What does TA mean in Jarrah Honey?
9 June 2026 · 4 min read
TA = Total Activity
TA stands for Total Activity. It is a measurement of the natural antibacterial strength of the honey. In simple terms, the higher the TA number, the stronger the honey's ability to slow the growth of certain bacteria under laboratory testing.
What the Numbers Mean
Here is a simple guide to what the TA rating tells you about a jar of Jarrah honey.
| TA Rating | Activity Level |
|---|---|
| TA 10+ | Good antibacterial activity |
| TA 20+ | Strong antibacterial activity |
| TA 30+ | Very high antibacterial activity |
| TA 35+ or higher | Premium-grade Jarrah honey with exceptionally high natural activity |
Why Is the TA Value Important?
Imagine buying a battery without knowing how much power it has. One battery may last for hours, while another may run out quickly. The label helps you compare them. The TA rating does something similar for Jarrah honey — it tells you the measured level of its natural antibacterial activity. Without it, two jars of Jarrah honey could look identical, but one might have significantly higher antibacterial activity than the other.
Listing the TA Value Helps Because
It shows the honey has been laboratory tested, not just described as 'high quality.' It allows customers to compare different batches. It gives confidence that the honey's antibacterial activity has been measured objectively. It also helps explain why one jar may cost more than another.
Does a Higher TA Mean the Honey Is Better?
Not necessarily — it depends on what you mean by 'better.' A higher TA means the honey has greater measured antibacterial activity. It does not automatically mean it tastes better, is sweeter, or is more nutritious. Some people choose a higher TA because they value that particular property, while others simply enjoy the flavour of Jarrah honey.
A Simple Analogy
Think of TA like the octane rating of fuel or the lumens of a light bulb. All the products do the same basic job. The number tells you something measurable about their performance. A higher number indicates a higher level of that specific characteristic. Similarly, the TA value tells you the measured antibacterial activity of the honey — it is one useful indicator of quality, but it is not the only thing that matters.
An Important Note
The TA rating does not mean the honey is a medicine or that it will treat or cure diseases. It is simply a recognised way of measuring the natural antibacterial activity present in the honey. The taste, purity, floral source, and overall quality are also important factors when choosing a Jarrah honey.