If you've ever stood in front of a wall of honey jars wondering why some cost $15 and others cost $150, you're not alone. The answer comes down to purity, potency, and where — and how — the honey is made.
At BraveBearFit, we've brought together some of New Zealand's most trusted Mānuka honey brands, so you can shop with confidence and actually understand what you're buying. Here's everything you need to know.
What Makes Mānuka Honey Different?
Mānuka honey is made by bees that forage on the flowers of the Mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant native to New Zealand. Unlike regular honey, raw Mānuka honey contains naturally occurring compounds — most notably methylglyoxal (MGO) — that give it unique properties not found in standard honey varieties.
But here's what most shoppers don't realise: not all Mānuka honey is created equal, and not all of it is genuine. That's where honey ratings come in.
Understanding UMF: What Those Numbers Actually Mean
You'll see a rating on every genuine jar — something like UMF 5+, UMF 10+, UMF 15+, or UMF 20+. This is the Unique Mānuka Factor, New Zealand's independent, gold-standard certification system for Mānuka honey.
UMF testing verifies three key markers in every batch:
- MGO (Methylglyoxal) — the primary compound responsible for Mānuka honey's distinct properties
- DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) — a natural compound found in Mānuka nectar that converts into MGO as the honey matures
- Leptosperin — a unique marker found only in genuine Mānuka honey, used to confirm authenticity and rule out fakes
Together, these three markers confirm that what's in the jar is real, pure, unadulterated Mānuka honey — not a blend or an imitation.
A simple way to think about the numbers:
- UMF 5+ — entry-level, everyday Mānuka honey
- UMF 10+ — a popular everyday choice, great for a spoonful a day or stirring into tea
- UMF 15–20+ — higher potency, often chosen for more targeted, concentrated use
- UMF 20+ and above — premium grade, among the most sought-after honey in the world
The higher the UMF number, the higher the concentration of these compounds — and generally, the higher the price.
Explore Our Honey Brands
We stock a curated range of New Zealand's most respected honey producers, each with their own story and specialty.
🍯 Happy Valley Honey
With 45 years of experience under our belt, we know nature. In particular, the power of the hive. We curate thoughtful products from the hive that create happiness for the whole family.
🍯 The Honey Collection
Home to some of our most popular everyday jars, as well as the Active Mānuka Miracle Honey Salve — a topical product that supports the skin's natural healing process.
🍯 Manuka Health
Known for rigorous testing and transparency, Manuka Health is a favourite for shoppers who want verified purity and potency in every jar.
How to Choose the Right Jar for You
- New to Mānuka honey? Start with a UMF 5+ or 10+ jar for everyday wellness use — a spoonful in the morning or stirred into warm tea.
- Looking for something more targeted? Consider a UMF 15+ or 20+ jar, or explore topical options like the Active Mānuka salve.
- Want to gift something special? A high-UMF jar from Manuka Health makes a premium, thoughtful gift.
Shop the Full Range
Whatever your goals, there's a jar (or salve) for you. Browse our full range of Happy Valley Honey, The Honey Collection and Manuka Health, products at BraveBearFit.com — all genuine, all New Zealand made, all backed by verified ratings you can trust.
Ready to taste the difference real Mānuka honey makes?
Shop the Shop The Honey Collection now