Manuka honey is celebrated not just for its rich, earthy flavor but also for its unique healing properties. At the heart of these benefits is a powerful compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). But what does the MGO number on your jar of manuka honey actually mean? And how do you choose the right MGO rating for your needs?

Let’s break it down.

🍯 What Is an MGO Rating?

The MGO rating tells you how much methylglyoxal is present in a jar of manuka honey. This compound is responsible for much of manuka honey’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, and therapeutic power. The higher the MGO number, the stronger the honey’s activity—which can be important depending on whether you’re using it daily or for more targeted health support.

📊 MGO Ratings and Their Potency

Here's a general guide to understanding different MGO levels and how to match them with your health goals:

✅ MGO 100+ to 400+ – Daily Wellness Support

• Mild to moderate antibacterial strength

• Ideal for everyday use

• Can be used in teas, smoothies, or straight from the spoon

• Supports immunity, digestion, and skin hydration

💪 MGO 500+ to 600+ – Enhanced Health & Vitality

• Stronger antibacterial action

• Suitable for occasional health concerns, minor wounds, and skin flare-ups

• Useful for sore throats, skin care, and gut health

🛡️ MGO 800+ and above – Therapeutic and Targeted Use

• Highest levels of antibacterial potency

• Intended for acute conditions like slow-healing wounds or more serious infections

• May offer greater immune system support

• Best used in consultation with a healthcare professional

🧪 MGO vs. Other Honey Ratings

While the MGO rating is a major factor in choosing manuka honey, it’s not the only one. Several other terms and systems are commonly found on honey labels. Here's what they mean:

🔍 UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor)

• Measures antibacterial strength alongside MGO

• Often includes Leptosperin and DHA (other key compounds)

• Offers a broader picture of honey’s healing potential

• A UMF rating of 10+ or higher generally indicates medicinal-grade honey

🧬 K-Factor

• Indicates the percentage of manuka pollen in the honey

• Reflects floral origin, not antibacterial strength

• Not recognized as a standalone marker of authenticity or potency by New Zealand's government standards

⚠️ “Active” or “Bioactive”

• Generic marketing terms that suggest health benefits

• Do not quantify actual MGO content

• Can be misleading if not backed by certified MGO or UMF ratings

🐝 Other Things to Look For When Buying Mānuka Honey

✅ Certified Testing and Source Verification

• Ensure the honey has been lab-tested for MGO content

• Look for honey sourced from authentic manuka-producing regions in Australia or New Zealand

• Trusted producers often include batch numbers and testing documentation

✅ Proper Packaging

• High-quality manuka honey should be stored in dark, airtight containers

• Labels should clearly display the MGO and/or UMF rating, and any relevant certifications

🔥 Why MGO Matters More Than Ever

With rising concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, manuka honey stands out as a natural alternative that remains effective. Research shows that bacteria do not develop resistance to methylglyoxal, making high-grade manuka honey a valuable tool for both preventive and therapeutic care.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right manuka honey isn’t just about flavor it’s about understanding the MGO rating and how it aligns with your needs. Whether you’re seeking a gentle daily boost or a potent natural remedy, matching the MGO strength to your use case is essential.

By paying close attention to labels and looking for verified ratings like MGO and UMF, you can ensure you're getting genuine, effective manuka honey and getting the most out of its extraordinary benefits.