Decoding Manuka honey ratings and certifications for quality and authenticity

When it comes to choosing the right Manuka honey, it’s important to understand how and why it’s rated, and what this means for you. Measuring potency, purity and authenticity, Manuka honey ratings give you an accurate indication of quality and integrity. Additionally, industry certifications verify that products meet specific quality, medicinal, cultural or environmental standards.

Here at Biosota Organics, we are wholly committed to delivering high-quality, authentic Manuka honey, which is why our products are certified to the highest standards. 

What are Manuka honey ratings?

Manuka honey ratings are used to indicate the concentration of bioactive compounds within the honey. Every batch we produce at Biosota is rated according to its concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO) as well as its Unique Leptospermum Factor (ULF). 

While MGO is the compound responsible for Manuka honey's unique antibacterial properties, ULF encompasses three potent components: MGO, dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and non-peroxide activity (NPA) that, together, determine the overall medicinal potency of the Manuka honey.

We also test for leptosperin, a compound exclusive to Manuka flower nectar, which serves as a key indicator of genuine Manuka honey. Another crucial marker is hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a compound present in all honeys that helps determine its maturity. Like fine wine, Manuka honey gets better with age.

However, it’s the MGO rating that we tend to mostly talk about, as it's an easy way to distinguish between different medicinal strengths in Manuka honey. 

Essentially, the higher the MGO, the more potent and beneficial the honey is. For instance, our premium Manuka honey MGO 2100+ is one of the rarest, highest MGO grades available in the world, making it a powerful ally in your health and wellness journey.

How do certifications help verify the quality and authenticity of Manuka honey?

Incorporating Manuka honey into your diet - whether it be daily or as needed - is an investment in your health. As a premium product, you want to know that you are purchasing high quality, authentic Manuka honey.

Here at Biosota, we go above and beyond to ensure every jar meets the highest standards and this ethos is supported by the following certifications. 

Australian Organic Certified and non GMO

Australian Organic Certification verifies that our Manuka honey MGO 1200+ is produced using natural and sustainable methods and is free from synthetic pesticides and chemicals.

Our Manuka honey is also certified non-GMO, meaning it contains no genetically modified organisms. This certification guarantees that the bees, plants, and production processes involved in creating our honey are entirely natural, with no genetic engineering. 

Together, these certifications—Australian Organic and non-GMO—offer you the highest standard of purity. Every jar is rigorously tested and inspected by independent agencies to meet the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce and Australian Certified Organic Standards (ACOS).

 

Glyphosate-Free

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, primarily used in agriculture to kill and control weeds. It works by inhibiting a specific enzyme (shikimate) pathway that plants need to grow. 

There is ongoing debate about the safety of glyphosate, with some agencies downplaying its risks while others suggest it likely poses a danger to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US has said that glyphosate is not likely to cause cancer in humans. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’.  

There could also be a negative impact on our precious bees. A ScienceDirect article highlights that “an increasing number of studies have shown that glyphosate has various sub-lethal effects on the honeybee gut microbiota, foraging behaviour, development processes, and antioxidant pathways… and can even cause death of some individuals”. With bee populations already in decline, this poses an even greater risk to our precious honey-makers.

Helping to protect our customers and our bees alike, our Manuka honey collection is completely free from glyphosates.

 

Monofloral honey

Pure Manuka honey is monofloral, meaning it primarily comes from the nectar of a single flower—the short-season blooms of Manuka bushes, or as it is known in Australia, Jellybush - which belong to the Leptospermum species. 

In contrast, multifloral honey is produced from bees collecting nectar from various flowers, resulting in a blended honey with diverse flavors and characteristics. While multifloral honey offers a range of bioactive compounds, minerals, and antioxidants, monofloral Manuka honey stands out for its antibacterial-strength medicinal properties, backed by numerous clinical trials in peer-reviewed journals.

 

Raw, pure & potent

Our RAW honey is Real, Alive and Whole. We carefully extract our raw Manuka honey at temperatures that mirror the hive. Keeping human intervention to a minimum, we do not heat, treat or pasteurise our honey, ensuring that its natural bioactive properties and maximum benefits are preserved. 

  

Laboratory tested and independently accredited

At Biosota, each harvest of our Manuka honey undergoes rigorous testing at independent laboratories, to ensure accurate verification of MGO levels and guarantee the authenticity, purity, and strength of the honey. 

This testing process not only validates the honey’s health benefits but also ensures that every jar is free from glyphosate and GMOs. By adhering to these stringent standards, we provide complete transparency and confidence in the quality of our Manuka honey.

 

Certificate of Authenticity

Each batch of our Manuka honey comes with its own Certificate of Analysis. Independently tested to verify monofloral Manuka purity and the MGO level at time of bottling, each certificate also validates our Manuka honey as being glyphosate-free and non-GMO.

You can find Certificates of Authenticity for each collection on our website under the respective product listings.

 

Made in Australia

Our beekeeping sites are located in pristine, untouched forests along the Australian eastern coast. Upon harvesting, our Manuka honey is stored and bottled at our Gold Coast production facility.

 

Certified Kosher

Biosota holds Kosher certification, guaranteeing that our Manuka honey, production facility, and entire production process—including all ingredients, tools, and machinery—are completely free from any non-Kosher substances.

  

HACCP - Food safety system certified

HACCP is an internationally recognised standard, verifying that our food production processes meet the highest levels of safety and quality control. This certification ensures full compliance with regulations and rigorous quality assurance.

 

Safe and sustainable packaging

Our premium Manuka honey is available in two packaging options: BPA-free plastic jars or patented biophotonic Miron Violet Glass jars.

Our BPA-free plastic jars ensure that your honey remains free from bisphenol A, a chemical linked to various health concerns, including infertility, early puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome, and certain cancers. Additionally, these reusable jars are more environmentally friendly, reducing plastic waste and offering a safer, sustainable alternative.

Our Miron Violet Glass jars filter visible sunlight, ensuring the honey’s quality is preserved as if it were still in the beehive. This unique filtering process helps maintain the honey's freshness, extends its shelf life, and enhances its natural bioactive properties. Our glass jars are reusable and 100% recyclable.

Using Manuka honey ratings to choose the right honey

With an understanding of the different Manuka honey ratings, you can now make an informed choice when selecting the best option to suit your specific needs. To help you decide, we’ve outlined the medicinal usage for varying grades of Manuka honey in the chart below.

You can also learn more about the ideal MGO grade for you and your family here.

Empower your health journey with the best Manuka honey

Manuka honey ratings, along with industry-led certifications are critical factors in determining quality and authenticity. By choosing Biosota, you can be confident that you’re getting a honey that is not only pure and medicinally potent, but also meets the highest standards of quality and safety. 

Whether you’re new to Manuka honey or a long-time enthusiast, understanding the rating system will help you make the best choice for your health and wellbeing.