UMF ratings measure the potency and authenticity of Manuka honey on a scale from 5+ to 25+. Each grade represents a tested minimum concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), dihydroxyacetone (DHA), leptosperin, and HMF. UMF 5+ is a quality table honey. UMF 10+ is the entry point for health benefits. UMF 15+ delivers strong therapeutic properties. UMF 20+ and above are the highest-potency grades available.

If you've seen UMF numbers on Manuka honey jars and wondered what they actually mean — and whether a higher number is worth the higher price — this guide breaks down every grade with practical advice on which one to choose.

What UMF Actually Measures

UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, a grading system managed by the UMFHA (Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association) in New Zealand. Unlike simpler ratings, UMF tests for four chemical markers:

• Methylglyoxal (MGO) — the primary antibacterial compound. Higher MGO = stronger antibacterial activity
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) — a precursor to MGO. Indicates the honey's potential to maintain or increase its potency over time
• Leptosperin — found only in genuine Manuka nectar. This is the authenticity marker — it proves the honey is real Manuka
• Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) — must be below a certain threshold. High HMF indicates the honey has been overheated or improperly stored

Every batch must be tested by an independent, accredited laboratory before it can carry a UMF grade. This is what makes UMF the most trusted system — it's not self-declared by the producer.

UMF Grade Breakdown

UMF 5+ (MGO 83+) — Quality Table Honey

UMF 5+ is genuine, certified Manuka honey at its most accessible price point. It has mild antibacterial properties but is best enjoyed as a premium everyday honey.

Best for: Cooking, baking, spreading on toast, sweetening drinks, or introducing yourself to Manuka honey without a large investment.

Health benefits: Limited therapeutic value. You're getting a natural, unprocessed honey with some antioxidant content, but the MGO level is below the threshold for meaningful antibacterial benefit.

UMF 10+ (MGO 263+) — Daily Wellness

UMF 10+ is where the health benefits begin. At this grade, the MGO concentration is high enough to provide genuine antibacterial and prebiotic activity.

Best for: Daily immune support, general gut health, maintaining wellness year-round. This is the most popular grade for people who want the health benefits of Manuka honey as part of their daily routine.

Health benefits: Meaningful antibacterial activity, prebiotic support for gut bacteria, antioxidant properties. A good all-round choice for anyone starting with therapeutic Manuka honey.

UMF 15+ (MGO 514+) — Therapeutic Grade

UMF 15+ is considered the therapeutic sweet spot — significantly more potent than UMF 10+, but still practical for regular use.

Best for: Sore throat relief, digestive support, cold and flu season, wound care support, and anyone who wants stronger therapeutic properties.

Health benefits: Strong antibacterial action against a wider range of pathogens, enhanced anti-inflammatory properties, more effective for acute issues like sore throats or digestive discomfort.

UMF 20+ (MGO 829+) — High Potency

UMF 20+ is a premium, high-potency grade. The MGO concentration is very high, delivering maximum therapeutic benefit.

Best for: Targeted therapeutic use, intensive immune support, serious sore throats, and anyone who wants the strongest available Manuka honey for specific health concerns.

Health benefits: Maximum antibacterial potency, strongest anti-inflammatory effects. Often used for short-term intensive courses rather than everyday use due to the higher price point.

UMF 25+ (MGO 1200+) — Ultra Premium

UMF 25+ is extremely rare and represents the pinnacle of Manuka honey grading. Only a tiny fraction of New Zealand's Manuka harvest reaches this grade.

Best for: Collectors, specialised therapeutic applications, or anyone seeking the absolute maximum potency available.

Health benefits: The highest measurable antibacterial strength. In practice, for most people, UMF 20+ delivers very similar real-world benefits at a more accessible price.

Quick Comparison Table

UMF Grade	Min. MGO	Category	Price Range	Best For
5+	83+ mg/kg	Table honey	$	Cooking, daily sweetener
10+	263+ mg/kg	Wellness	$$	Daily immune support, gut health
15+	514+ mg/kg	Therapeutic	$$$	Sore throats, digestion, cold season
20+	829+ mg/kg	High potency	$$$$	Intensive therapeutic, wound support
25+	1200+ mg/kg	Ultra premium	$$$$$	Maximum strength, specialised use

How to Choose the Right Grade

Ask yourself one question: what am I using it for?

• "I just want a nice honey" → UMF 5+
• "I want daily health benefits" → UMF 10+
• "I'm using it for a sore throat / cold season" → UMF 15+
• "I want maximum therapeutic potency" → UMF 20+

If you're new to Manuka honey, start with UMF 10+. It's the grade that offers the best balance of genuine health benefits and value for money. You can always move up to 15+ or 20+ once you've experienced the difference.

Why the Price Increases With Grade

Higher UMF grades cost more because:

• Scarcity — only a small percentage of each Manuka harvest reaches UMF 15+ or above. The higher the grade, the rarer the honey
• Testing costs — every batch requires independent lab testing. Higher grades have stricter thresholds that fewer batches meet
• Time — MGO levels develop over time as DHA converts. Higher-grade honeys often require longer maturation
• Licensing — UMFHA licensing and compliance costs are built into every UMF-certified product

At ApiHealth, every jar is tested by Hill Laboratories and traceable via our certificate verification page. You can see exactly what's in your jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UMF 5+ worth buying?

Yes — as a premium table honey. It's genuine, certified Manuka honey that tastes excellent. But if you're buying specifically for health benefits, UMF 10+ is the minimum recommended grade.

Is there a big difference between UMF 10+ and UMF 15+?

Yes. UMF 15+ has roughly double the MGO concentration of UMF 10+ (514 vs 263 mg/kg). For everyday wellness, 10+ is sufficient. For therapeutic use — sore throats, digestive support, cold season — the step up to 15+ makes a meaningful difference.

Can UMF ratings change over time?

MGO levels can increase slightly as DHA naturally converts to MGO during storage. This means Manuka honey can actually become more potent over time if stored correctly. However, the UMF grade on the label reflects what was measured at the time of testing.

Is UMF 20+ twice as good as UMF 10+?

Not exactly "twice as good" — but significantly more potent. The MGO level is more than three times higher (829+ vs 263+). For most daily wellness purposes, UMF 10+ is excellent. UMF 20+ is best used for targeted, intensive therapeutic purposes where maximum antibacterial strength is desired.

The Bottom Line

UMF 10+ for daily wellness. UMF 15+ for therapeutic use. UMF 20+ for maximum potency. Every grade is independently tested and certified — the number on the jar is backed by lab data, not marketing.

Browse our full UMF Manuka Honey range — from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+, every jar traceable to its Hill Laboratories certificate.