What Is a Good UMF Rating for Manuka Honey?

For most buyers, UMF 10+ is a good all-round Mānuka honey rating. It offers a recognised mid-range grade without the higher price typically associated with UMF 15+, 20+ or 25+ honey.

However, there is no single rating that suits everyone. UMF 5+ may be enough for everyday use, while higher grades appeal to buyers seeking greater MGO concentrations or premium products.

This guide compares the main UMF grades, explains what the differences mean and helps you choose a rating that suits your needs.

What Is a Good UMF Rating for Mānuka Honey?

UMF 10+ is a practical starting point for many buyers, but the right rating depends on how you intend to use the honey, what you're willing to spend and whether a higher MGO concentration matters to you.

The table below provides a straightforward comparison of common UMF grades.

The MGO figures are rounded reference values based on UMF grading information. They are not exact conversions or substitutes for batch specifications. Individual products may display higher MGO levels. The UMF rating also depends on other quality factors.

The differences between these grades are primarily linked to their required MGO concentrations. A higher rating does not automatically mean better taste, suitability or value.

For more information about how the rating is calculated, read What Does UMF Mean? UMF vs MGO Explained.

What UMF Grade Should I Choose?

The easiest way to choose a UMF grade is to start with how you plan to use the honey.

UMF 5+: A Good Entry-Level Choice

UMF 5+ suits people who want genuine, graded New Zealand Mānuka honey without paying for a higher MGO concentration.

It can be a practical choice for everyday consumption, including spreading on toast, adding to food or using as a sweetener.

A lower UMF rating does not mean the honey is poor quality. A genuine UMF 5+ product must still meet the relevant certification requirements for its grade.

UMF 10+: A Balanced Everyday Option

UMF 10+ offers a step up in MGO concentration while remaining more accessible than higher-grade products.

It's a popular middle ground for buyers who want a recognisable Mānuka honey grade but don't necessarily need the highest rating available.

For retailers, UMF 10+ can also make sense as a core product because it sits between entry-level and premium grades.

UMF 15+: A Higher-Grade Alternative

UMF 15+ is worth considering when a greater MGO concentration is an important part of your purchasing decision.

It offers a noticeable step up from UMF 10+ in terms of the grading specification and generally comes at a higher price.

For people comparing premium Mānuka honey products, UMF 15+ can provide a middle ground between everyday grades and the more expensive UMF 20+ or 25+ options.

UMF 20+ and 25+: High-Grade Mānuka Honey

UMF 0+ and 25+ sit towards the higher end of the commonly recognised grading range.

These products contain substantially higher concentrations of MGO and often command premium prices.

They may appeal to customers who already understand Mānuka honey grading and specifically want a higher-rated product.

However, the additional cost should be considered carefully. Higher grades are not automatically more suitable for everyday consumption, and a UMF rating alone does not establish medical benefits.

Is UMF 10+ Good Mānuka Honey?

Yes. UMF 10+ is a recognised Mānuka honey grade and is a sensible all-round option for many buyers.

It provides a higher MGO specification than UMF 5+ without requiring the price associated with the highest grades.

If you're buying Mānuka honey for the first time, UMF 10+ can be a useful starting point. It gives you an opportunity to try a graded product before deciding whether a higher rating is worth the additional cost.

For businesses, it can also be a practical grade to include within a wider retail range. However, the best commercial choice will depend on the intended market and product positioning.

Is UMF 15+ Better Than UMF 10+?

UMF 15+ has a higher required MGO concentration than UMF 10+, but that doesn't necessarily make it the better purchase.

If your priority is obtaining honey with more MGO, UMF 15+ offers a higher specification.

If you're looking for an everyday product at a more accessible price, UMF 10+ may provide better value.

Both ratings can represent genuine, high-quality Mānuka honey when the products meet their stated specifications.

The choice ultimately comes down to whether the higher grade offers something you value enough to justify its price.

What Is the Highest UMF Rating for Mānuka Honey?

UMF 25+ is one of the highest grades commonly discussed, but exceptionally high-grade Mānuka honey can exceed this level.

Products carrying ratings such as UMF 31+ have been produced, including within Midlands' PURITI Mānuka honey range.

These grades are much less common than UMF 5+, 10+ or 15+.

Mānuka honey is a natural product, and its chemical composition varies between harvests and batches. This means the availability of exceptionally high grades can be limited.

Higher-grade products also tend to command higher prices, so buyers should consider whether the increased MGO concentration is relevant to their needs.

Does a Higher UMF Rating Mean Stronger Mānuka Honey?

A higher UMF rating corresponds to a higher required MGO concentration, which is associated with Mānuka honey's non-peroxide antibacterial activity.

However, higher MGO concentration does not automatically translate into better health outcomes.

UMF grading measures defined characteristics of the honey. It does not establish that a product can prevent, treat or cure a medical condition.

The distinction is also important when comparing food-grade Mānuka honey with medical-grade honey. Medical products have separate manufacturing, testing and regulatory requirements.

How Do You Know If a UMF Rating Is Genuine?

Look for the official UMF quality mark and check that the product comes from a licensed supplier.

UMF certification involves independent testing against defined specifications. Products carrying the mark should also have appropriate batch identification and traceability information.

You can check certified brands through the UMF Honey Association.

For wholesale purchases, ask for the relevant batch documentation and product specifications before committing to an order.

A genuine UMF rating gives you confidence that the honey meets a defined standard, but it is still worth checking the product's origin, packaging and suitability for your requirements.

Which UMF Grade Is Best for Your Product or Brand?

For commercial buyers, the highest UMF grade is not always the most profitable or practical option.

Retailers, distributors, food manufacturers and private label brands need to consider more than the number on the label.

The intended product, target customer, wholesale price, order volume and ongoing availability all influence grade selection.

For example, a higher-grade product may support premium positioning, while a lower grade could be more appropriate for an accessible retail range or a food product where honey is one ingredient among several.

We've covered these considerations in more detail in Which Mānuka Honey Grade Is Best for Your Business?.

Find the Right Mānuka Honey Grade with Midlands Apiaries

Choosing a UMF grade comes down to understanding the differences and selecting a product that meets your needs.

Midlands Apiaries supplies New Zealand Mānuka honey across a wide range of UMF grades, from accessible everyday options through to exceptionally high-grade products.

Whether you're looking for wholesale Mānuka honey, retail-ready products or private label supply, our team can help you compare available grades and identify suitable options.

Explore our Mānuka honey range or contact Midlands to discuss your requirements.