33% off
Intense Rub Ease Gel
£9.99 was £15.00
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Vitamin D Spray with Manuka Honey & Propolis 500 M.E.D.
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Hand & Nail Cream
£6.50 was £10.00
Still to spend for free shipping: £65.00
33% off
Intense Rub Ease Gel
£9.99 was £15.00
23% off
Vitamin D Spray with Manuka Honey & Propolis 500 M.E.D.
£9.99 was £13.00
35% off
Hand & Nail Cream
£6.50 was £10.00
UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor. It’s an independent grading system which was invented in New Zealand by a trade-body called the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA).
Our licence number is 1026. All brands who are part of the UMF grading system will use the same UMF logo.
So what does UMF measure, and what does it guarantee?
To establish the UMF level of a Manuka honey, four things are checked.
1. The level of MGO in the honey. MGO (or methylglyoxal) is the substance that scientists generally concur gives manuka honey its special properties that other honey does not have. The higher the MGO level, the higher the UMF level will be and the stronger the anti-microbial benefits of the honey will be.
2. The presence of DHA in the honey. DHA (or dihydroxyacetone) is natural substance that is a precursor to MGO which is found in the nectar of Manuka flowers. DHA converts to MGO in the bee hive during the honey production process. Essentially, it’s impossible to have MGO in a Manuka honey without DHA. Therefore, in order to get a UMF rating, the honey must also show the presence of DHA to prove that the honey has been created in the correct way in a bee-hive and not chemically altered.
3. The level of Leptosperin. Leptosperin is another naturally-occurring chemical marker found only in the nectar of Manuka and some closely related species. It was discovered by Yoji Kato in Japan in 2012, and through UMFHA’s science programme, was found to be indicative of Manuka honey authenticity. i.e. if there is no Leptosperin in the Manuka honey, then the honey is not true manuka from New Zealand Manuka bushes. In order to secure a UMF rating, the level of Leptosperin in the honey must be more than 100 milligrams per kilogram.
4. The level of HMF (or Hydroxymethylfurfural). HMF concentrations increase under excessive heat and prolonged storage times. HMF is particularly relevant to Manuka honey as heat can be used to accelerate the conversion of DHA to MGO fraudulently, thus altering the chemical profile to make Manuka honey appear stronger and therefore more valuable. In order to protect customers, to secure a UMF rating, the HMF content after processing should not be more than 40 milligrams per kilogram.
View the test certificates for our UMF Manuka Honey.
What does UMF mean? Here's the science behind the stamp...
UMF is the gold standard for testing Manuka. We spoke to Mark Harrison (Team Manager for Authenticity and Novel Foods at FERA) about what "Unique Manuka Factor" means, and why companies like Manuka Doctor are proud members of the UMFHA society.
What sets our UMF-grade honey apart? It's the comprehensive extra testing that considers not only the presence of beneficial compounds like Methylglyoxal (MGO) but other unique markers indicative of genuine Manuka honey quality. Including Leptosperin, DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) which are specific to the nectar of the New Zealand Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium).
You can see our range of UMF certified Manuka below
UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor. It’s an independent grading system which was invented in New Zealand by a trade-body called the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA).
Our licence number is 1026. All brands who are part of the UMF grading system will use the same UMF logo.
Our UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) range sets the standard for excellence in the world of Manuka honey. Renowned for purity and potency, UMF-grade honey undergoes rigorous testing and certification to ensure it meets the strict standards set by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA).
This certification guarantees that our UMF honey contains the unique compounds and attributes that make Manuka honey so highly sought after worldwide. The UMF trademark is a mark of authenticity and quality, providing consumers with confidence in every jar.
What sets UMF-grade honey apart is its comprehensive extra testing system that considers not only the presence of beneficial compounds like Methylglyoxal (MGO) but also other unique markers indicative of genuine Manuka honey quality. These additional markers include Leptosperin and DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), which are specific to the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium).
Our MGO-grade honey is the same premium quality product from our own beehives, which uses solely the MGO grading system to measure the presence of Methylglyoxal, a key naturally occurring compound in Manuka honey known for its antibacterial properties. Our MGO-grade honey provides a reliable choice for customers seeking the unique benefits of Manuka honey at a more accessible price point.
No, the UMFHA are very strict in who is able to use their logo. Firstly the company must pack their jars in New Zealand itself. Secondly the honey must meet certain levels of four naturally occurring markers to be given a UMF rating. And finally, the honey must be tested by an independent lab in New Zealand.
With our Premium dual rated UMF and MGO grade honey, you’re getting the best quality for the best price.
Used by thousands of people to benefit their health and recommended by Doctors including ITV’s Hilary Jones MBE.
Our team based in the UK is happy to help with any questions you might have about UMF honey and choosing the best product for your needs.
While all Manuka Doctor products are packed and dispatched quickly via Royal Mail, arriving in just 2-4 working days.
