In the world of luxury foods, few substances command as much respect as genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey. Often referred to as “liquid gold”, this extraordinary nectar is more than a sweetener - it’s a complex, bioactive marvel that’s born from the rugged landscapes of both the north and south islands.
However, for the discerning customer, the marketplace can be a confusing bustle of acronyms and numbers. Here at Primal by Nature, we believe that true luxury is found in transparency and uncompromising quality. To fully appreciate the potency and prestige of our collection, one needs to understand the rigorous certification that sets it apart.
This guide will explore the intricacies of the Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF) - the definitive benchmark for the world’s finest honey. Primal by Nature uses the UMF system for every product, emphasising our support for its reliability. We hope that by better understanding the system, you’ll shop with greater confidence and purchase Mānuka honey products that best suit your needs.
What is the Unique Mānuka Factor
To understand what is UMF, one must first understand the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (or, the UMFHA). This independent body oversees a comprehensive third party verification system that validates the potency, authenticity and shelf-life of all Mānuka honey.
Unlike generic honey, which is often blended or heat-treated, UMF Mānuka honey is subject to a strict suite of laboratory tests. The UMF rating is a quality trademark that ensures the product in your hands is genuine monofloral Mānuka honey from New Zealand.
It does so by measuring the four key signatures found only in the authentic nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium - or, Mānuka tree.
Leptosperin: The signature marker that proves the honey is genuine New Zealand Mānuka.
Methylglyoxal (MGO): The compound responsible for the honey’s unique antibacterial properties.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): Found in the flower's nectar, this converts to MGO over time.
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): An indicator of heat stress or ageing, ensuring the honey has been handled with the utmost care to preserve its natural integrity.
Now, one of the most frequent questions we encounter at Primal by Nature involves the distinction between UMF and MGO - which is another grading system which many retailers, including our own, will also use to grade the potency of the product inside the jar.
While UMF and MGO are related, they represent different levels of assurance. MGO (methylglyoxal) is a single chemical marker - it’s the primary component that gives Mānuka honey its special properties, but measuring MGO alone doesn’t account for the honey’s authenticity or freshness.
A honey could, in theory, have high MGO levels but still be adulterated, or degraded by heat. This is why the UMF rating system is often relied on for a more comprehensive grade. UMF is a multi-dimensional system that incorporates MGO, but also validates it against the other three markers mentioned above.
Think of MGO has the engine of a luxury vehicle, while UMF is the comprehensive certification of the entire car’s build quality, mileage and performance. When you choose UMF, you’re relying on a grade that certifies the MGO levels are natural, stable and backed by independent science.
Breaking Down the UMF Scale
The UMF scale typically ranges from 5+ right up to 31+. As the numerical value increases, so too does the concentration of the signature bioactive compounds within the honey. This progression often leads enthusiasts and newcomers alike to a pivotal question: is a higher UMF good?
In the world of luxury functional food, “good” is highly dependent on the desired outcome. A higher UMF rating means it contains a higher concentration of MGO, which means the honey possesses a stronger, non-peroxide activity. While a higher number represents greater potency and rarity, every tier of UMF Mānuka honey serves a distinct purpose.
Here at Primal by Nature, the UMF scale is much like a cellar of fine wines - each vintage has its place, from daily refreshing to a complex masterpiece, reserved for special occasions.
UMF 5+ to 10+
For those beginning their journey with Mānuka honey, or looking to infuse their daily routine with the essence of New Zealand, this UMF grade is the ideal entry point. At this level, the honey is light and elegantly balanced.
The Profile: Expect a brighter, more floral palette with a smooth and fluid texture.
The Purpose: These grades are perfect for culinary integration. Use them as a sophisticated natural sweetener in your morning matcha, drizzled over a bowl of organic açai.
This UMF grade provides a gentle wellness boost and a superior flavour profile compared to standard table honey, making it a staple for health-conscious kitchens.
UMF 15+ to 20+
As we move into the 15+ to 20+ range, we enter the “premium” tier of Mānuka honey. This is where the science truly begins to manifest in physical sensation. The bioactive markers are significantly more concentrated, and the honey takes on a more substantial character.
The Profile: The colour deepens to a rich amber, and the texture becomes thicker and more jelly-like. It’s a flavour that matures, offering an earthy and pleasantly, slightly bitter taste that balances the sweetness.
The Purpose: Consumers will often turn to these grades for targeted wellness support. Studies have suggested that Mānuka products with such UMF™ grades offer better support for immune systems and work well for minor injuries - like cuts and scrapes when directly applied to the skin.
Other studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of mid-grade Mānuka honey, highlighting its potential for both health and skincare applications. The honey’s bioactive compounds make it a sought-after ingredient in premium skincare formulations.
For individuals who are seeking functional benefits, alongside a gourmet experience, this is the sweet spot where potency meets versatility.
UMF 25+ to 31+
These ultra-high grades represent the zenith of Mānuka honey production. To achieve a UMF 25+ or higher, the nectar must be harvested from a specific, high-altitude Mānuka groves during perfect climactic windows. It’s a rare gift from nature that occurs only in limited quantities each season.
The Profile: This is a sensory powerhouse. The aroma is intense and woody, the taste is incredibly complex - salty, sweet and deeply earthy all at once. It lingers on the palate long after the first taste - perfect in small quantities.
The Purpose: This is the Grand Cru of the honey world. It’s sought after by connoisseurs for intensive wellness applications, or as a prestigious gift of health. Given its rarity and the immense effort required to harvest and certify it, it’s often enjoyed straight from the spoon to appreciate its full potency.
If your goal is to experience the maximum possible concentration of MGO available on the planet, then a higher UMF is not just good - it’s unparalleled.
Why Certification Matters
In an era of mass production, the UMF mark is a shield against “honey laundering” - counterfeit products that claim to contain Mānuka honey, but are really cheap (or sometimes, expensive) fakes.
Because Mānuka honey is one of the most prized natural substances on earth, the market is unfortunately flooded with inferior imitations. When you see the UMF icon on a jar of Primal by Nature, for example, you’re looking at a product that has undergone a closed-loop journey of traceability.
From the placement of the hives in the New Zealand wilderness, to the final sealing of the glass jar, every step is documented. This ensures that the bioactive properties, distinctive flavour and luxurious texture are all authentic.
Understanding the UMF grade also allows you to curate your own Mānuka honey experience. Whether you’re beginning your journey with a versatile UMF 10+, or seeking the product potency of a UMF 25+, you’ll be taking part in a tradition of natural excellence.
Mānuka honey is a living food. Its enzymes and compounds are delicate. By choosing a UMF certified product from Primal by Nature, you’re ensuring that those bioactives are protected. Our professional-grade testing ensures that the Unique Mānuka Factor isn’t just a marketing term, but a scientific reality.
A Final Word on Excellence
The world of UMF Mānuka honey is one of nuance and sophistication. It’s a bridge between the ancient wisdom of nature and the precision of modern science. When you’re considering UMF vs MGO, remember that you’re choosing between a single data point and a comprehensive seal of quality.
When asking if a higher UMF is good, remember that every grade serves a purpose in a balanced, luxurious lifestyle. At Primal by Nature, we invite you to explore our range and discover the grade that resonates with your particular need.
We take pride in our New Zealand heritage, our sustainable practices and our role in bringing the world’s most exceptional honey to your table. Experience the difference that true certification makes.
