Choosing the Best Strength of Manuka Honey for Your Needs

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Manuka honey is renowned for its potent antibacterial properties, attributed to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). However, determining the best strength of Manuka honey depends entirely on its intended use, from a daily wellness boost to targeted therapeutic support.

Quick Summary

The ideal Manuka honey strength varies by application. Lower grades are suitable for general wellness and taste, while higher grades offer stronger antibacterial effects for more specific health concerns like wound healing or immune support. The main rating systems, MGO and UMF, indicate potency.

Key Points

MGO and UMF are Key: The potency of Manuka honey is measured primarily by its Methylglyoxal (MGO) content, a metric included in the comprehensive UMF™ rating system.
Choose by Intention: The best strength depends on your goal; lower grades are for everyday wellness and taste, while higher grades target specific health issues like wounds or stubborn infections.
Low Strength for Daily Use: For general wellness or as a sweetener, a low-strength Manuka honey (UMF 5+ to 10+ or MGO 83+ to 263+) is both effective and economical.
Mid Strength for Seasonal Support: When you need an immune boost during cold and flu season, a medium-strength honey (UMF 10+ to 15+ or MGO 263+ to 514+) is a good choice.
High Strength for Targeted Care: For serious applications like wound care, digestive issues, or chronic conditions, opt for a high-strength Manuka (UMF 15+ and up or MGO 514+ and up).
Verify Authenticity: To avoid counterfeit products, always look for reputable certifications like the UMF™ trademark or a clear MGO rating from a trusted brand.

Understanding Manuka Honey Strength Ratings

Unlike standard table honey, Manuka honey is prized for its unique non-peroxide antibacterial activity, largely due to its methylglyoxal (MGO) content. Several grading systems exist to quantify this potency, but the two most recognized and trusted are MGO and UMF™. Understanding these ratings is crucial for selecting the appropriate product.

The Methylglyoxal (MGO) System

The MGO rating system, developed by Professor Thomas Henle, is a straightforward measure of the methylglyoxal content in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. The number displayed on the label, such as MGO 300+, indicates the minimum amount of this active compound. A higher MGO number means greater antibacterial activity and potency. This system is simple for consumers to understand: the higher the number, the stronger the honey.

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) System

The UMF™ rating is a more comprehensive quality trademark managed by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. It assesses four distinct markers to certify authenticity, freshness, and potency.

MGO (Methylglyoxal): The primary antibacterial marker.
Leptosperin: A compound unique to Manuka nectar, verifying the honey's origin.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): A precursor that converts into MGO over time, indicating the honey's freshness and potential shelf life.
HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): Indicates freshness and ensures the honey has not been overheated.

Since it measures multiple factors, UMF™ is considered a "gold standard" for authenticity and quality. There is a direct correlation between MGO and UMF ratings, with higher numbers in both systems indicating more potent honey.

Choosing the Right Strength for Your Needs

The ideal Manuka honey strength depends on your intended use. A higher potency is not always necessary and may be overkill for daily consumption.

Low-Strength Manuka (UMF 5+ to 10+ / MGO 83+ to 263+)

These grades are ideal for everyday wellness and culinary applications. They offer mild antibacterial properties and a pleasant, sweet taste. This is an excellent entry-level option for those new to Manuka honey.

Daily Wellness: Stir a spoonful into tea, smoothies, or oatmeal for general immune system support.
Culinary Use: Drizzle over yogurt, toast, or pancakes, or use in baking and cooking recipes.

Medium-Strength Manuka (UMF 10+ to 15+ / MGO 263+ to 514+)

With a more pronounced antibacterial effect, this range is suitable for seasonal immune support and addressing minor ailments. Many consider this the "therapeutic grade" level.

Seasonal Support: Take a spoonful daily during cold and flu season for an immune boost.
Sore Throats: Soothe a sore throat by taking a spoonful or mixing it with warm (not hot) water.
Digestive Health: Support gut health and balance gut bacteria.

High-Strength Manuka (UMF 15+ and above / MGO 514+ and above)

These potent grades are often reserved for targeted therapeutic uses and persistent health concerns. Due to their higher concentration of active compounds, they come at a higher price point.

Topical Applications: Apply directly to minor cuts, burns, or skin conditions like eczema to promote healing and fight bacteria.
Advanced Immune Support: Use for a strong immune boost when you need robust support.
Persistent Digestive Issues: May offer more significant support for more stubborn digestive health problems.

How to Identify Authentic Manuka Honey

With the market flooded with fake Manuka honey, checking for certification is paramount. The most reliable assurance is the UMF™ trademark, which guarantees that the honey has been independently tested for its four key markers and is of genuine New Zealand origin. Always look for the UMF™ logo and a license number on the label. Alternatively, a product with a clear MGO rating from a reputable, certified producer is also a strong indicator of authenticity. Be wary of products with vague labels like "Bioactive" without a certified rating.

MGO vs. UMF: A Comparison Table


Feature	MGO System	UMF™ System
Measurement	Measures only Methylglyoxal (MGO) content.	Measures MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF.
Reliability	A direct and straightforward measure of antibacterial potency.	More comprehensive, providing a broader assurance of authenticity and quality.
Authenticity	Must be verified by a reputable, certified producer.	The UMF™ trademark itself is a mark of authenticity from the UMF Honey Association.
Origin Assurance	Confirms MGO content, but not necessarily origin without further checks.	Confirms New Zealand origin and monofloral status through Leptosperin test.
Ease of Use	Simple to understand: higher number equals stronger potency.	More complex, but provides a "gold standard" measure of overall quality.

Other Factors to Consider

Raw vs. Processed: For maximum health benefits, opt for raw Manuka honey. Raw honey is unheated and unprocessed, preserving the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Processed honey, while sometimes having its MGO levels boosted through heating, may have compromised natural compounds.

Cost: The price of Manuka honey correlates directly with its potency. High-grade UMF 20+ or MGO 850+ honey is rare and commands a premium price due to its exceptional antibacterial properties. For everyday use, a lower-grade honey is more budget-friendly and perfectly sufficient.

Traceability: Ensure your honey can be traced back to its origin. Many reputable brands offer a batch number or QR code on the packaging that allows you to view the independent test results for that specific jar.

Conclusion: Determining the Best Strength of Manuka Honey

The best strength of Manuka honey is not a one-size-fits-all answer but a decision based on your specific needs and budget. For general wellness and as a daily sweetener, a lower-strength MGO 80+ or UMF 5+ to 10+ is an excellent choice. For targeted immune support, sore throats, or digestive issues, a medium-strength MGO 263+ to 514+ (UMF 10+ to 15+) provides more potent benefits. Finally, for therapeutic applications like wound care or stubborn skin conditions, a high-strength MGO 514+ or higher (UMF 15+ and up) is recommended. By understanding the MGO and UMF rating systems and verifying authenticity, you can confidently choose the Manuka honey that is best suited for your health and wellness goals. Always consult a healthcare professional for specific medical advice.

Medical-grade honey for wound care can be found in specialised clinical products, but high-strength Manuka honey like UMF 15+ and above is often used for at-home topical applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO stands for Methylglyoxal and measures the level of this potent antibacterial compound in milligrams per kilogram. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a more comprehensive quality trademark that measures MGO along with other markers of authenticity, freshness, and purity.

Not necessarily. Higher ratings indicate higher potency and antibacterial activity, which is beneficial for therapeutic uses like wound healing. However, for daily consumption or taste, a lower-strength honey is sufficient and more cost-effective.

For soothing a sore throat during cold season, a medium-strength Manuka honey (e.g., UMF 10+ to 15+ or MGO 263+ to 514+) is often recommended for its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

For skincare applications like acne and eczema, higher strength Manuka honey is more effective. Strengths of UMF 15+ or higher, or equivalent MGO ratings, are typically recommended for their potent antibacterial effects.

To support gut health and balance bacteria, a medium to high-strength Manuka honey, such as MGO 260+ and above, is a good starting point. For more specific or chronic digestive issues, a higher grade may be more effective.

Yes, there is. Lower-grade Manuka honey tends to have a sweeter, more traditional honey taste. As the MGO and UMF ratings increase, the taste becomes more intense, earthy, and sometimes slightly bitter or tangy.

High-strength Manuka honey is rarer because it requires specific environmental conditions and more testing to achieve high MGO levels. The limited supply and greater potency drive up the price.