Manuka honey has gained popularity recently, leading to a surge in demand for this unique type of honey. Unfortunately, this increased demand has also given rise to fake Manuka honey brands looking to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. To ensure that you’re getting genuine Manuka honey, it is important to avoid purchasing from companies that do not have UMF certification.

The Risk of Fake Manuka Honey Brands

With New Zealand producing approximately 1,700 tons of Manuka honey every season and over 10,000 tons being sold worldwide annually, the numbers don’t add up. The unfortunate truth is that around four out of five jars of Manuka honey sold are fake. This means that if you’ve bought a bottle of Manuka honey, there’s a high chance that it could be counterfeit.

The Importance of UMF Certification

When purchasing Manuka honey, always look for the UMF rating. UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor and is a grading system developed by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). This association is considered the most reputable in the industry and has taken steps to protect consumers by ensuring the authenticity of Manuka honey products.

The UMF grading system not only determines the quality and authenticity of the honey but also provides information about its potency. To avoid fake brands, it is crucial to choose UMF-certified products.

Dealing with Fake Brands

Fake Manuka honey brands will not have UMF certification since their products cannot pass the rigorous tests conducted by the UMFHA. Therefore, always opt for UMF-certified products to ensure authenticity and quality.

What to Do If You’ve Purchased a Fake Brand

If you unknowingly purchased a bottle of fake Manuka honey, there may be limited options to resolve the issue. However, you can try contacting the company to request a refund. Additionally, it is essential to report the fake brand to prevent others from being deceived.

You can file a complaint with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau or the relevant government agencies that handle reports of fake online vendors. By taking action, you can help shut down the fake brand and protect others from falling victim to their scams.

Potential Fake Brands to Avoid

Identifying fake Manuka honey brands can be challenging without proper testing. However, some companies use misleading marketing practices that raise suspicions about the authenticity of their products. Here are a few brands that fall into this category:

1. Wedderspoon: Instead of using the UMF standard, Wedderspoon uses a K-factor grading system. This system tests the amount of Manuka pollen in the honey, but it cannot confirm the authenticity of Manuka honey.

2. Manuka Doctor: Manuka Doctor displays a Bio Active rating instead of the UMF certification, which may raise doubts about the authenticity of their products.

3. Trader Joe’s: The Manuka honey products sold at Trader Joe’s stores provide limited information, typically only indicating a 10+ rating. This lack of detailed certification information may suggest a potential issue.

To ensure that you’re purchasing authentic Manuka honey, it is advisable to stick to UMF-certified brands.

Tips for Buying Authentic Manuka Honey

To buy authentic Manuka honey, it is essential to deal with reputable vendors. The UMFHA website is a reliable resource for finding authentic dealers. The website provides a list of official UMF members, allowing you to verify the authenticity of their products.

By using the UMFHA database, you can search for license numbers and batch numbers, ensuring that you’re purchasing from licensed vendors. This helps you avoid fake brands and guarantees the authenticity of the Manuka honey you’re buying.

Genuine Manuka Honey Brands

While there are many fake brands out there, numerous authentic Manuka honey brands provide high-quality products. To ensure authenticity, look for brands with UMF certification. Here are some reputable vendors selling authentic Manuka honey:

• Good Health
• Nga Pi Honey
• The Good Honey Co.
• Arataki Honey
• SummerGlow Apiaries
• Streamland
• Manuka Wellbeing
• Comvita
• RaKiwi

Signs of Fake Manuka Honey

Learning to spot signs of fake Manuka honey can help you avoid purchasing counterfeit products. Even when buying online, you can protect yourself by being vigilant. Here are some indicators that may suggest a product is fake:

• Lack of UMF certification: Ensure that the company is licensed with the UMFHA. Check for the UMF license number on the UMFHA website to verify its authenticity.
• Missing UMF grade information: Authentic vendors should provide their UMF license and the UMF grade for each product.
• Customer reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gain insights into the authenticity and quality of the honey.

By following these tips and being mindful of the signs of fake Manuka honey, you can confidently purchase authentic products and enjoy the numerous health benefits they offer.

Conclusion

When it comes to purchasing Manuka honey, it is crucial to avoid fake brands and opt for UMF-certified products. The UMF certification ensures the authenticity and quality of the honey, providing customers with a genuine product. By dealing with reputable vendors and conducting proper research, you can enjoy the luscious texture and taste of authentic Manuka honey while reaping its natural enzymes, high amino acids, and health benefits.