Certified vs Non-Certified Mānuka Honey: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Mānuka honey has become one of New Zealand’s most sought-after natural products -- and for good reason. Its unique properties, rich flavour, and global reputation for wellness benefits have made it a staple in homes around the world. But with rising demand comes a challenge for consumers: how do you know you’re buying genuine, pure mānuka honey?
That’s where certification comes in. In this guide, we break down the difference between certified vs non‑non-certified mānuka honey, what the testing process involves, and how to choose a product you can trust.
What Does “Certified Mānuka Honey” Actually Mean?
When a jar of mānuka honey is labelled as certified, it means it has been independently tested and verified to meet strict New Zealand government standards. These tests confirm:
- The honey is genuinely from the mānuka plant
- It contains the natural markers that make mānuka honey unique
- It meets purity and authenticity requirements
- It has been packed in New Zealand, ensuring traceability from hive to jar
Certification protects consumers from misleading labels and ensures the honey’s quality is exactly what the jar claims.
How Mānuka Honey Is Certified in New Zealand
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) sets the global benchmark for mānuka honey testing. Every certified batch must pass:
1. Chemical Marker Testing
MPI requires the presence of specific natural compounds found only in mānuka nectar. These include:
- Methylglyoxal (MGO)
- Leptosperin
- DHA (dihydroxyacetone)
These markers confirm the honey’s purity and potency.
2. DNA Testing
Pollen DNA is analysed to verify that the honey truly comes from mānuka plants.
3. Monofloral vs Multifloral Classification
Certified mānuka honey is classified as:
- Monofloral -- predominantly mānuka nectar
- Multifloral -- mānuka blended naturally with other native flora
Both are authentic, but monofloral honey typically contains higher levels of key compounds.
What About Non-Certified Mānuka Honey?
Non-certified mānuka honey may still be delicious, but it lacks independent verification. This means:
- You can’t be sure it’s pure mānuka honey
- MGO levels may not match the label
- It may be blended with other honeys
- It may not meet NZ’s authenticity standards
- It may have been packed overseas, reducing traceability
For consumers seeking quality, purity, and proven benefits, certification is essential.
Why Pure, Certified Mānuka Honey Matters
Choosing certified mānuka honey ensures:
1. You Get the Natural Benefits You’re Paying For
The unique compounds in mānuka honey are responsible for its:
- Soothing properties
- Antioxidant activity
- Natural wellness support
Certification guarantees these compounds are present at the levels stated.
2. You Avoid Mislabelled or Diluted Products
Unfortunately, mānuka honey is one of the world’s most counterfeited honeys. Certification protects you from misleading claims.
3. You Support Ethical New Zealand Beekeeping
Certified honey must be produced and packed in NZ, supporting local beekeepers and sustainable practices.
How M&H Ensures Pure, Certified Mānuka Honey
At M&H, every jar of mānuka honey is:
- 100% New Zealand made
- Independently tested and certified
- Traceable from hive to home
- Packed locally to preserve quality
- Produced with sustainable beekeeping practices
We believe transparency builds trust — and trust is at the heart of everything we do.
How to Choose the Right Certified Mānuka Honey
When comparing products, look for:
- Clear certification markings
- MGO or UMF ratings
- New Zealand packing information
- Batch numbers for traceability
- A reputable NZ brand you trust
If a jar doesn’t provide this information, it’s best avoided.
The Bottom Line
Certified mānuka honey gives you confidence that what’s inside the jar is exactly what nature intended — pure, potent, and authentically New Zealand. Whether you’re buying for wellness, daily use, or gifting, choosing certified mānuka honey ensures you’re getting the real thing.
Explore our full range of certified M&H mānuka honey -- shop now
Read next: What Is Raw Mānuka Honey? Benefits, Uses, and Why It Matters