WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
80% OF MANUKA HONEY IS FAKE
Real vs Fake Mānuka Honey
How to Tell if Mānuka Honey Is Real
Mānuka honey has earned a global reputation for its unique properties, but with rising demand comes increasing confusion around quality and authenticity. You may have seen the claim that “80% of Mānuka honey is fake” — and while controversial, it reflects a real issue within the industry. From diluted blends to misleading labels, not every jar on the shelf delivers the purity, potency, or traceability consumers expect. Understanding what defines genuine Mānuka honey is key to making an informed choice.
When you purchase Steens Raw Mānuka Honey, every jar is tested, certified and proven as genuine, pure and authentic.
If Steens Mānuka Honey isn't available, use the guide below to understand the key things you should look for when purchasing Mānuka honey, so you can shop with confidence.
Why origin claims can mislead
Packed & Labeled in NZ
Not all Mānuka honey labeled “from New Zealand” is actually harvested, packed, and tested there. Some products are exported in bulk and packaged overseas, where labelling standards and quality controls can vary.
When honey is packed and labeled in New Zealand, it means the entire process, from hive to jar is handled under strict New Zealand Government export regulations. This eliminates the risk of blending, dilution, or mislabelling along the supply chain.
For consumers, this is one of the simplest ways to identify a more trustworthy product. If it’s not packed in New Zealand, there are more opportunities for the honey to be altered before it reaches you.
Proof of what’s inside
Check the Certifications
Not all Mānuka honey is tested to the same standard. Certifications like UMF™ and MGO indicate that the honey has been independently tested for the key compounds that make Mānuka honey unique.
UMF™ is a globally recognised quality mark that measures multiple markers and verifies authenticity. MGO refers to the level of methylglyoxal — one of the naturally occurring compounds found in Mānuka honey.
You may also see Certified New Zealand Made, which confirms the product has been produced and packed in New Zealand under regulated conditions.
Together, these certifications provide a clearer picture of quality, strength, and authenticity — helping you understand exactly what you’re buying.
Transparency you can verify
Look for Batch Traceability
True Mānuka honey should be fully traceable — not just a claim on the label. A batch or trace code allows you to track your honey back to its origin and view its testing results.
This level of transparency is a key indicator of quality. It shows that the brand stands behind what’s in the jar and is willing to share proof.
At Steens®, every jar includes a batch number that can be entered on our website to view its certification and lab results. It’s a simple way to check authenticity for yourself — and a standard we believe all Mānuka honey should meet.
Real Mānuka looks different
Check the Texture
The appearance of Mānuka honey can tell you a lot about how it has been processed.
Heavily processed honey is often runny, smooth, creamy or clear - a result of heat treatment, fine filtration, and extra processing. While this may seem harmless, it can remove and destroy naturally occurring beneficial elements like pollen and bee bread.
In contrast, real raw Mānuka honey is typically thick, cloudy, and textured, with a more natural consistency. This reflects minimal processing and a product that is closer to what comes straight from the hive.
If your honey looks overly clear and pourable, it may have been processed more than you think.
BENEFITS OF REAL MĀNUKA HONEY
More naturally occurring nutrients retained
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Naturally thick, rich and textured
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Independently tested for authenticity
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Nothing added, nothing taken away
Closer to the Hive
A more natural way to process Mānuka honey
Choosing genuine Mānuka honey comes down to transparency, testing, and how the honey is handled from hive to jar. Independent certification systems such as UMF™ help verify key compounds, but production methods matter just as much.
At Steens®, we use our trademarked Crushed Wholecomb Technology™, meaning the entire honeycomb is gently pressed — with only the wax removed. No heat, no fine filters. This allows more of the naturally occurring bee bread and pollen to remain in the honey, delivering a product closer to its natural state.
We also believe authenticity should be visible. Every jar includes a batch number that can be entered on our website to view its certification and testing results. It’s complete transparency — so you can see exactly what’s in your honey, and trust that it’s the real thing.
TOP PICKS
RAW Mānuka HONEY
A healing salve from the Creator
I had a severely inflamed area on my skin, and within 6 hours I noticed and felt a reduction in the inflammation from using the 20 UMF Steen's honey. It's now 3 days later and the skin is almost entirely healed. This honey is incredible.
- Tuffy, USA
Natural Topical Remedy
Bought this because my son had some rash on his lips that would not go away. We went to the doctor several times and they prescribed a few different things. One made it worse. Then I started to read up on natural methods. This kind of honey was one of the suggestions. After using this for 3-4 weeks as a topical ointment, the rash is completely gone.
- Vixen, USA
I learned about Manuka honey from Dr. Axe. It is being used more and more by healthcare professionals as its natural healing properties are further understood. I accidentally touched my forearm on a light fitting once. The contact was only a fraction of a second but I sure got burned. I remembered manuka honey was effective at treating burns and applied some. Awwww... sweet relief!
- Crunk, USA
