How Do Manuka Honey Grades Help You Choose the Right Honey?

Manuka honey is one of the best varieties of honey we can find in the market today. It boasts powerful healing benefits that many Singaporeans seek.

But before we search for manuka honey in Singapore’s health shops and supermarkets, let’s educate ourselves on getting the right level of quality we need. That means knowing more about its rating system.

What is the Grading System for Manuka Honey?

How New Zealand Grades Manuka Honey

New Zealand grades its manuka honey products based on the potency of their antibacterial properties. This is generally determined by the amount of Methylglyoxal (MGO) in the honey, though factors such as Non-peroxide activity (NPA) are also accounted for.

While other grading systems exist in New Zealand, the only one recognised worldwide is the UMF or Unique Manuka Factor. For a manuka honey product to earn the UMF rating, it must undergo stringent testing to ensure that it’s genuine and New Zealand-made.

UMF numbers range from 5+ to 20+. The system rates the honey based on four categories:

• Potency – Tests how concentrated its MGO content is
• Shelf Life – How long the MGO lasts in the manuka honey
• Freshness – Checks if the honey is in prime condition and has not been stored for too long or exposed to other conditions that could affect its quality
• Authenticity – Determines if the honey is indeed derived from the nectar of manuka flowers

What About Honey from Australia?

Since Australia can also produce manuka honey, it developed its own rating system, the Australian Manuka Honey Association’s Mark of Authenticity. Similar to the UMF, the AMHA tests the honey based on its overall quality and checks whether the product is indeed 100% Australian-made.

Manuka honey products graded by the AMHA can receive one of two marks: Authorised and Authentic. Generally speaking, honey with the Authentic label has higher MGO and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) content. DHA is a unique substance in manuka honey that helps distinguish it from fake products.

What Grade of Manuka Honey Should You Get?

So what grade of Manuka honey is best for your needs? Let’s help you decide what to buy:

UMF 5+ is the cheapest option, as it has a lower MGO concentration. Honey at this grade is suitable for everyday use, such as sweetening tea or bread, while supporting our general health.

Manuka honey products with ratings at around UMF 10+ or 15+ have higher concentrations of MGO. This makes them suitable as daily supplements or remedies for minor ailments like sore throats or irritated skin.

If you want to use manuka honey for dressing wounds, products rated UMF +20 are ideal since they have the most MGO content. However, this grade of honey is also the most expensive.

Always Buy from Trusted Sources

When shopping for manuka honey in Singapore, be sure to get yours from a reputable source. Counterfeit products can cheat you out of your hard-earned money, so pay attention to the brand, the labels, and the store you’re buying from. A shop known for selling healthy or natural goods is more likely to have trustworthy suppliers.

Enjoy Manuka Honey By Making the Right Choices

Manuka honey is a great addition to our everyday lives as a supplement or a remedy. But keep in mind that not all honey is created equal. By having a better understanding of its unique grading system, we can make the most out of our money and buy the product that meets our needs most.

Always remember to do your research first and pick a reliable shop so you can stay confident with your purchase. Let’s make every drop of manuka honey count, shall we?