Total Activity (TA) & Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) Measurement in Honey

Unlocking the full antibacterial power of your honey and maximising its value.

Total Activity Testing

Total Activity (TA) measures the complete antibacterial power of your honey.

It combines two components:

Peroxide Activity (PA): the short-term antibacterial effect produced when honey is diluted (from the enzyme glucose oxidase creating hydrogen peroxide).
Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA): the stable, long-lasting antibacterial compounds.

TA = PA + NPA

Results are expressed as a percentage phenol equivalent (% phenol). The higher the TA rating, the stronger the overall antimicrobial action against bacteria.

TA testing is ideal for most active honeys and provides a comprehensive picture of antibacterial performance.

Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) Measurement

Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) isolates the stable antibacterial compounds that remain active even after hydrogen peroxide is neutralised (using catalase in the lab test).

This is the long-lasting activity that survives heat, light, and long-term storage, the key factor that sets premium manuka honey apart. In Manuka and certain Leptospermum honeys, NPA is largely driven by methylglyoxal (MGO) and other phytochemicals.

Why NPA is especially valuable:

It delivers consistent antibacterial performance that peroxide activity alone cannot guarantee.
It commands the highest premiums in medicinal and therapeutic markets.

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Benefits of testing TA and NPA

Total Activity:

Reveals the full potency of every batch (including common floral honeys that rely heavily on peroxide activity).
Allows packers to blend batches accurately to hit target specifications.
Gives exporters clear, comparable data for international buyers who require proven antimicrobial strength.

Non-Peroxide Activity:

Beekeepers: Identify and segregate your highest-value NPA-rich batches.
Packers: Create reliable, labelled “stable activity” product lines with confidence.
Exporters: Meet demanding buyer specifications and differentiate your honey from standard peroxide-based products in competitive global markets.

How Our TA & NPA Testing Works

Simple Sample Submission: Send us a small representative sample from your batch.
Laboratory Bioassay: We use the industry-standard well-diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, with and without catalase to separate PA and NPA.
Phenol Equivalence Reporting: Clear, internationally recognised results delivered quickly.
Expert Guidance: Our team explains what your TA/NPA numbers mean for your specific market and product strategy.