Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Category: Manuka Honey testing

  • Manuka Honey Testing

    Manuka Honey Testing

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    Manuka honey is a premium product that is highly regarded for its alleged health benefits. It is particularly known for its antibacterial properties and is believed to support wound-healing and gut health. However, the authenticity and quality of manuka honey sold outside of New Zealand have been called into question.

    The Definition of Manuka Honey

    According to New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), manuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium), which is found throughout the country. To ensure that honey labeled as manuka meets the criteria, all exports of manuka honey must be tested by an MPI-recognized laboratory. The definition of manuka honey includes a combination of five attributes, which consist of four chemicals from the nectar and one DNA marker from manuka pollen. This definition allows the industry to distinguish manuka honey from other types of honey.

    Lack of Standardized Testing Overseas

    However, outside of New Zealand, there is no standardized testing for the quality and authenticity of manuka honey. This has raised concerns about whether the manuka honey sold on shelves overseas is truly genuine. To address this issue, the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) has conducted scientific testing in the UK and US.

    Testing Results

    The UMFHA enlisted the services of a certified independent laboratory to test 46 manuka honey brands that originated from outside New Zealand and were sold in the UK and US. These products were deemed popular and were sold by major online retailers with labels claiming them to be manuka honey.

    Unfortunately, all of the products tested failed to meet New Zealand’s regulatory criteria for authentic manuka honey. Samples taken from other international markets also did not meet the criteria. The UMFHA classified all of the tested products as non-manuka honey, indicating that they did not come from the tree and nectar associated with supporting good health. Additionally, they failed to meet key MPI markers.

    The testing revealed several issues with the products. 82% of the tested products failed the CODEX quality requirement of <40mg/kg HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural). 60% failed the naturally occurring chemical 4-HPLA tests, and 80% contained no detectable leptospermum scoparium DNA. Furthermore, 32% of the products failed to meet the potency label claim, which is significant because the ingredient methylglyoxal (MGO), responsible for the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of manuka honey, typically decreases over time.

    Misleading Consumers

    The UMFHA has expressed concerns that these brands are misleading consumers. A survey conducted by 3Gem Research and Insights in the UK revealed that 58% of British consumers specifically buy manuka honey for its natural health benefits. Additionally, 76% of respondents believe that the products they purchase from reputable retailers are as advertised and 100% legitimate. However, the non-New Zealand manuka honey products that are incorrectly labeled as manuka honey are deceiving consumers who are seeking the intended health benefits but are not receiving them.

    In conclusion, the testing of manuka honey sold outside of New Zealand has revealed that the majority of products do not meet the regulatory criteria for authentic manuka honey. This raises concerns about the quality and authenticity of manuka honey available in international markets. Consumers who purchase manuka honey for its health benefits may be misled by the labeling of these products. It is important for consumers to be aware of these issues and to make informed choices when purchasing manuka honey.

  • Holiday Closures

    Holiday Closures

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    Thanksgiving

    Our Customer Care office will be closed on Thursday, November 23th and Friday, November 24th to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Our warehouse will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd only, and orders placed over the holiday will begin shipping on Friday, November 24th.

    Shipping Information

    We ship Monday through Friday from Salt Lake City, Utah. We ship within 2 business days for nearly all orders. Orders placed before 11 am Pacific Time may ship out the same day you order. Because we process orders with expediency, we may not always be able to cancel or amend an order before it ships. If you need to cancel or amend your order, please call us at 855-630-3149 or email customercare@bambuhome.com.

    Currently, we are only able to ship to US addresses. We will update our policy when this changes.

    Cost of Shipping

    We periodically review the shipping costs provided by the carriers to ensure we offer customers the best current options available.

    The shipping rate for your order is calculated by the carrier, based on the weight of your order and your destination.

    bambu is pleased to offer Everyday Free Ground Shipping* on orders over $95.00. Orders will ship via FedEx Ground and must ship to a physical address (no PO Boxes). FedEx Ground typically delivers within 3-5 business days, depending on your location. If your order is time sensitive, please call us toll-free at 855-630-3149 to discuss your options.

    *For Alaska and Hawaii Customers: Shipping via USPS 1st Class to Alaska or Hawaii can take several weeks. If you require faster delivery, we suggest using Priority Mail. Our Everyday Free Ground Shipping offer is not available to customers in Alaska, Hawaii or outside the contiguous US.

    Carbon Free Shipping

    From our source to your door, we measure, reduce, and offset 100% of our cradle to customer emissions immediately. Renewable plant-based products and carbon offsets are reducing the load on the environment.

    Expedited Shipping

    If you have an urgent need to receive items for an event, we recommend you call us prior to placing your order to inquire about your best shipping options. We are here to help check shipping times to ensure your order is received in time for your event. Customer Care can be reached at 855-630-3149, and we are available from 8 am to 4 pm (Pacific time) Monday through Friday.

    Note: Do not select Priority Mail if your order is time sensitive. USPS does not guarantee delivery in the time quoted and is not recommended for urgent orders.

    It should be noted that FedEx and USPS may experience unavoidable delays in package delivery due to unforeseen weather conditions or peak volume times.

    We are not responsible for delays in the FedEx or USPS delivery networks. While we make every attempt to ship your order in a timely manner, we do not have control over the final delivery date of your package.

    Damaged or Missing Items

    Items that have been damaged in transit or found to be missing must be reported within 48 hours of package delivery. Send an email to customercare@bambuhome.com with your name and order number, and include photos of the item and the shipping carton.

    Incorrect Shipping Addresses

    Bambu does not assume responsibility for orders with incorrect shipping addresses. If the order is shipped to an incorrect address provided by a customer, the customer is responsible for any additional re-send costs.

    Late or Lost Packages

    Sometimes packages get lost, delayed, or stolen in transit. We know that can be frustrating, but in most cases, we find that packages do turn up within a few days. If your tracking shows the package has been delivered, please check all areas where a package may have been left. FedEx will usually include a photo of the location your package was delivered to on the tracking page. If your package has not turned up within 2 business days, please reach out to us. We can often assist you with filing a claim with the carrier.

    Return Policy

    Please see our Returns and Refunds Policy for details.

    Last updated: 8/23/2023

  • Manuka Honey Testing How to Verify the Authenticity of Your Honey

    Manuka Honey Testing How to Verify the Authenticity of Your Honey

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    Introduction

    In recent years, the popularity of honey as a natural sweetener and health product has increased. However, with the rise of counterfeit honey on the market, it is important to be able to distinguish real honey from fake honey. This is especially crucial when it comes to Manuka honey, which contains unique beneficial compounds such as MGO and Leptosperin. In this article, we will explore three ways to verify the authenticity of your honey and ensure that you are getting real Manuka honey from New Zealand.

    Why is it important to use real honey?

    Real honey, especially Manuka honey, is packed with nutrients and offers numerous health benefits. It contains compounds like MGO, which has organic antibacterial properties, and Leptosperin, which has antioxidant properties. These compounds are found exclusively in Manuka honey and provide various health benefits. Additionally, real honey is a natural sweetener that is commonly used as an alternative to artificial sweeteners and processed sugars.

    On the other hand, fake honey is often adulterated with additives and preservatives. It may contain ingredients like glucose, dextrose, molasses, added sugar, sugar syrup, and invert sugar to enhance sweetness or compensate for lower levels of real honey. Fake honey may also undergo processing that depletes its nutrients. As a result, fake honey is packed with sugar and lacks the beneficial compounds found in real honey.

    Signs that your honey isn’t real

    If you suspect that your Manuka honey is not authentic, there are several signs you can look out for. First, genuine Manuka honey should have a creamy, thick, and rich consistency. It should also have a golden to dark color. If your honey does not match these characteristics, it may not be real Manuka honey.

    To further verify the authenticity of your honey, you can perform three tests at home.

    1. The Consistency Test

    The consistency test involves checking the thickness of your honey. If your honey has become thin due to warm temperatures, you can place it in the refrigerator overnight. Real Manuka honey will return to its original thick consistency in the morning.

    2. The Water Test

    The water test requires dropping a small amount of honey into a cold glass of water. If your honey is genuine Manuka honey, it will hold its shape and sink to the bottom of the glass. On the other hand, fake honey will typically dissolve into the water, similar to how chocolate syrup dissolves in cold milk.

    3. The Thumb Test

    The thumb test involves checking the thickness and stickiness of your honey. Real honey is thick and sticky, so when you apply a drop of honey onto your thumb and wait, it should stay in place and not run down your hand. If your honey is thin and runny, it is likely not authentic Manuka honey.

    How to verify your honey

    While the home tests mentioned above can help you determine if your honey is real, it is easier and more reliable to ensure that you are getting authentic honey from a trusted source. Here are a few things you can do to verify the authenticity of your honey:

    Examine the Packaging

    Take a close look at the jar and packaging of your Manuka honey product. Transparent and authentic honey companies will prominently display the MGO or UMF potency on the packaging. Make sure that the label includes an MGO or UMF rating. Be cautious of other numbers that are not MGO or UMF, as they may indicate a lower quality or fake honey.

    Check for QR Codes

    Manukora honey, for example, always includes a QR code on its packaging. Scanning this QR code with your smartphone will provide you with a wealth of information about the authenticity, potency, and even the specific hive and beekeeper responsible for your honey. The QR code can provide the following information:

    • Confirmation of authenticity
    • Batch number of the product
    • Harvest region
    • Beekeeper information
    • Third-party batch test results for MGO and Leptosperin
    • Third-party batch results to ensure glyphosate residue-free honey
    • Potency of the Manuka honey in the product

    Not all Manuka honey distributors provide QR codes with their products, so it is important to choose a trusted source that prioritizes transparency and provides comprehensive information about their honey.

    What makes Manuka honey special?

    Manuka honey is unique compared to other types of honey because it is derived exclusively from the nectar of Manuka tea trees found in New Zealand. Unlike multifloral honey, which gathers nectar from various plants and flowers, Manuka honey is monofloral, meaning it comes solely from one flower species. This distinction gives Manuka honey its distinctive properties and benefits.

    Our favorite benefits of Manuka honey

    Manuka honey offers numerous wellness benefits compared to other types of honey. Some of these benefits include:

    • MGO: Manuka honey contains Methylglyoxal (MGO), which has natural antibacterial properties.
    • Leptosperin: Manuka honey contains Leptosperin, which has antioxidant properties that support immunity.
    • Prebiotics: Manuka honey contains oligosaccharides, which act as prebiotics and support gut health.

    Incorporating Manuka honey into your daily routine can provide these benefits and more. Whether you enjoy it as a sweetener, a morning ritual, or a topping for your favorite foods, Manuka honey is a delicious and nutritious addition to any lifestyle.

    Conclusion

    Verifying the authenticity of your honey, especially Manuka honey, is crucial to ensure that you are getting the real and beneficial product. While there are home tests that can help you determine if your honey is authentic, it is best to choose a trusted source that provides transparent information about their honey. By examining the packaging, looking for QR codes, and choosing a reputable brand, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting genuine Manuka honey. So go ahead, enjoy the taste and benefits of real Manuka honey from New Zealand’s Golden Triangle.

    FAQs

    1. Why is Manuka honey unique compared to other types of honey?
      Manuka honey is derived exclusively from the nectar of Manuka tea trees found in New Zealand, making it a monofloral honey. This gives it unique properties and benefits not found in other types of honey.

    2. Are there any side effects to consuming Manuka honey?
      Manuka honey is generally safe for consumption. However, individual reactions can vary, so it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional if you have allergies or are unsure about incorporating new products into your diet.

    3. Is there a specific way to store Manuka honey to retain its benefits?
      Manuka honey should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It does not require refrigeration but keeping it at a consistent temperature can help preserve its properties and consistency.

    4. How often should I consume Manuka honey for optimal benefits?
      The optimal amount and frequency of consuming Manuka honey depend on individual preferences and desired benefits. A teaspoon a day is a good starting point for general wellness. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a nutritionist or healthcare provider.