Manuka Honey UMF 15+

UMF 15+ or UMF 18+: Which Should You Choose?

Both sit in the same strength band, but UMF 18+ goes slightly further.

• UMF 15+ (MGO 514+) is the entry point to the higher grades. It’s a strong, full-flavoured manuka at a more accessible price than UMF 18+ and above.
• UMF 18+ (MGO 696+) has a higher minimum MGO content and a more intense flavour. Choose it if you want extra strength.

If you’re buying your first high-grade jar, UMF 15+ is the natural place to start.

Choosing Between Rare New Zealand, HNZ and Bee Power

• Rare New Zealand is UMF-certified and available in UMF 15+ and UMF 18+, in 250g and 500g jars.
• HNZ (Honey New Zealand) offers UMF 18+ in a 250g jar.
• Bee Power MGO 514+ is graded by MGO content and comes in 250g and 500g. It’s the direct match if you compare jars by MGO number.

How to Check You’re Buying Genuine High-Grade Manuka

At this price point, it pays to know what’s behind the number on the label.

• UMF jars should show the UMF trademark and a licence number. That means the honey has been tested for MGO, leptosperin and DHA under the UMF Honey Association’s grading system.
• MGO jars should state the tested MGO content in mg/kg. At this grade, look for 514 or higher.
• Batch numbers link each jar back to the tested batch it came from.

Every jar in this collection carries its tested grade, so you can compare UMF and MGO honeys like for like.

How People Use UMF 15+ Manuka

High-grade Manuka is usually eaten by the spoonful rather than cooked with, so the full flavour comes through. Most people take a teaspoon on its own or stir it into warm water. A 250g jar is a good way to try a higher grade before committing to a larger size.