Manuka Honey 3-IN-1 and free forecast

The mānuka honey 3-in-1 test is for anyone interested in mānuka honey - including beekeepers, buyers and sellers of bulk honey, and honey processors producing and labelling final product for sale. Mānuka 3-in-1 test results will tell users about the grade of honey at the time of testing, as well as the HMF which is an important international measure of the age and heating of honey.

Illustration of a Manuka honey jar with a yellow label design featuring a bee graphic, text reading “100% Pure Honey, Manuka Honey 250g,” nutrition facts panel on the left, and product details with barcode on the right.

Advanced Honey Analysis Reports

The mānuka 3-in-1 test measures concentrations of DHA (dihydroxyacetone), MG/MGO (methylglyoxal), and HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) in honey samples and calculates NPA (non-peroxide activity) from the MG result using a conversion equation provided by the UMF Honey Association. MG and NPA are commonly used for mānuka honey grading.

Any honey type can have a 3-in-1 test and the results will give an indication of how much (if any) mānuka nectar was collected by the bees when the honey was made. If you are interested in knowing more about the potential of mānuka plants to produce high grade honey, consider using a Mānuka Nectar test.

Results for the mānuka 3-in-1 test change over time, and the mānuka forecast provided free with the test estimates the future grade of the honey if carefully stored over certain times and temperatures. This forcast has been built on data from a number of years of incubation experiments.

There are 2 standard report formats:

  • Maximum MG – this report is designed for those with bulk or extracted honey, who want a forecast of the maximum MG and NPA (or UMF) that the honey will reach. The report shows how long it will take to reach the maximum MG at 3 different temperatures, as well as changes over a 12-month period in MG, NPA/UMF, & HMF.
  • Shelf Life – this report is for those labelling honey with a ‘Best Before’ date, who want a forecast of how the blended honey will change over time at different storage temperatures. Using an initial test result for the packed honey the report forecasts MG, NPA/UMF, & HMF over a 5-year period at 3 storage temperatures.

    • We can also help with one off requests for mānuka honey forecasting that is different to the standard reports.

ACCREDITATIONS

3-in-1 is an IANZ accredited test.

HOW DOES ALS CONDUCT THE TEST?

ALS can test waxy or comb honey for 3-in-1 as well as extracted honey. A sub-sample is extracted in ultra-pure water, derivatised and analysed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) with UV detection.

PRICING AND TURNAROUND TIME

The turnaround time for the 3in1 test is 1 - 2 working days. Please contact ALS for current pricing.

WHY USE ALS?

ALS have a fast turnaround time and competitive price. We are able to carry out a number of tests on your honey, which means you can send in one sample and let us take care of the rest.