Choosing the Ideal MGO for Manuka Honey: A Comprehensive Guide

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Genuine Manuka honey's potency is directly linked to its Methylglyoxal (MGO) content, with higher levels indicating stronger antibacterial properties. To determine the ideal MGO for Manuka honey, you must define your health goals, as different MGO ratings are suited for different purposes.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the MGO rating system, detailing how to select the right Manuka honey based on your intended use, budget, and flavor preference. It compares different MGO levels, from daily wellness grades to high-potency therapeutic varieties, helping you make an informed purchase.

Key Points

MGO is Potency: Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the compound responsible for Manuka honey's antibacterial strength, with higher numbers indicating greater potency.
Low MGO is for Everyday Use: Levels like MGO 100+ to 250+ are ideal for daily wellness, adding to food, and general health maintenance due to their milder flavor and lower cost.
High MGO is for Therapeutic Use: MGO ratings of 550+ and higher are reserved for targeted medicinal applications, such as advanced wound care, digestive issues, and immune support.
Match the MGO to Your Goal: The best MGO level is not the highest, but the one that aligns with your specific needs, budget, and taste preferences.
Check for Authenticity: Always look for a verifiable MGO or UMF certification from a reputable producer to ensure you are buying genuine, high-quality Manuka honey.
UMF Offers Broader Assurance: The UMF certification is a more comprehensive grading system that includes MGO, DHA, and Leptosperin to confirm authenticity and freshness.

Understanding the MGO Rating System

Manuka honey contains a naturally occurring compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO), which is responsible for its unique and potent antibacterial effects. Unlike regular honey, where antibacterial activity comes from hydrogen peroxide that can break down over time, Manuka's MGO content remains stable and potent. The MGO rating is a simple numerical system that indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. For example, a jar labeled MGO 250+ contains at least 250mg of MGO per kilogram of honey. This rating provides a clear, reliable metric for comparing the potency and quality of different Manuka honey products.

Finding the Right MGO for Your Needs

There is no single "ideal" MGO for Manuka honey, as the best level depends entirely on your intended use. The potency and price increase with the MGO rating, so it is essential to balance your wellness goals with your budget and taste preferences. Here is a breakdown of common MGO levels and their recommended applications.

MGO for Everyday Wellness (MGO 30+ to 250+)

For those seeking a daily wellness supplement or a culinary ingredient, a lower MGO rating is often the best choice.

Flavor Profile: Lower MGO honeys typically have a milder, sweeter flavor, similar to conventional honey, making them perfect for everyday use.
Recommended Uses: Add it to tea, smoothies, or drizzle it over breakfast foods. MGO 100+ is considered a good entry point for supporting general well-being and maintaining a healthy immune system.

MGO for Moderate Therapeutic Support (MGO 250+ to 550+)

This mid-range potency is suitable for more targeted support during seasonal changes or for minor ailments.

Increased Potency: Honeys in this range offer more pronounced antibacterial activity, making them effective for soothing sore throats, combating seasonal colds, and supporting digestive health.
Topical Application: It is also suitable for occasional topical use on minor cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations.

MGO for Targeted Medicinal Use (MGO 550+ and higher)

For serious therapeutic applications, a higher MGO rating is required to achieve a more potent antibacterial effect.

High-Potency Effects: Clinical studies have shown that high-MGO Manuka honey can effectively inhibit resilient bacteria.
Recommended Uses: This category is best for wound care, including stubborn or slow-healing wounds, treating infections, supporting digestive health (such as managing gut bacteria imbalances), and providing advanced immune system support.
Taste and Cost: These premium honeys have a more robust, earthy, and sometimes slightly bitter or medicinal taste. They are also significantly more expensive due to their rarity and high concentration of beneficial compounds.

MGO vs. UMF: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for Manuka honey, you may also see a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating. The UMF grading system is a comprehensive measure that includes MGO but also tests for other key natural markers like Leptosperin (for authenticity) and DHA (for shelf life). A UMF certification provides a more holistic guarantee of the honey's authenticity and potency.

Here’s a simple list to help you choose wisely:

Define your purpose: Decide whether you need the honey for daily wellness or for a specific therapeutic issue. This is the most crucial step.
Assess your budget: Higher MGO levels correlate with higher prices due to the rarity and potency of the honey.
Consider your palate: If you dislike a strong, medicinal flavor, opt for a lower MGO level, which tends to be sweeter.
Look for certifications: Always choose a product with verifiable MGO and/or UMF ratings to ensure you are purchasing authentic, high-quality Manuka honey.

Comparison of Manuka Honey MGO Grades


MGO Range	Best For	Typical Flavor	Price Point
MGO 30+ to 100+	Everyday use, culinary, general well-being	Sweet, mild, floral	Lower range
MGO 100+ to 250+	Daily maintenance, minor skin issues	Sweet, distinctly Manuka	Mid-range
MGO 250+ to 550+	Moderate support, sore throats, digestive health	Richer, more earthy	Higher mid-range
MGO 550+ and higher	Targeted therapeutic use, wound care, chronic issues	Strong, robust, medicinal	Premium/High range

Conclusion: No Single "Ideal," Only the Best Fit

Ultimately, there is no single ideal MGO for Manuka honey; the right choice is the one that best fits your individual needs and budget. For general wellness and culinary applications, a lower to mid-range MGO offers excellent value and taste. For specific, targeted therapeutic use, investing in a higher MGO product is more appropriate for its enhanced antibacterial effects. By understanding the MGO ratings and how they correspond to different applications, you can confidently select the Manuka honey that is most effective for you.

For more information on the science behind Manuka honey's potency, consult research on methylglyoxal's antibacterial properties in reputable scientific databases, or visit the official UMF Honey Association website for certification details.

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring organic compound in Manuka honey that gives it its potent antibacterial properties. The MGO rating indicates the concentration of this compound in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).

Not necessarily; the ideal MGO depends on your intended use. While a higher MGO means stronger antibacterial properties for therapeutic use, a lower MGO is perfectly sufficient and more cost-effective for daily consumption and general wellness.

For everyday wellness and culinary use, an MGO rating between 100+ and 250+ is a good starting point. This provides a balance of beneficial properties without the higher cost and more robust flavor of stronger varieties.

For topical use on minor wounds, cuts, or skin conditions, an MGO of 250+ and higher is generally recommended for its more pronounced antibacterial effects. For more serious issues, higher potencies like 550+ or above are suggested.

As the MGO level increases, the honey's flavor becomes more robust, earthy, and sometimes slightly medicinal or bitter. Lower MGO honeys have a milder, sweeter taste.

MGO specifically measures the methylglyoxal content, while UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a broader, third-party certification that confirms Manuka authenticity by measuring MGO along with other markers like Leptosperin and DHA.

Yes, generally. Manuka honey with a higher MGO rating is rarer and more potent, which drives up its price due to the intricate production and testing processes involved.