Manuka honey ratings: Your guide to selecting medicinal Manuka honey

If you’re seeking the very best in natural wellness, Manuka honey ratings and certifications provide the clearest insight into a honey’s purity, potency and authenticity. 

These ratings exist because true high-MGO Manuka honey is exceptionally rare, produced only when short flowering seasons and pristine environmental conditions align. It cannot be mass-produced, which is why genuine medicinal-grade Manuka honey holds such high value. 

At Biosota Organics, we honour this natural rarity through a considered, low-intervention approach. Three generations of beekeeping expertise, remote forest locations and rigorous independent laboratory testing ensure that every limited harvest reflects exceptional strength, purity and provenance.  

Why Manuka honey ratings matter: understanding the science behind premium quality 

Manuka honey is one of the most scientifically studied honeys in the world, and its global reputation stems from its uniquely high levels of bioactive compounds. Manuka honey ratings measure these natural compounds to reflect the honey’s potency and provide an objective way for customers to compare quality. 

At the centre of these ratings is MGO (methylglyoxal) - the globally recognised indicator of Manuka honey’s medicinal strength. Biosota tests every batch in accredited laboratories to verify MGO levels, guaranteeing the authenticity and bioactive concentration of our honey.

MGO (Methylglyoxal) 

A high MGO rating is a hallmark of elite Manuka honey. While many commercial Manuka honeys sit at modest strength, Biosota produces some of the world’s rarest and strongest grades, including our limited-edition MGO 2200+. 

NPA / ULF bioactivity markers 

These indicators measure the honey’s non-peroxide activity, reflecting the robust bioactive properties unique to Manuka honey.  

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) 

Found naturally in Manuka nectar, DHA converts into MGO as the honey matures. High DHA ensures the honey will continue developing strength over time. 

Leptosperin 

A compound exclusive to Leptospermum plants, leptosperin is an essential authenticity marker that verifies true monofloral Manuka. 

HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) 

HMF indicates whether a honey has been heated or compromised. Our honey is cold-extracted and never pasteurised, protecting bioactivity and ensuring a clean HMF profile.  

Together, these scientific markers ensure customers receive natural, high-bioactive Manuka honey with verified provenance and strength. 

Certifications that verify authenticity and elevate quality

Because Australian Manuka honey is both rare and highly sought-after, trusted third-party verification matters. These certifications give customers worldwide — especially in the US - confidence that they’re choosing genuine, premium-grade Manuka honey backed by rigorous standards.

Biosota’s recognised ratings and certifications include:

• Proud member of AMHA
• Australian Certified Organic & Non-GMO
• Glyphosate-free
• Monofloral Manuka honey
• Raw, pure and potent
• Laboratory tested and independently accredited
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Made in Australia, trusted worldwide
• HACCP Certified
• Safe and sustainable packaging

Australian Manuka: a rare, premium choice for discerning customers 

For Americans seeking authenticity, purity and natural potency, Australian Manuka honey truly stands apart. Its rarity is tied to short bloom seasons, remote landscapes and the natural strength of Australia’s Leptospermum species. Combined with our generational beekeeping expertise, these conditions create a Manuka honey of unmatched character, value and bioactive concentration.  

Understanding Manuka honey ratings empowers you to choose the right strength for your wellness journey. And by choosing Biosota, you’re selecting a premium Australian honey that is independently tested, sustainably produced and recognised globally for its exceptional quality. 

Explore our high-MGO, medicinal-grade Australian Manuka honey collection here. 

FAQs 

1. How does Biosota verify its Manuka honey ratings through independent laboratory testing? 
Biosota partners with accredited laboratories to analyse every batch for MGO, NPA/ULF, DHA, leptosperin and HMF. These results confirm medicinal strength, purity and authenticity, ensuring each jar’s rating accurately reflects its bioactive potency. 

2. What makes certain Manuka honey batches stronger or more potent than others? 
Manuka honey potency depends on a few natural factors: the MGO concentration at harvest, the amount of DHA present in the nectar, seasonal conditions, and how the honey matures over time. When these elements align, the Manuka honey naturally develops higher bioactive strength, which is why some batches test at significantly higher MGO levels than others. 

3. How long can high-MGO Manuka honey maintain its potency once purchased? 
High-grade Manuka honey is naturally stable due to its low moisture content, enzymatic activity and bioactive compounds like MGO. When stored properly - sealed, away from heat and direct light - its potency can remain steady for years, and DHA may even continue converting into MGO over time, supporting long-term strength. 

References 

AMHA Membership
URL: https://manukaaustralia.org.au/ 

Australian Certified Organic Standards (ACOS)
URL: https://austorganic.com/certification-and-standards/standards/acos/ 

Effects of glyphosate exposure on honeybees URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34971799/