To check whether New Zealand Mānuka honey is genuine, start with its stated origin, Mānuka classification and available laboratory information. The MGO rating provides an additional way to compare the honey's measured methylglyoxal content.
Here are five things to look for when choosing New Zealand Mānuka honey.
1. Check Where the Honey Comes From
Mānuka honey begins with nectar gathered from the flowers of the Mānuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium).
If you're looking specifically for New Zealand Mānuka honey, the country of origin is a useful starting point.
Look for a clearly stated origin on the product packaging and website.
Kinloch offers Kinloch MGO 600+ New Zealand Mānuka Honey, 250g, with its origin and MGO rating clearly presented.
2. Understand New Zealand's Mānuka Honey Definition
New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has established a scientific definition for Mānuka honey intended for export.
Under New Zealand's MPI system, laboratories assess four chemical markers and one DNA marker. The findings are used to establish which Mānuka classification a sample meets: monofloral Mānuka or multifloral Mānuka.
These laboratory tests provide the basis for identifying New Zealand Mānuka honey under the official export requirements.
You can explore the official New Zealand Mānuka honey testing guidance or read our Understanding Mānuka Honey guide for a simpler explanation.
3. Look for a Clearly Stated MGO Rating
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound measured in Mānuka honey.
An MGO rating shows its measured concentration in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
The rating provides a useful way to compare products with different MGO levels.
For shoppers searching for Mānuka honey 600 MGO, the key detail is the stated methylglyoxal concentration. A product labelled MGO 600+ indicates a minimum concentration of 600 mg/kg.
Kinloch's current product is labelled MGO 600+, offering a clearly identified high-MGO option alongside its New Zealand origin.
MGO measures methylglyoxal concentration, while New Zealand's official Mānuka definition uses the separate chemical and DNA marker tests described above.
4. Explore the Laboratory Testing Information
Laboratory results can provide additional detail about the honey you're considering.
Kinloch publishes information about its current batch, including the laboratories involved and their recorded results.
The batch was tested by:
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ALS Food & Environmental Laboratories, New Zealand
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Minerva Scientific Laboratories, United Kingdom
The UK laboratory recorded 602 mg/kg of MGO.
Kinloch also provides the corresponding laboratory report references and the results recorded in New Zealand.
You can explore these details on our Batch Transparency & Lab Results page.
This makes it straightforward to move from the MGO number on the product to the recorded testing information associated with the current batch.
5. Choose a Product With Clear Information
When comparing Mānuka honey, look beyond the front label.
Useful product information includes:
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Origin: Where the honey comes from
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Honey type: How the product is classified
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MGO rating: Its stated methylglyoxal level
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Laboratory information: Available results and report references
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Product details: Jar size, flavour and handling information
Kinloch brings these details together through its product page, Mānuka education guide and dedicated batch-results page.
Its current offering is 250g of New Zealand monofloral Mānuka honey, labelled MGO 600+, with published current-batch testing information.
Can You Tell Genuine Mānuka Honey by Its Appearance?
Mānuka honey is known for its distinctive flavour, colour and texture, although natural variation can occur.
Appearance alone does not establish a honey's botanical classification. New Zealand's official definition uses laboratory testing for that purpose.
Kinloch's Mānuka honey is described as rich and distinctive, with earthy and floral notes.
Quick Answers
How can you tell if Mānuka honey is real?
For New Zealand Mānuka honey, look for clearly stated origin, information about the honey's classification and relevant laboratory details. New Zealand's MPI sets the scientific definition used for exported Mānuka honey.
Does an MGO rating help when choosing Mānuka honey?
Yes. MGO provides a measured characteristic that helps customers compare Mānuka honeys with different methylglyoxal concentrations.
What should I look for when buying Mānuka honey 600 MGO?
Look for a clearly stated MGO 600+ rating, New Zealand origin and relevant product information. Kinloch's current MGO 600+ honey also has published batch results, including a UK laboratory measurement of 602 mg/kg.
What laboratory information does Kinloch provide?
Kinloch publishes current-batch testing information from New Zealand and the UK, including laboratory names, recorded results and report references. Its UK laboratory recorded 602 mg/kg of MGO.
Discover Kinloch MGO 600+ New Zealand Mānuka Honey
Choosing Mānuka honey becomes easier when the important product details are clearly explained.
Kinloch brings together New Zealand monofloral Mānuka honey, an MGO 600+ rating, distinctive flavour and published current-batch testing information.
Explore the product, understand its MGO rating and see the recorded laboratory information behind the current batch.
Shop Kinloch MGO 600+ New Zealand Mānuka Honey, 250g
Or explore our Batch Transparency & Lab Results.