The Problem with Counterfeit Manuka Honey

Genuine Manuka honey is one of the most counterfeited food products in the world. Because authentic Manuka honey commands a premium price, it has attracted fraudulent products that imitate the packaging, terminology, and appearance of the real thing. Knowing how to identify genuine Manuka honey can save you money and ensure you're actually getting the health benefits you're paying for.

Understand Where Real Manuka Honey Comes From

True Manuka honey is produced from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium plant, which grows primarily in New Zealand and to a lesser extent in Australia. If a jar claims to be "Manuka honey" but doesn't clearly state it's from New Zealand or Australia, treat it with scepticism.

New Zealand's government introduced a Manuka honey science definition in 2018, requiring exported Manuka honey to pass DNA and chemical testing to verify its origin.

Your Buyer's Checklist

  1. Check for a recognised quality mark. Look for a UMF, MGO, or BIO-GRO certification on the label. The UMF trademark is licensed by the UMF Honey Association and is one of the most reliable indicators of authenticity.
  2. Look for the producer's licence number. Genuine UMF-certified honey displays the producer's UMFHA licence number on the label. You can verify this on the UMFHA website.
  3. Verify the country of origin. The label should clearly state "Product of New Zealand" or "Product of Australia." Vague descriptions like "sourced from natural environments" are red flags.
  4. Check the MGO or UMF number is specific. Legitimate Manuka honey will state a precise rating (e.g., MGO 263, UMF 10+). Be cautious of labels that use vague terms like "high strength" without a specific number.
  5. Examine the price. Genuine high-grade Manuka honey is expensive to produce. If a large jar of MGO 400+ is priced similarly to regular supermarket honey, something is likely wrong.
  6. Look for a batch or lot number and best-before date. Reputable producers include traceability information. Jars lacking these details may not have proper quality controls in place.
  7. Research the brand. Established brands that have been operating for years and are transparent about their beekeeping practices are more trustworthy. Look for a website, contact details, and published lab test results.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No specific MGO or UMF rating — just marketing language
  • Unusually low price for a high-grade product
  • Country of origin listed as China, India, or other non-Manuka-producing regions
  • Misspellings or inconsistent label design
  • No contact details or brand website
  • Terms like "Manuka-style" or "Manuka blend" — these are not genuine Manuka honey

Where to Buy Safely

Your safest options are:

  • Directly from New Zealand producers who ship internationally
  • Reputable health food stores with clear sourcing policies
  • Well-known online retailers where you can read seller details and verify brand authenticity

Be cautious with third-party marketplace sellers who have limited reviews or unclear provenance.

Bottom Line

A little due diligence goes a long way. Checking for a quality certification, verifying the country of origin, and sticking to established brands dramatically reduces your chances of buying a counterfeit product. Genuine Manuka honey is an investment — make sure you're getting what you pay for.