{"id":11416892,"date":"2026-10-04T15:05:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-04T12:05:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/manuka-honey-umf\/"},"modified":"2026-10-04T15:07:32","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T12:07:32","slug":"manuka-honey-umf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/","title":{"rendered":"Manuka Honey UMF: An 8-Point Guide to UMF and MGO Grades and Choosing Genuine Honey"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#Manuka_Honey_UMF_What_Do_the_Numbers_on_the_Jar_Mean\" >Manuka Honey UMF: What Do the Numbers on the Jar Mean?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#What_Is_Manuka_Honey\" >What Is M\u0101nuka Honey?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#What_UMF_Means\" >What UMF Means<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#What_Is_MGO_and_How_Does_It_Relate_to_UMF\" >What Is MGO and How Does It Relate to UMF?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#Manuka_Honey_UMF_Grades_Compared\" >Manuka Honey UMF Grades Compared<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#Which_Grade_Should_You_Choose\" >Which Grade Should You Choose?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#How_to_Spot_Genuine_Manuka_Honey\" >How to Spot Genuine M\u0101nuka Honey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#Manuka_Honey_UMF_FAQ\" >Manuka Honey UMF FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#Is_a_higher_UMF_grade_always_better\" >Is a higher UMF grade always better?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#What_is_the_difference_between_UMF_and_MGO\" >What is the difference between UMF and MGO?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#Does_Manuka_honey_need_to_be_refrigerated\" >Does M\u0101nuka honey need to be refrigerated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#What_are_the_benefits_and_how_do_I_use_it\" >What are the benefits and how do I use it?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-umf\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"top\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manuka_Honey_UMF_What_Do_the_Numbers_on_the_Jar_Mean\"><\/span>Manuka Honey UMF: What Do the Numbers on the Jar Mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The first time you shop for M\u0101nuka, you will see numbers such as 5+, 10+, 12+ and 15+, next to the letters <strong>UMF<\/strong> or MGO. These numbers are not marketing decoration. They measure the quality and strength of the honey. This guide explains <strong>Manuka honey UMF<\/strong> grading in plain language and helps you pick the right grade for your needs and budget.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cmh-article-guide-en.jpg\" alt=\"Manuka honey UMF \u2013 Manuka Honey UMF\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Manuka_Honey\"><\/span>What Is M\u0101nuka Honey?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>M\u0101nuka honey is made by bees that collect nectar from the flowers of the M\u0101nuka bush, which grows in New Zealand. It has a dark amber colour, a thick texture and a strong, slightly bitter taste.<\/p>\n<p>Most importantly, it contains a natural compound called methylglyoxal (MGO) at much higher levels than other honeys. That compound is the reason scientists are interested in M\u0101nuka, because it gives the honey stronger activity against some bacteria in laboratory tests compared with ordinary honey.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_UMF_Means\"><\/span>What UMF Means<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>UMF stands for Unique M\u0101nuka Factor. It is an independent grading system run by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. It does not only measure MGO. It also tests authenticity markers such as leptosperin and DHA, and checks freshness by measuring HMF.<\/p>\n<p>So the UMF logo on a jar means the honey has passed independent laboratory testing that confirms it is genuine New Zealand M\u0101nuka and that its strength matches the number printed on the label. Brands can only use the logo under licence with a registered number.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_MGO_and_How_Does_It_Relate_to_UMF\"><\/span>What Is MGO and How Does It Relate to UMF?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>MGO is the methylglyoxal content in milligrams per kilogram of honey. For example, MGO 354+ means at least 354 mg in every kilogram. There is an approximate conversion between the two systems: UMF 12+ is roughly equal to MGO 354+, which is why brands like Comvita print both numbers on the label.<\/p>\n<p>In short, MGO tells you about one compound, while UMF is a broader certificate that also covers authenticity and freshness.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manuka_Honey_UMF_Grades_Compared\"><\/span>Manuka Honey UMF Grades Compared<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f3f4f6;\">\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">UMF grade<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">Approx. MGO<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">Typical use<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">UMF 5+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">83+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">Everyday sweetening and M\u0101nuka taste<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">UMF 10+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">263+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">Daily wellness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">UMF 12+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">354+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">Balance of strength and value<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">UMF 15+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">514+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">Higher strength for specific periods<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">UMF 20+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">829+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; padding: 8px;\">Rare, very high strength<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Grade_Should_You_Choose\"><\/span>Which Grade Should You Choose?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For regular daily use, many people prefer grades between 10+ and 15+. UMF 12+ is a good balance point: it is clearly stronger than the low grades and better value than the very high ones. Grades of 20+ cost much more and are usually used in small amounts.<\/p>\n<p>A trusted example is <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/comvita-manuka-honey-umf-12-mgo-354-500g\/\">Comvita Manuka Honey UMF 12+ MGO 354+ 500g<\/a>, a raw honey from a New Zealand company that has kept bees since 1974.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Spot_Genuine_Manuka_Honey\"><\/span>How to Spot Genuine M\u0101nuka Honey<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Look for the UMF logo and a clear grade number on the label.<\/li>\n<li>Check for \u201cProduct of New Zealand\u201d \u2013 certified M\u0101nuka is packed there.<\/li>\n<li>Inspect the batch number, expiry date and the seal on the lid.<\/li>\n<li>Be wary of vague words such as \u201cActive\u201d without a certified number.<\/li>\n<li>Buy from a trusted pharmacy rather than unknown sellers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Remember that crystallisation or a creamy texture is normal in raw honey and does not mean it is fake.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manuka_Honey_UMF_FAQ\"><\/span>Manuka Honey UMF FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_higher_UMF_grade_always_better\"><\/span>Is a higher UMF grade always better?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A higher grade means more MGO, but it is not necessary for everyone. Regular, moderate use matters more than chasing the highest number.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_UMF_and_MGO\"><\/span>What is the difference between UMF and MGO?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>MGO measures a single compound, while UMF is a broader certification that also tests authenticity and freshness.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Manuka_honey_need_to_be_refrigerated\"><\/span>Does M\u0101nuka honey need to be refrigerated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. Keep it at room temperature away from sunlight. The fridge only makes it hard to use.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_benefits_and_how_do_I_use_it\"><\/span>What are the benefits and how do I use it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Read our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/manuka-honey-benefits\/\">Manuka honey benefits<\/a> and our practical guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/how-to-use-manuka-honey\/\">how to use Manuka honey<\/a> every day.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding the numbers on M\u0101nuka honey protects you from imitations and helps you choose the right grade. The UMF logo with a clear number and New Zealand origin are the key signs of authenticity. If you want a balanced option for daily use, order <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/comvita-manuka-honey-umf-12-mgo-354-500g\/\">Comvita Manuka Honey UMF 12+<\/a> from No Style Like pharmacy with delivery across Egypt.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.95em; color: #555; margin-top: 18px;\">This article was reviewed by the No Style Like pharmacy content team. It is for general awareness only. M\u0101nuka honey is a functional food, not a medicine intended to diagnose or treat any disease, and it does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.95em; color: #555;\">The strength of M\u0101nuka honey varies by grade, and no grade is a treatment for disease. Never give honey of any kind to babies under 12 months. People with diabetes should count honey as part of their meal plan. For more information see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umf.org.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">the UMF Honey Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Manuka honey UMF explained: what UMF and MGO mean, how the grades compare, and how to choose genuine New Zealand M\u0101nuka honey such as Comvita UMF 12+.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":86,"featured_media":11416881,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42170,42204,42193],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11416892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cold-and-flu","category-dietary-supplements","category-immune-support"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11416892","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/86"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11416892"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11416892\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11416907,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11416892\/revisions\/11416907"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11416881"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11416892"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11416892"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11416892"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}