Below you will find detailed answers to the most common questions about authentic Manuka honey and propolis from New Zealand. All information is based on scientific publications, the guidelines of the MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries), and the quality assurance of MNZ.
MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a natural compound found in very high concentrations in New Zealand Manuka honey. Professor Thomas Henle of the Technical University of Dresden discovered in 2006 that MGO is the substance responsible for the unique bioactive properties of Manuka honey. The higher the MGO value (expressed in mg/kg), the rarer and more potent the honey. Read more about MGO…
MGO is the only directly measurable compound responsible for the stable, high-quality, and natural bioactive effect of Manuka honey. Unlike other honeys, which mainly rely on enzymatic peroxide activity, Manuka honey retains its special properties over time thanks to MGO. Read more about MGO…
Measuring MGO is the international standard. The MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand) requires that Manuka honey is tested for:
Only honey that meets these requirements may be sold in New Zealand as monofloral Manuka honey. Testing is conducted exclusively in ISO17025/Ianz-accredited laboratories, ensuring internationally recognised and reliable results.
Learn more about MNZ’s quality guarantee. Our honey is:
MNZ produces only monofloral Manuka honey. This means the nectar is primarily derived from the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka shrub/tree). This guarantees consistent quality and distinguishes our honey from multifloral honey, which contains nectar from multiple flowers.
Manuka honey can be used in many ways:
Important: do not add Manuka honey to boiling hot tea or milk. At temperatures above 40°C, enzymes and bioactive compounds lose their effectiveness.
Genuine Manuka honey can be recognised by:
Additionally, colour, aroma, taste, and conductivity are monitored according to MPI guidelines. Read more about our quality guarantee.
All MNZ Manuka honey is produced, tested, packaged, and stored in New Zealand. Our packaging is BPA-free and made of sustainable rPET, derived from 100% recycled material. This aligns with our BeeProtective™ programme and contributes to the circular economy.
MNZ produces Manuka honey ranging from MGO 100+ to MGO 1500+. The higher the MGO value, the rarer the honey. Honeys above MGO 1000+ are extremely limited in supply and highly sensitive to heat, making them challenging to preserve.
Because MGO is a directly measurable compound with a margin of error below 2%. UMF®, by contrast, is a calculated value, not a substance. The New Zealand government requires producers to test Manuka honey for MGO. Therefore, MNZ chooses the transparent and scientifically accepted MGO classification. Read more about UMF vs. MGO…
These are old systems comparing honey activity with phenol solutions, used in hospitals as disinfectants. UMF® (Unique Manuka Factor) was introduced by Professor Peter Molan. As this testing method proved inaccurate and included therapeutic claims, the New Zealand government banned the use of these terms (such as 5+, 10+, 20+, and NPA) on labels in 2016.
Today: MGO is the only accepted scientific standard. Read more about UMF…
Not all Manuka honey is the same. The Dutch Consumers’ Association showed that fraud is common, such as:
The three main indicators are:
Conclusion: only laboratory testing in accredited labs guarantees authenticity. MNZ supplies exclusively raw, unheated Manuka honey.
Yes, Manuka honey is suitable for almost everyone, except:
Manuka honey can also be safely consumed during pregnancy.
No. Manuka honey is a natural food and, when consumed normally, does not cause side effects. Overdosing is not possible; it is comparable to other types of honey, but with unique qualities due to the presence of MGO.
According to European legislation (Reg. (EC) 1924/2006 and 1169/2011), no medical claims may be made. What we can guarantee is that all MNZ Manuka honey is 100% pure, raw, unfiltered, and monofloral, and tested in laboratories according to the highest quality standards. This makes it one of the most authentic and premium honeys worldwide.
Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by bees from buds, bark, and plants. Bees mix these substances with enzymes and beeswax into a protective mass. They use it to seal their hives and protect the colony against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Propolis is therefore also called the “natural shield of the beehive”.
New Zealand propolis is renowned for its exceptionally high content of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and flavonoids. CAPE is a bioactive compound present at much lower concentrations in propolis from other parts of the world. Thanks to New Zealand’s pristine environment, its propolis is recognised globally as one of the highest quality forms.
MNZ has all its propolis tested in ISO17025/Ianz-accredited laboratories, where CAPE content, flavonoid profile, purity, and absence of contaminants such as pesticides or heavy metals are assessed. Our propolis products are produced and packaged in New Zealand and meet the strict standards of the MPI.
MNZ incorporates New Zealand propolis into a range of products, such as:
These products are aligned with our BeeProtective™ programme and our vision for sustainability and bee health.
Although propolis is a natural bee product, it is not suitable for everyone. Under European food law (Reg. (EC) 1169/2011), it must be clearly stated that propolis can cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to bee products. Symptoms may range from skin irritation to breathing difficulties.
Therefore:
For everyone without allergies, propolis can be safely used as a natural supplement or care product.
