also you were going to try Kiva for the UMF20 to see if it made a difference (skincare wise) – any conclusion? I get from your previous response that it may not have made any difference?
Sorry to bother you and thank you again…
Hey Elodie,
No bother with these questions at all.
I was under the impression that all UMF Manuka is Raw and Unprocessed, different companies may label that fact different if they label it that way at all.
The point I was trying to make in the article is that a Manula can he labeled “UMF” or “Active” or “MGO”, or something else but UMF is “supposedly” the most reliable way of being assured that the label is telling the truth. That comment is I suppose partial opinion, but my conclusion based upon my research. I think UMF is the most reliable way to go, opinions may vary I know……
I haven’t been applying 20+ to my face, so I can’t say 20+ gives you better skin, I think it’s hard to tell any significant difference between 15+ and 20+ unless you are really paying attention, or experimenting by taking before and after pictures of the face, counting wrinkles, and all that.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hello again Doug – I have dicovered Manuka Honey powers today and keep coming up with questions.
Are UMF, MGO, or OMA the same? can they all be trusted or only UMF?
Thanks
Elodie
Hey, Elodie
Also keep in mind that a Manuka that is 15+ can be anywhere up to 19+. So in theory, a batch that was rated 15+ could actually be 18+ or 19+………. and a 20+ lot could have the strength of 20+ so in theory, you might not be talking about much difference between the two in some circumstances, say if you were putting a 19+ vs. a 20+ on your face. The ratings are normally in 5+ increments, and can include any strength up to the next 5+ increment (meaning 20 of 100 jars in a lot are at 15+, 25 jars are at 16+, 10 jars are tested 18+ and so on…that whole lot is labeled 15+)
…..if that makes sense
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Very encouraging information on your website. I am exploring the benefit for a gastrointestinal decease I have called celiac decease.. Would be great if you heard any success stories in this regard. Otherwise, great info and thanks for taking such great time to serve us all !! ..
Hi Cindy,
I’ve heard meany stories in passing, maybe some of those folks might take the time to leave a comment
~stoay healthy~
Thank you for all your research and information. I bought my first jar of Manuka honey based on a friend's recommendation – Wedderspoon KFactor 16. I thought it would help with some skin/nail problems since everything else I tried has failed. I now realize that K Factor is Wedderspoon's 'equivalent' of UMF so I really don't know what UMF strength it really is. We will use up the 17 oz jar BUT then order a UMF Manuka honey. I sort of feel hoodwinked, but my friend swears by Wedderspoon. Thanks again, Joe
Hi Joseph Furey,
Don’t feel hoodwinked, you’re right where you need to be. I think every gets burned, then they get the right information. So far as Wedderspoon, it may be Manuka, but there is no guarantee it is top of the line Manuka. I think Wedderspoon is the most popular name on Amazon, so they get a lot of business. My advice with Wedderspoon is use the remaining jar n your coffee, Tea, or Smoothie, because it is real honey, just not the most potent. And once that jar is gone, get a UMF certified honey, which seems to be where you are now.
Good Luck!!!
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
I was wondering if the "medical" grade Manuka honey is different that the UMF certified honey? Do you have any preferences for "throat soothing" brands to buy? Thank you.
Hi Shirley,
From what I ran across in my research, “medicinal” grade is just an arbitrary term. From a certain perspective (don’t quote me on this) is that anything above 10+ is considered “medicinal grade”. However, UMF is now trying to distance itself and its UMF certified honeys as being classified as “medicinal grade”, because they don’t want to claim any medical benefits to UMF MAnuka, for legal and other reasons I think. This is no different than in how in the USA a superfood cannot label itself as curing a disease.
Hope that helps a little with your first question.
So far as your “Throat Soothing” brands, I’ve tried about 6 different UMF Manuka brands, and they are basically all the same so I would just say get any UMF with the highest rating you can afford. I do know, however, that Melora UMF makes UMF honey throat lozenges, but I never tried them.
That link is here —>
http://www.amazon.com/Melora-Manuka-Propolis-Lozenges-Flavor/dp/B016LSRQ0Q/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463359301&sr=8-8&keywords=melora+umf
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
I am so glad I found your site. This is the best article written on the subjec tof Manuka honey.
Thank you for helping me find my way to better health.
Your Comments
Hi Judy,
No problem, this is fast becoming my website’s most popular article, I’m glad people are getting some value out of it. I even go back to it myself when I shop and price compare manuka 🙂
~stay healthy~
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
great information i was just about to buy wedderspoon manuaka honey, won't now, would u do a raw honey project and see which ones are the best.
i like to buy a jar of raw honey and a jar of raw manuka honey. now i know which brands to buy from manuka honey but would like a raw honey project to know which ones work.
Hi Doug, I can see you have been bombarded with lots of questions etc. I just came across your blog post and have to admit it's long and haven't read it all, so please forgive me if someone has already mentioned what I am about to write. I wanted to point out a few things, which I think would be useful for you to look into in more depth to understand UMF and MGO better.
Manuka honey was discovered back in 1990 by Prof Molan and because they didn't know what made manuka honey anti-bacterial he coined it unique manuka factor (UMF) and non-peroxide activity (NPA), however, this doesn't mean anything it was words he created. All honey contains hydrogen peroxide, but this does not survive light, heat and body enzymes. BUT manuka honey was surviving body enzymes, but they didn't know what the compond was, so he called it NON-peroxide activity. (similar to hydrogen peroxide)
The old UMF rating correlated to NPA measuring system – they measured against phenol solutions (no science) – I won't go into detail, best to research yourself.
The discovery of methlygloxal (MGO / MG) in 2006 was by german chemist Henle at Dresden university… they discovered that its MGO that makes manuka honey antibacterial. BINGO! Unique manuka factor = methylglyoxal
The new UMF rating system now correlates to the levels of methyglyoxal measured in the manuka honey.
NZ gov't don't allow "active" or "NPA" to be used anymore as there is no science behind it, the science is with methyglyoxal.
the MGO 100+, 250+, 400+, 550+ rating system – all it means is that there is 100mg of methyglyoxal per kg manuka honey, 250mg of methyglyoxal per kg manuka honey etc. Easy! Not all reputable, quality and pure manuka honeys have to have the UMF rating system. The MGO rating system is also available.
I've looked into this extensively, so please forgive me if you already knew this, but from the part of the blog I read I felt it was missing this important information.
Kind regards
Maria
Hi Maria,
Thanks for taking the time to comment,
I’m not really “bombarded” with questions, because the questions have come in over the last couple of years and manageable, Thanks for the new information. I know there is so much to cover that I cannot cover it all, so any information will be helpful for anyone reading these comments.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hi Doug,
Thanks for this comprehensive blog. May I know what you think of Manuka Health's quality? Also would MGO 250 be a good enough quality for medicinal and antibacterial properties? Thanks!
Tin
Hi Tin,
I can’t speak for Manuka Health because is has an MGO rating. I’m not saying that makes it bogus, but I personally think it is not as reliable, and of course I’m always open to different opinions accompanied by additional evidence, because I’m only in this to learn what to put in my body.
You might want to note the comment on 1.11.16 by “Don” that says “UMF is a licensing authority for all Manuka honeys……..MGO, however, is a trademark of ONE specific company that puts that label on its own products ONLY”
I think the whole point of the article, which I think I mentioned in there somewhere, is that with all the confusion on this subject, selecting UMF honey is the most reliable path for me at this level of understanding……..
Good Luck!!!
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Thanks so much for all the information. I have Lyme disease and lots of inflammation so my doctor recommended that I ingest Manuka honey with tea. What rating or strength would you recommend? Thank you
Hi Maude,
Obviously you want to shoot for the highest rating you can which means 20+. though 20+ is off and on on Amazon, mainly From Kiva Manuka and a few others. If no 20’s go for the 15+which is normally available on Amazon.
One note I would make is that I’m nor sure if the heat of the tea will destroy some of the nutrients and active constituents in the honey, so it might not be a bad idea to take a little on the tip of a spoon separate from the tea, to insure you’re getting some Manuka that has not been heated up. I’m not a doctor but just a common sense suggestion.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hi Doug,
I'm a beekeeper from New Zealand. I have read your research, which is pretty amazing.My family has a small (by NZ standards) beekeeping business. I sell our honey to Manuka Health and another couple of bigger honey companies.
As we process the honey (which involves removing the capping, spinning the honey from the combs and the honey is filtered to remove the wax, it is raw honey) we take in line samples which we send to an independent laboratory http://www.analytica.co.nz. Analytica send us a report after testing which tell us the NPA (non peroxide activity) which is essentially the UMF (UMF is a trademark) MGO and DHA for that sample. When we sell it to Manuka Health they test it again in their own laboratory.
It's great to hear that you are enjoying our fabulous NZ honey.
It is no longer legal to label honey as having an NPA rating, but as the UMF is a trademark it can be used as can MGO.
An MGO rating is a reliable honey rating, however checking that the source is actually from New Zealand is a very sensible thing to do.
Hey Bron Coppin,
Thanks for this information. I’m still learning about all that this subject entails myself. Just like with various local honeys here in Seattle Washington USA, I also putchase local honeys from small farms here I know what they are doing.
Thanks for talking the time to read and comment………
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
My partner once had a 3″ L x 1.75″ W x .50″ H open growth/wound on her arm for 2 years and growing. I began putting Manuka Health MGO 250 honey on it 4 months ago. It is down to half the size with a center area and outer edges back flat to the skin and scarred. Your article was long and invaluable, but by the time I finished reading it and all 130 comments, I couldn’t recall reading the Manuka Health brand mentioned. It has no UMF on the label. So I’m now torn between proof of amazing and your summation. Any chance you’ve done a review of the Manuka Honey oil brands? That’s even more expensive, but I’m thinking it might be less messy to dress the would with oil than honey.
Hey Marguerite Quantaine,
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I think if the MGO MAnuka healthy works for you, then you may want to stick with it, or even try a UMF honey for 6 months and see which is better. Note I say in the article (I think in the photo of the Medi Bee Manuka Jar of honey), that “if the jar doesn’t say “UMF” that doesn’t mean it is bogus, it just means someone outside the UMF network is rating the honey, so proceed with caution”.
So, any opinion is arguable and debatable, which is actually important since we are all try to learn more about what we are putting in out bodies, I’m just expression my humble opinion that the UMF ratings, for me, are the most reliable way of the a consumer to insure a quality product, as opposed to MGO ratings. However I am assuming there are other quality honeys outside of the UMF network, as a consumer, we all just have to do our own homework and have confidence in your choices, not just purchase blindly.
~stay healthy~
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
And by “couldn’t recall” I meant “could” recall — groan. (At 70 the short term memory and fast typing fingers get jumbled.) Still saying, Manuka Health has been excellent for me, but I’m open to suggestions of even better.
Hi Doug,
I am looking to buy some Manuka umf 20+. All I have in my area being affordable also is golden hills. But I don't know what to say about this one. Why they are selling this only in UK and some part of Europe.
I've kept searching and on another website I found Taku Honey
http://www.miere-manuka.ro/magazin/umf-20/miere-manuka-umf-20-taku-honey-500g/ on very good price.d o you know something about these ones?
Thank you for all your effort!
Bogdan
Hey Bogdan,
Not sure if you are in the USA, but check out Kiva 20+ UMF Manuka. But get it quick, it can be out of stock on Amazon in a Week or two
https://www.amazon.com/Kiva-Certified-Manuka-Honey-LIMITED/dp/B015P0U3JM?ie=UTF8&keywords=kiva%20manuka&qid=1451257302&redirect=true&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
And also I found this link.
https://www.google.ro/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.minervascientific.co.uk/documents/Manuka%2520honey%2520Grocer%2520Article%25202014.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjX0PTIidvNAhUDcRQKHQgvCV8QFgguMAc&usg=AFQjCNG1oI3j9TUQHpF7SzYEw_eZF7P7jA
Manuka honey Grocer Article 2014.pdf – Minerva Scientific
What do you think about this?
Hi Bogan,
I’ll read that link in more detail, seems worth taking the time to read. The problem is, information on the web itself is a paradox and a double edged sword. Companies fight each other and information is put out on the web by people who have a vested interest in swaying the public’s mind one way or the other. Though I go into as much detail as I could with my manuka article, this information overload is like a rabbit hole. In the end, we may never know what’s true or false. Consumers should not have to suffer through all this just to find a quality product. Like I said in the article, UMF has it’s critics, but that is the best way for me go now. No doubt, anyone will put a web article out to criticize or de-legitimize the UMF network, but at some point, the consumer has to go with his or her gut and make the best decision possible at the time.
…as well as keep learning
~stay healthy~
Hi Doug,
Thanks for the great article here. I just purchased Kiva 20+ from Amazon and very excited to try it. One question though-everyone talks about how great a product is but no one mentions the estimated healing time. For example, I purchased Kiva after trying various organic and raw honeys for my acne/blemish prone skin but I wonder how long after use will I start to see benefits on my skin? Any Ideas or suggestions. Thank you in advance for your response:-)
Hi Amina
I might be best if you contact this woman Nicole Nelson. She wrote and article for my blog because she says she has some success with Manuka and skin issues
Her email is NicoleNelson@Okay2BYou.com her website is http://okay2byou.com/
The article she wrote for my blog which might be worth a read, if you haven’t found it yet, is here
https://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2015/01/22/how-manuka-honey-save-my-vanity-sanity/
But let me know if I can be of any more help
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Thank you for your excellent research and for caring so much about informing consumers. I feel the same way that you do … I want consumers to be aware that not all Manuka honey is the same. I was in my local health food store the other day and there was not one brand of Manuka that had a UMF rating, yet some of them were as much as $70 per bottle!
Hey Tracy,
First of all, LOVE your “Best Manuka” site!!! I stuck a link to it at the bottom of my article (above the last photo, of the Manuka Flower).
But you’re right, the prices in stores are absurd, and they are only playing off this whole Manuka craze, assuming consumers won’t do the detailed work.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hi Doug. Thanks for the infrmation. I have been used UMF Manuka honey over two year. I enjoys it very much. I bought one today at Trader Joes as you meantioned in the article. There is no UMF label however it says ISO certify. Do you know about about ISO rating? Thanks
Hi duy,
No I can’t say much about the ISO rating. So with Trader Joes, it’s up to you if you want to trust their rating. I’ve concluded that they have UMF and Non-UMF jars because the have a such a huge amount of Manuka needed to supply their stores, they have to go outside the UMF network to keep their inventories up……
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help, I suppose the question is important because their Manuka is so much more inexpensive than all the others, and is the “best buy” if it is the same potency and the other UMF’s
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
hi I just thought I’d give you a point of view from the other end of the food chain.
I’m a beekeeper in NZ, I’m fortunate enough to own a block of land that includes almost 800 acres of almost pure manuka on a 800m hill. the benefit of this is that when the manuka blooms, because of the altitude it’s geographically isolated like an island so I get a monofloral honey.
I got the honey tested by a reputable lab (incidentally the lab test is not cheap), and it’s good. not medical grade but good.. a lot better than most in fact. works out to roughly mgo 640/umf 16… although even establishing the lab results took considerable research.
its rare to have manuka that active so it makes sense to go commercial…. yay.
the thing is, I’m a very small player. I want to sell raw non blended honey from my one little corner of the world and that’s it:-) But…. I can’t use the word ‘UMF’ unless I pay someone an awful lot of money, I’m not allowed to use ‘MGO’ because only one company is allowed to use it. which is very handy for the big players because the alternative for me selling retail is to sell wholesale to them at a (unbelievably) massively reduced price.
i agree as a consumer you have to be careful. It’s a valuable product, so it’s always going to be a target for counterfeits and crooks. Having independently measurable standards like UMF and MGO do improve product security, but shutting small players out from using those standards doesn’t do end consumers any favours…. or me for that matter:-)
I’m glad you like the honey so much though!
I don’t normally comment but I gotta tell regards for the post on this great one :
D.
Hey NZ Beekeeper anon from 08.04.16, do you have a website? I'd love to buy some of your honey! (especially if you posted those positive test results on there.)
Cheers!
-Aleksandra
Hi Aleksandra,
I’m slowly making a website. So far I’ve finished the process for domestic sales, international is my next task. Just send me through a mail to L xball@hotmail.com (no spaces) and I’ll let you know when I’m all good to go.
And thanks for the support, it’s made my day:-)
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your extensive research and information!
I am from New Zealand and have been involved in the Honey industry for many years as a Beekeeper. I agree with your advice and understand the confusion for consumers in regards to labeling. The reason I stand by UMF is that it takes the confusion away and gives consumers trust in a product. It is true that Manuka Honey without the UMF labeling could very well be just as potent and as good a product, but with out a regulated standard how can consumers know. It is similar to the organic industry, anyone can label their product as organic but without the certification we don't know for sure. I would steer clear of companys that aren't UMF certified as I can't see a reasonable explanation of why they wouldn't want to be UMF certified, other than they have an inferior product.
Cheers for your great blog,
-Ben
Hi Benjamin Kellet,
Thanks for the comment. I’m glad to see some of the “professionals” in New Zealand are chiming into this conversation to help us over here in the USA learn more!!!
~Stay Healthy~
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hi Ben, there is a one off joining fee of 40 thousand NZ dollars to become UMF licensed (just under 30 thousand US). For a boutique producer that presents a significant barrier to market entry. Feel free to email me and I’ll send you the UMF licensing schedule.
Other than that I absolutely agree with everything you said, there has to be trust, and that can only be achieved with a clear common standard.
cheers
Hi, Thank you for the great information on manuka honey. It would be great to have similar information on (a) cinnamon, (b) dark chocolate (c) olive oil and (d) green superfood supplements.
Wishing you a healthy and joyful life
Mia
our Comments
Hi Mia Ash,
I have wrote other articles to address the superfoods you mentioned, because many of which I consume regularly, so I want to make sure I get the most quality product
I wrote and “all about cacao chocolate” article, and at teh bottom I list 3 Cacao products that were tested by NaturalNews.com to be very low in led and heavy metal toxins
My Cacao article —–> https://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2013/11/23/cacao-power-a-k-a-food-of-the-gods/
I wrote an article about fake olive oil hitting the markets and how I use look for the California Olive Council Seal on Olive Oil bottles to get a real olive oil product
My Olive Oil article —-> https://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2012/07/02/fake-olive-oil-is-anything-sacred/
I wrote an article on Ceylon Cinnamon vs. the more Common Cassia cinnamon, and how One should Go after Ceylon Cinnamon which is considered “real cinnamon”
My Cinnamon article—> https://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2012/11/05/is-your-cinnamon-fake-cinnamon-probably/
The Main Green Superfood Supplement I consume regular is Chlorella,
My Chlorella article here ——> https://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2012/02/11/the-power-of-chlorella/
Finally, I have been suggesting to family and friends, if you are shopping for quality products, check out the HealthRanger.com, because they test all their products for Lead and other toxins before selling. Lead in supplements is a major issue these days, and this is one way I address it for myself, in that, as an example, I purchase my Chlorella from HealthRanger, because it is tested for contaminants. They have several green Superfood Supplements that are probably of very high quality.
HealthRanger.com link is here —-> https://www.healthrangerstore.com/
So good luck, remember I’m not an expert, perhaps I’m more skilled (or more passionate) at researching thing than some, or maybe I’m someone who just enjoys research more. And I’m not for profit and I have no vested interest, except to share information on quality products.
Thanks for reading and commenting, and I hope the links above are of some help!!
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Thank you for your work and sharing it with us! I read that you can use Manuka on your dog? Do you know how I can use it in their mouths to help reduce placque? Two dogs are 13 lbs and one is 70 lbs. For that matter, how humans use it for oral care?
Hi Sunny,
Those are both good questions. Yes I have run across people saying they have uses Manuka for both dog and human oral care.
I’m not sure how it worked for dogs, you might have to do some web hunting and get some info from someone with a dog.
With humans, I do know that people rub it on their gum line to help address bleeding gums, and I have tried that myself, although and oral irrigitor (such as WaterPik) is the best solution for flushing germs and toxins from under the gum line so they can heal.
Sorry I can’t be of more help on this one, but since this post has so many readers and comments, someone might read an post a better answer.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
I think the problem of Manuka honey fraud is much larger than you report, statistics show that at least 80% of honey sold in the world as "Manuka honey" with the inference that it carries special healing properties is not genuine Manuka honey. The genuine article is available and athough expensive it is proven in countless clinical studies to have outstanding antimicrobial properties.Here is my take on the current situation: http://www.manukanatural.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-know-before-you-buy-manuka-honey/
Hi Doug,
I purchased the East Cape Manuka Honey Certified UMF 20+ from Koru Naturals. Was this a wise purchase?
Thanks for all your research!
Hi Michelle,
Yeah East Cape is one of legit ones. It is currently one of the brands I purchase. Although, it seems all of the UMF 15+ and 20+ Manukas are just the same so I go for the best price. The 20+ is the best you can get…….
~stay healthy~
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your quick response! Right now, I have it in my refrigerator. I would like to take it straight from the container because I don’t want to add it to hot liquids to alter any of it’s properties. How much do you recommend taking daily?
Thanks again!
Hi Michelle,
You’re right, I don’t add it to hot liquids, because it “seems” like heat would destroy the enzymes and other properties of the honey.
So far as daily dosage, well if you bought that 20+, then you know how expensive it is, and I try to make mine last and last. I only use a little, I drizzle a very little in my smoothies, looking at my measuring spoons, my smoothie amount comes out to maybe 1/4 to 1/2 tablespoon. I put a little in my workout water along regular water with maybe 1/6 coconut water, little Himalayan salt, and the superfood powder baobab, all that and honey in my workout water, that Manuka may be about 1/4 teaspoon. I blend it up and put in my workout bottle before I go to the health club, it really keeps me hydrated and energetic. I have a little in the morning in regular water along with a very little cinnamon and Himalayan salt but that is almost like a drop from a butter knife I stick in the jar.
The fourth thing I just started doing in the past 2 weeks, as the first thing I put in my mouth in the morning (before my cinnamon/salt/honey water I just mentioned) is take about 1/4 teaspoon and sprinkle in a pinch of ground black cumin seeds. I have heard black cumin seeds have some of the most powerful health and healing properties known to man, and historically they took it with honey. I have learned from Ayurvedic research that honey is a transporter of other healing agents in the body, so anything you take with honey helps that other thing get absorbed in the body better. I was previously taking a little honey and cinnamon on a spoon, but not daily, and now the honey and cinnamon is in the morning water.
I think if you are using a very powerful superfood consistently you don’t have to worry about how much to take…….
For my tea, I actually use room temperature Taste Nirvana Coconut Water, and that makes the tea sweet enough for me, so I don’t have to worry about putting manuka in coffee or tea. Sometimes I will put some Coconut Palm Sugar in my tea, so I have other options for coffee and tea other than expensive Manuka
I don’t cook with manuka either, cause like you said, I don’t want to heat it up, but I have found that a room temperature dipping sauce of Manuka an Dijon mustard with a few spices is pretty an awesome Honey-Dijon sauce, in which to dip chicken breast, or spread on top of a turkey sandwich, or as a dipping sauce for chicken wings or fish. In those cases, I may use a full kitchen spoon of Manuka, depending on how much mustard I use and how sweet I want it.
I don’t feel the need to put my Manuka in the fridge but to each his/her own, because I was under the impression that honey in a sealed container will keep for years and years, they have actually found honey containers in Egyptian tombs that still have active enzymes. Besides, like I said, my jar is always used in 2-3 months anyway. In the end I’m not using a whole heck of a lot during one day, That one larger since Manuka jar can last me a couple of months
…sorry for getting long winded, but I get passionate about healthy eating
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Your Comments what is your opinion of the quality and purity of Raw Manuka Honey active 15 from Y. S. Eco Bee farms? how would compare it to a product labeled UMF 15 ?
Hi Ted,
Tis is one of those examples where Y.S. Bee Farms, has an Active 15 rating but is not UMF certified,meaning it is real Manuka. From my point of view, the price seems too low to be at the quality level of real UMF manuka. And, as I say in the article, you just have to decide if you want to trust their rating. My opinion, which is only opinion, is thta UMF certified ratings are more reliable. There have been too many non UMF honey tested to be found not at the strength on the Jar.
Once Again, this is all my opinion
Doug at GAIA HEalth Blog
Active 15+ is definitely not the same as UMF 15+, UMF describes the additional antimicrobial properties of Manuka honey. All honey has so-called “active’ properties, only certified UMF Manuka honey contains the compound methylglyoxal which is responsible for the additional antimicrobial properties.
As described on our Manuka UMF honey web page, there is according to NZ authorities a vast amount of honey being sold worldwide that is fraudulently labeled as Manuka honey. Best advice is to buy only certified Manuka UMF honey from a reputable New Zealand based company
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more
than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all.
But just imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this site
could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its field.
Excellent blog!
Hi MAnuka Honey many great uses,
My entire blog is infused with A LOT of my favorite music, and other videos, such as exercise and fitness videos, and informative videos on superfoods and so forth. I personally don’t believe in pop-up ads and such. I’m actually finding all of that a distraction and for me, when I browse the web, often irritating. I want the blog to stay informative, clean, a fun visual experience, admittedly a fair amount of “bikini bodies” to which i have no regrets, because it all a part of me expressing my mind’s eye honestly, there is a lot of video on my site, but unlike other sites, such as CNN as an example, I will never have an article where a video just starts blaring automatically. My video is my favorite songs that you can choose to play or not. The whole internet is using the “bombard people” approach, showing you a dozen different things that you didn’t even click on the site for, trying to sell you something, trying to give you a pop up to subscribe to the site 2 seconds after you get in, and I personally find the internet unusable and un-browsable because of all of this, I’m taking a different approach, where you can have a great visual experience on a variety of serious, or perhaps not so serious subjects.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
hi I thought you may be interested to know that it’s been a bad season for manuka in NZ this summer… anecdotally it sounds like production could be down as much as 50% or more nationally.
In my part or the country last week i put half a quarry’s worth of rocks on top of my hives to stop them blowing away before winds topping 150kph sucked the last of the season’s manuka blossom into outer space.
sigh.
But given it takes close to a year for manuks to mature hopefully any supply/demand spike will be dulled and prices wont go up.
Hi Anon,
Sorry to hear about the production troubles in New Zealand. From what you are saying, it is more weather than bees dying from mysterious reasons.
No doubt prices will go up, so I guess we can start expecting 16oz of UMF 15+ to be 80-90 dollars US.
My only concern is the non UMF honey in the USA is going to swoop in and take advantage of the American Market, because unless you truly understand the value and power of UMF Manuka, most people would rather spend $20 US for a jar and no more. Of course I’ll pay whatever price and just cut my dosage to make the jar last.
Thanks for reading and commenting
Doug,
About a year ago, I was given Manuka Doctor 10+ Bio Active Manuka Honey labeled a product of New Zealand from my urgent care for an open wound. It worked so well that I am currently using it on another open wound. After doing more research based off the amazing results from my first gash, i find that it is lacking the UMF rating/certification and states “Batch: 150657”. Is this real Manuka Honey? Can you help me find that out?
Hi Lauren,
Manuka Doctor is a classic example of what the article is talking about. As I said somewhere in the article, not being UMF certified does not mean the honey is bogus, it means you have no real way of knowing if the 10+ is the legitimate strength. As the article states, many non UMF strength honeys have been found to not have the strength labeled n that there is no regulation.
I have not heard of any UMF honey tested to be less than advertised. So you have to decide on that premise…..
With UMF honeys you have some assurance.
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Hey! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I
genuinely enjoy reading through your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that
deal with the same topics? Many thanks!
Hi bitcoins free,
If you scroll down the right sidebar of any page of my site, you will see some links. The main one is “The Food Renegade” and “The Medicine Hunter” is very informative also. Not boasting or anything, but the sites may not be a “entertaining” as mine, but they are very informative, in that I still go back there for my ongoing education.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Doug,
Thank you for your article! It is rare to find an unbiased blog review on the different choices of Manuka out there. Were you able to try ‘Steens’ Manuka 20+ and if so what are your thoughts? I’m enticed by it’s claim of being raw however its far more expensive than other 20+ brands available.
I also have made a breakthrough with treating my nocturnal asthma with an apple cider vinegar and honey mixture. Do you think Manuka’s medical properties would be harmed if mixed in apple cider vinegar (no heat of course)?
I’m going to research your blog further. Great information, Thanks for putting it out there!
Hey Jason Miles,
Thanks for your comments, I’m not about money, I literally hate pop-up ads, so I would never torture anyone with that garbage, I’m all about passion for wellness, and getting some of my love for “egghead” nutrition science out in a digestible and fun manner, I’m not in this for money. I got other things I’m trying to do to make money……
I am going to try Steens, mainly because I try every new Manuka I run across. However, they all seem the same to me, same taste, same good vibration, so in the end, it comes down to price. I think the Tahi 15+ is the best price point for what I can get. All the 20+ are expensive, I’ve tried the Kiva 20+ for about $80 for 8oz small jar, you have to make sure if you are looking at he 8oz vs 16oz jar though.
I haven’t heard of any specifics of apple cider vinegar and honey, but if it were me, I’d go for it because you probably can’t go wrong with that combo. From what I have learned in my Ayurvedic research, honey is like a delivery mechanism for anything it combines with, somehow honey has the ability to drive the nutrients of the thing it combines with into the body tissue. I’ve got articles in my blog on supposed, exponential benefits when honey is combined with cinnamon, and honey is a commonly added to the very powerful Black Seed and Black Oil superfood in ancient and modern remedies, so I can only conclude in general, that manuka and apple cider would have to be a winning combo.
Just hit me that I actually use that combo often, in that, I’m always making a quick Honey-Dijon sauce when I’m grilling, or to spread over a turkey burger, or as a dipping sauce for some baked wings, and I always add a little apple cider vinegar. No wonder I’m always feeling so great.
Let us all know what you do with it…….
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Doug,
Thanks for your quick and thoughtful response! I decided on Tahi 10+ for mixing with ACV and the Kiva 20+ for stand alone use.
I’m enjoying your other articles! I’ll follow up on how it goes with the ACV!
Hi Jason,
I personally think if you take Manuka all the time, 10+ 15+ or 20+, is all good, just get the highest UMF you can afford. I haven’t done the calculations, but it seems like the Tahi in general gives you a little more for your buck.
When it’s time for a new jar, I will get a Kiva 20+, but if it is our of stock, I just get a Tahi 15+
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
i’m looking for umf with added glucosamine and venom, but can’t find
i read an article(very reputable site) showing a study where venom helped BPH issues
hope you can help
thank you
Hey Dave,
i’m verry sorry, I won’t be of much help for you on this one.
I’ve actually never heard of of that combo before. I’m starting to hear about venom, but since I’m not using it yet, I haven’t truly dived into any research….
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Api health and manuka health sell it but i don’t see a UMF # on package
thanks for your reply
Hey Dave,
I think API Health does sell UMF manuka, but all of their products are not UMF. That is common with other companies it seems also. I would just get the venom product even though it is not UMF, because they seem like a quality company.
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Doug, thanks for all your research. I am looking for the highest quality Manuka honey with both the Highest MGO & leptosperin levels. Any thoughts on that? Also, have you heard of this Manuka Honey?
http://www.manukahoney.com/about-our-honey
Thanks,
Rick
Hi Richard Stein,
I think that link you posted was to Summer Glow Honey, it is a legitimate UMF, it was on my list but was not on Amazon for a while so I took it off.
I personally never pay attention to MGO levels. Leptosperin, I’ve been hearing more about, so I’m going to have to do a little research on it….
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Greetings Doug,
I would like to take a moment to introduce myself as well as my partners. My name is Grace MacCallum, my partners and I are currently pursuing an Independent study for our Bioengineering course. We have been following the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey, in order to test on bacteria available to us. After purchasing and testing Wedderspoon K Factor 12 Manuka honey and yielding no antibacterial effect, we were confused as we had thought all Manuka was the same. That led us here and sure enough, you clarified what we had suspected, potency levels or UMF are extremely important for the efficacy of Manuka honey against bacteria. If there was a way to contact you further for more information we would be extremely grateful to use you as a source in our lab. Thank you for your article as it has steered us in the right direction with our research.
Have a great day and hope to hear from you soon!
Grace MacCallum
Hi Grace MacCallum
You can contact me at “dxwallace at gmail dot com”, but remember, I’m just an ordinary consumer, not a scientist or professional researcher in any way, nor am I licensed in anything. I’m more of a self-taught nutritionist as pertains things I put in my own body. So, I’m not sure if someone in my position can help but we can always dialogue and see.
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Thanks Doug, let me know what you find out. Also, any thoughts on Manukora Manuka Honey?
https://www.amazon.com/Manukora-Manuka-Honey-UMF-250g/dp/B01FSTWEN8?th=1
Hi Richard Stein,
Manukora is on my list in the article. It is a legitimate UMF Honey. I have purchased before because they often have the potent UMF 20+ which is sometimes hard to find.
But to be honest, all the UMf honey at a given strength are the same to me, same texture same taste, so I normally just go for the best price point (Tahi UMF “seems” to give you the most for your money, but I’ve never really say down and calculated dollars-per-ounces). Because they all seem the same quality, that’s why I may purhase Manukora, but my next jar will be another UMF.
Doug at Gaia Health Blog
Which UMF rating would you recommend for treating rosacea/acne. 10 or 15 ?
Thanks,
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
I think you should get the highest you can afford, but if you use a 10+ consistently, you should get fair results. Also, remember a 10+ can be 10+ 11+, 12+, 13+, or 14+, since the ratings are normally in increments of 5. Saying that to say, you can buy a jar of 10+ umf, but the true strength may actually be 14+ (but not quite strong enough to test out at 15+), which is only one point from 15+, so it may not be that much difference “sometimes” between a 10+ and 15+. That’s just a theory of mine which may or may not be valid, but just a thought.
…also I don’t think it matters which UMF rand you buy, I’ve tried about 7 so far, and they all seem like the same product (though Tahi manuka “seems” to give you a little more for your money)
Also, here is a link a to a guest post a woman wrote on my site who said she had success with Manuka and acne
https://www.gaiahealthblog.com/2015/01/22/how-manuka-honey-save-my-vanity-sanity/
GOOD LUCK!!!
Doug at GAIA Health blog
Thank you, for your quick response ! You have helped me make up my mind. 🙂
Hi Doug,
thank you for having a genuine blog vs some people having a blog just to get referral money for products. I bought today Pacific Resources Manuka Honey 20+ at my local Fairway. On the side of the bottle it says “Our 20+ grading system ensures a content of not less than MG95 mg/kg” . I went to the UMG website you have above and the Methylglyoxal for a UMF of 20 is 829. I assume MG is the same as MGO = Methylglyoxal, if yes something is wrong. Also the content is “100% New Zealand Honey” doesn’t say manuka.
I went to the Wedderspoon website and didn’t find anything specific about its anti-bacterial properties. Until my research today I was eating Wedderspoon K16. No more, in large part due to your writing, thank you! I just ordered from Amazon a bottle of Kiva, from now on for me it’s UMF 20 crosschecking to make sure they’re listed on the UMF website.
hi,
Down here in NZ the Ministry of Primary Industries has released a new standard to define manuka honey, this is based on a 5 point chemical/DNA test and the result specifies if the honey is NZ manuka, and if it is multifloral or mono.
The test comprehensively and definitively identifies manuka honey. The great thing is that its not limited to UMF members – it will be applied to ALL to all manuka honey exported from NZ, meaning there will be no gaps left for fakes to hide in. Basically if it has the MPI standard it’s real, if it doesn’t…. it’s fake.
Im still reading up on what implications this has on manuka activity measures (if any).
This is great news for legitimate manuka honey producers, and hopefully the end of the line for others cashing in with fraudulent products.
The new standard is expected to be made a legal requirement for export around late july, for further info check out the link to the NZ govt site below.
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/growing-and-producing/bees-and-other-insects/manuka-honey/
cheers:-)
Your Comments
Thank you for such great information. This is a blessing.
Hi Margie,
You’re welcome, thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I’m glad you got something helpful out of the post.
~stay healthy~
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Great article, thanks so much for the in depth research that went into this! Consumers really need more quality information like this so they can make informed decisions.
It’s a shame that some of the most popular manuka honey in the US (like Wedderspoon) is low quality manuka with very little or non-existent non-peroxide activity. I would argue that their quality grading labels are intentionally misleading.
On top of that, they grade their honey based on the pollen count of the honey. Manuka pollen and the pollen of other related species (like kanuka) are extremely difficult to differentiate (http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/agribusiness/9956816/Warning-on-pollen-test-to-tackle-phoney-honey).
To me, this means that there is no guarantee that Wedderspoon manuka honey is even the real deal.
Thanks again for the great article!
Hello,
My name is Peter Botting.
I stumbled on your blog for Manuka honey.
This is a topic dear to my heart since I am the CEO of Pure Manuka Honey Ltd, which owns the brand Three Peaks. We are UMFHA members #2112. I am interested in reading your comments because it reminds me how poorly we have educated the world on the UMF and Manuka authenticity. If you want to discuss it at all I am absolutely open to receiving a call from you or any of your followers. Our product has recently been listed on Amazon US. Our operations are in North Island NZ, our website http://www.threepeaksnz.com and my mobile number is +6421554234.
Please feel free to call me.
Hi Peter Botting ,
I added you to my list. Good luck with your business!!!
BTW, good looking Glass Jar in your Manuka 12+, 16+, 18+, and 20+ . I know what one of my female friends is getting as part of her Holistic Bodycare Basket for Christmas!!!
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Thanks a lot for such a detailed post. I was at Whole Foods and almost bought Wedderspoon honey. I did quick Google search and ended up on your blog post. It saved me. I decided to come back and read through it and plan to buy real Manuka Honey from Amazon.
Now, you have listed many good options here, which in turn making me confuse as well what to buy and what not.
I believe minimum 15+ or 20+ Manuka that I am looking for.
What would be your recommendation as per great quality and great price among the list? Since ThreePeeks 20+ is very expensive.
I am thinking Comvita, Steens, Kiva Certified UMF 20+, and Manukora Manuka Honey UMF 20+
What would be your recommendation?
hi Kashi,
I have bought all the ones you have mentioned, but they are all exactly the same, at least to me, so then it comes to price.
I haven’t done the exact calculations. But the one I’ve been buying in 2017 has been the Tahi UMF 15+ manuka, that seems to give me the best for my money.
If you don’t want to shovel out $50-$70 for the UMF 15+, I think the 10+ of any UMF brand, when used consistently is still gonna work wonders for you. I will revert back to the 10+ on occasion, and I have bought several jars of the 20+ over the past 2 years, but the Tahi 15+ is my brand of choice, though that could change in 2018, who knows.
I think there are better deals at the 10+ strength in the other brands, so check those out also
Hope that helps….
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
I really want to buy the Eastcape Manuka, I was going to buy it from this website https://www.korunaturals.com/, however, when I checked the price on Natural Solutions http://www.manukaproducts.co.nz/ProDetails.aspx?id=7 which is the producer of the honey, I found it way more expensive than the same Eastcape on Korunaturals, so I started worrying, how can I an American seller import it and sell it cheaper than the production company?? could this happen?!!!!!
thank you
https://www.korunaturals.com/ sells East Cape manuka way cheaper than the manufacturer in Newzeland (http://www.manukaproducts.co.nz/ProDetails.aspx?id=7)
Does this mean that korunaturals honey is not authentic??
thank you
Hi Biso,
I think East Cape on korunnaturals.com site is authentic. I went out to their site and saw the east Cape and it is authentic. Not sure why so expensive in NZ, could be many reasons, though I could only speculate.
If you see “UMF” on the label, it is safe to assume it is legitiamte.
Doug at GAIA HEalth Blog
Thanks bro for your reply. Have you tried this ?? https://www.onukuhoney.com/home/#home2
I believe it is genuine too but I am not quite sure.
Hi Biso,
I had never heard of Onuku honey, must be new. Yes that is a legitimate UMF honey, obvious because of the yellow and black UMF Octagon logo on the label.
This is the first one I’ve seen with a UMF 25+, most all others most highest strength is 20+. Though their UMF 25+ is whopping $225, that’s a littel too deep for my pockets. It’s took me two years to mentally accept paying $50-$65 for a 16 Oz Jar of UMF.
But I’ll have to add this one to my article, since I also see it on Amazon and is available in the USA
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Where is the UMF 25 ?? I did not see it in the link I posted to you.
Hi Bassem
I figured there’s no way anyone would care about the $220 har of Onuka Manuka, but I guess you fooled me!!!
I updated the article with the link 20 to their 25+
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Ya, I have seen it on Amazon, however their NZD and US websites do not show that one with UMF 25+ . I emailed their customer service to confirm, however , it is very expensive if there is though , I won’t buy it lol .
Hi Biso,
IT’s funny, because I just updated the article put didn’t put the link in for 25+, but someone asked about it, so I’m gonn update teh new addition with that link. Must be someone in Warren Buffet’s family who wants UMF
Doug at GAIA Healtyh Blog
Doug, you did not mention UMF 20+ in the article
Hi Biso,
I did not see an Onuku 20+ on Amaon. But as I mentioned at the top of The Amazon section of the post, its always safe to do a search on the brand name you are interested in and add UMF onto your search to get all the strengths of that brand available on Amazon. But I’ll have to keep an eye out, because they are new to Amazon, and a 20+ might pop up at some point. I’m always in this article updating it as you can see.
I’ve noticed some brands also now have 12+ and 18+, which I didn’t not see in 2015-2016, so I probably would never be able to catch them all with my links. I suppose it depends on a given season or year when there is an 18+ is what they measure it out as, other times there is not and they just put out a 15+ and 20+ with no 18+, and other times, I will not see any 20+ at all, I suppose because no one was manufacturing that strength that season.
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Actually, UMF 20+ is the one on their website but the 25+ is not, it is only on Amazon and not on their official website, that is why I do not really believe they make UMF 25+
BTW, you can test for authentication by your smartphone here http://onukuhoney.co.nz/authentication/
Hio Biso,
Yeah I did see their 20+ on their site, mostly, my list is what you can grab on Amazon, it seem to be the easiest approach to help American consumers out. I’m assuming if a UMF user wants do more research on their own, they will go out to the company’s website. Just want to have the reader have a place to find domething right away.
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Scroll down in the 25+ Amazon link you posted in the article it says under (About the product)
Certified UMF 20+ (UMF license. #2252)
So it is not 25+
Amazon is making it up
Hi Boso,
I would bet that is an Amazon error, they are probably using the same description for 25+ and 20+. Technically the description is valid, because if the true strength on the laves is 25+, then 20+ in the description is still accurate, in that 20+ means 20 plus anything over 20, so the actual strength of any jar in that lot could be 21+, 22+, 23+ and so on….
But I be that is an Amazon mistake, because I called Mossups UMF about the same issue a couple of years ago, and they said you have to go by the label, it’s very easy for Amazon or any other re-seller to mess up the description.
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Thank you for all your replies Doug.
Stay in a good health
Have you tried http://www.cammellshoney.co.nz ??BTW is there a huge difference between UmF 20+ Manuka honey brands?? The thing is I found the Cammells honey here in Canada and they have an offer of 10% off on a six 500 gm pack. Will save me from dealing with the strict Canadian customs.
Ho Biso,
I haven’t tried Cammell yet, not have I heard of it. I notice that the number of UMF Manuka’s almost doubled over the past 2 years, there used to be 40-50 UMF Licenses, now its closer to 90-100. I think there is a lot of re branding and repackaging from other UMF producers, as in MediBee UMF is actually Manufactured by Comvita UMF.
I personally am not finding any difference whatsoever between the 20+ UMF’s nor different brands of 15+, same as 10+. So far as 20 UMF, I’ve tried Kiva, and I think 2 others,but I’ve forgot which ones (The Tahi 15+ is normally what I buy over the past 1.5 years). I am simply going best price when I’m purchasing UMF Manuka.
Opinions vary, but I tell people its OK to just get 10+ if you are gonna be using consistently, it can be too mentally taxing dropping %55-$90 on 15+ and 20+
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
$90 tax on each bottle of honey or you mean total tax??
Hi Biso,
I meant neither, when I say “mentally taxing”, I mean “mentally stressful”……
Doug Wallace
Hi,
Ant info on manukahoneyusa products? Anything could help thanks!
Hi Tia,
They are on the list of UMF honeys in the article, third from the bottom. UMF #1033. I don’t think they sell on Amazon I think you have to go straight to their website.
https://manukahoneyusa.com/product/active-manuka-honey-umf16-17-5oz-jar/
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Hi
First I must say thank you for all the info- what a blessing you are to the world !!
Question->I’ve been consuming Manuka honey USA for a month now and I’m so confused – the label stayed umf 16+, has a lic#, has a New Zealand bar code
Says its raw
Is this a good choice for me or does it contain additives ?
Question #2 why should I not consume over a tablespoon ?
I’ve been doing 2 a day – would u consider that too much? If so could you explain why?
Also there is a y.s. I been taking from whole foods- It’s cheaper says it’s from New Zealand but does not have a New Zealand barcode -it only says active 15+ perhaps this is a waste of my time ?!.
Thank you bunches for your time. I appreciate you!!
May the best of this life be with you and yours. Wishing you many smiles:-> Tracy
Hi Tracy,
So Far as y.s., it may be from New Zealand and may neven be Manuka, but the UMF rated Manuka is considered top grade. Note my comment in the article:
Not all manuka honey has the unique activity and among those that do the strength varies.
I don’t think 15+ vs 16+ matters, it just what the test batch tested out to. I’ve seen 12+ and 18+ at times. I think any Manuka 10+ or more is a great health assue, of course its what you can afford.
I personally think you can take as much Manuka as you want, I don’t think the measurement of how much you should take realy matters. UMF is so exansive, that is going to keep you from consuming to much in a day.
Doug at GAIA HEalth Blog
Also Manuka honey USA does not send test levels like a lot of the New Zealand license company’s
Thank you so much for your efforts to give us readers some inkling what we are actually looking for. I got so much wiser.
I have a problem, I do not live in the US this impacts several of the brands that you mention who not ship internationally. Could you be so kind and tell me who of the NZ manufacturers ships internationally, or maybe their USA affiliates do international shipping? I appreciate your help. No updates for 2018 by the way?
Hi Joseph,
Been “slacking” on updates, but added 3 new ones I ran across today 1/25/2018…….
I’m actually not sure which brands ship internationally in places other than USA. If I were you, I would first try Mossops and Comvita, only because they seem to me major players in UMF and maybe more of a chance they ship internationally.
Sorry if that is not much help
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Hi, Manukanatural.com have UMF honey and ship it to USA
Here is a press release that you may be interested in it concerns Manuka honey testing by UK company Fera Ltd which has identified both Wedderspoon and Manuka Doctor as supplying Manuka honey that has extremely low levels of methylglyoxal, one of the main contributors to a UMF certification. As the article states bee-ware!
http://www.manukanatural.com/blog/
Hi there,
Loved your article very helpful!
Recently came across Comvita UMF5+ in my local Costco in Canada but was creamed (doesn’t say raw).. so wondering does that affect its efficacy? Sort of for everyday immunity building purpose vs. using a UMF 20+ at times of illness ?
Also somewhere it says Grade no. 3 Amber (now wondering what that means) ?
Thanks so much!
Hi Aditi,
I honestly cant tell you for sure what those things mean. Comvita happens to be the only one of the major brands I haven’t tried yet, and for no reason except I don’t like the color of the label, looks like a Jar of Medicine!!
As I noted in the article, I do know Comvita is one of the most reliable and largest UMF suppliers, I know they supply honey to hospitals to help treat burns.
I jumped over to Amazon.com to look at the Comvita 5+ and I personally wouldn’t worry about the “creamy”, and as long as it is UMF, and also wouldn’t worry about the Grade 3 amber. For me personally, if I really had to know, I would just call or email the company, as I did with a few other Manukas I had questions about, such as Mossops and East Cape.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
Thanks Doug! Its helpful to have your opinion 🙂
I’ll see if I can dig up more info!
Thanks!
I truly appreciate this website. Thank you for keeping it updated. What specific brands of Manuka Honey do you use or would you personally recommend?
Hi Larissa R,
I’ve tried about 8 of the ones on the list in the article of the one available on Amazon. To be honest, they all seem exactly the same. For me they are 100% interchangeable, like if one of my brands is out of stock on Amazon, I can jump to any of the others with the best price for the strength at [normally] 15+ for me.
But to answer your question, ones I buy the most however are Tahi and Wild Cape, because it seems their prices are slightly lower than the others. Though for the first couple of years, I was buying Mossops. I normally buy 15+, but will on occasion by 20+ when I feel like coughing up $80 for the smaller 8oz jar. When I get 20+ I get it from whomever has it, because it seems to be in an out on Amazon. so far as the 20+ Kiva is the one I normally buy, but only because it is available more than other 20+, I guess it depends on which seasons and on which farms the bees produce that strength.
…though I haven’t got 20+ in over a year, not sure if it is worth it for me at the price point. I tell people if you can only afford 10+ and use it consistently, that’s all you need.
Thanks for reading and commenting
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
i wonder if you tried the Manuka honey by east cape UMF 20+
8.8oz.
i found prices of $69 to $100 plus of same jar.
thank you for your full report, much to learn from it.
Yoel.
Hi Yoel,
I have tried East Cape, that was the first UMF Manuka I ever tried, though they didn’t have a 20+ at that time and i only buy 20+ sporadically.
all the UMF Manukas are pretty interchangeable for me, they all seem the same, so I simply go for the best price. for the past year I been consuming Tahi UMF 15+, because it seems to have the best price on Amazon. But I haven’t actually calculated the price per oz versus some of the others, it just “seems” like you get more for the money. I did get some East Cape a few times in 2018, but that was because some others were out of stock and the East Cape seemed least expensive, but that was East Cape 15+ as I remember…..
Doug at GAIA Health Blog
MGO is a legitimate rating used by industry leader Manuka Health and recognized by new regulations in New Zealand.
Manuka Honey distributors using K factor or ‘Active’ probably arent providing Manuka honey with adequate levels of methylglyoxal, etc