Is 850 MGO Manuka Honey Good? A Comprehensive Analysis

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Based on scientific studies, Manuka honey, particularly high-strength grades like 850 MGO, contains a potent compound called methylglyoxal (MGO) that provides significant antibacterial activity, setting it apart from regular honey. This high MGO level indicates a premium, therapeutic-grade product highly valued for its targeted wellness applications.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the potency, specific applications, and value of 850 MGO Manuka honey. It clarifies what the high MGO rating means for targeted wellness, from superior wound healing to robust digestive and immune system support.

Key Points

High-Grade Potency: 850 MGO is a premium, therapeutic-grade Manuka honey, prized for its concentrated antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal.
Targeted Therapeutic Uses: It is particularly good for specific applications, including treating stubborn wounds, burns, and persistent skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Digestive and Immune Support: This high-potency honey is effective for combating harmful gut bacteria, soothing digestive issues, and providing a powerful boost to the immune system.
Authenticity Matters: Consumers should look for third-party certifications like UMF™ alongside the MGO rating to ensure purity, origin, and verified potency.
Use with Care: To preserve its beneficial properties, avoid heating MGO 850+ Manuka honey above 40°C. For maximum effect, take it straight off the spoon or apply it topically.
Not a Daily Sweetener: Due to its high cost and potency, MGO 850 is often better reserved for specific health concerns rather than used for everyday culinary purposes, for which lower grades are more suitable.

What is MGO and Why is 850 So Potent?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, the key natural compound that gives authentic Manuka honey its powerful antibacterial properties. It is formed from the conversion of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in high concentrations in the nectar of the Manuka flower. The number on the label, such as 850+, indicates the minimum concentration of MGO in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. An 850+ rating places this honey firmly in the superior medicinal category. The higher the MGO number, the greater the concentration of this beneficial compound and the stronger the honey’s antimicrobial activity. This enhanced potency is why MGO 850 is sought after for more serious or targeted health concerns, differentiating it significantly from lower-grade varieties used for everyday wellness or culinary purposes.

Key Benefits and Uses of High-Potency 850 MGO Manuka Honey

For those wondering, “Is 850 MGO Manuka honey good?” the answer largely depends on your health needs and goals. Its high potency makes it exceptionally effective for several targeted uses:

Powerful Wound and Skin Healing

Manuka honey has long been used for its topical healing properties, and the high MGO 850+ grade offers superior efficacy. It is particularly effective for:

Slow-Healing Wounds and Burns: MGO 850 has potent antibacterial and cleansing power that promotes faster skin healing and helps prevent infection.
Skin Conditions: Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and treat conditions like eczema, acne, and mild burns.
Moisture and Barrier: When applied topically, it creates a moist, protective barrier that aids tissue regeneration.

Robust Digestive and Gut Support

For internal use, 850 MGO honey can be a powerful tool for gut health. It works as a natural prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut bacteria while combating harmful pathogens. It is recommended for:

Digestive Issues: It may help manage symptoms associated with IBD, IBS, acid reflux, and gastritis.
Combating H. pylori: Some research suggests that Manuka honey can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium responsible for many gastric ulcers.

Enhanced Immune System Boost

High-grade Manuka honey is rich in antioxidants, enzymes, and MGO, making it highly effective for strengthening the immune system, particularly during seasonal illnesses. Many users incorporate it into their routines to:

Soothe Sore Throats: Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects can actively fight the bacteria causing a throat infection, not just soothe the symptoms.
Support During Colds and Flu: Taken orally, it can help ease symptoms and provide a natural immune boost.

Oral Care and Hygiene

Studies show that Manuka honey can attack harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation and gum inflammation. It can be used to support gum and oral mucous membrane health.

Comparison: 850 MGO vs. Other Manuka Grades

To understand the value of an 850 MGO product, it helps to compare it with other grades on the market. The intended use, taste, and cost all factor into which grade is “good” for your specific needs.


Feature	Low Grade (e.g., MGO 100+)	Medium Grade (e.g., MGO 400+)	High Grade (MGO 850+)
MGO Content (mg/kg)	100+	400+	850+
UMF™ Equivalent	UMF™ 5+ to 10+	UMF™ 12+ to 15+	UMF™ 20+ and higher
Primary Use	Daily wellness, general sweetener, culinary	Enhanced immune support, digestive health maintenance	Targeted therapeutic applications, superior wound healing
Taste Profile	Sweeter, classic honey taste	More complex, earthy, and mildly medicinal	Strong, earthy, and distinctly medicinal flavor
Relative Cost	Lower	Medium	Premium price point

How to Properly Use Your 850 MGO Manuka Honey

Because 850 MGO is a potent product, it's often best used for targeted care rather than as an everyday sweetener. To maximize its benefits, follow these guidelines:

Take Straight from the Spoon: For internal immune or digestive support, take 1–2 teaspoons directly from the jar up to twice daily, especially during illness.
In Warm (Not Hot) Drinks: Add a teaspoon to warm tea or water. Avoid high temperatures above 40°C (104°F), as this can damage the beneficial bioactive compounds.
As a Topical Application: For minor wounds, cuts, or skin issues, apply a thin, clean layer to the affected area and cover with a sterile bandage. This creates an antibacterial, moist healing environment.
In Skincare Masks: Use it as an ingredient in a DIY face mask for its antibacterial and moisturizing properties.
As a Digestive Booster: Combine it with yogurt or kefir to enhance its prebiotic effects and support a healthy gut microbiome.

Ensuring Authenticity and Quality

With high-potency Manuka honey, verifying its authenticity is critical. Not all MGO is created equal, and some products may be misleading. Look for certification marks like UMF™, which verify not only the MGO content but also the presence of other essential compounds like leptosperin, guaranteeing authenticity, purity, and potency from New Zealand. By choosing a product with this certification, you ensure you are getting a genuine, high-quality Manuka honey that has been independently tested and verified. You can find more information about Manuka honey's properties and scientific research findings on reputable health websites, such as Healthline, which provides useful overviews.

Conclusion: Is 850 MGO Right for You?

So, is 850 MGO Manuka honey good? Without a doubt, its high potency and concentrated antibacterial properties make it a powerful product for targeted therapeutic use. It is a premium choice for addressing specific health concerns like slow-healing wounds, persistent digestive issues, or providing a robust immune boost during severe illness. For general, everyday wellness or culinary use, a lower, more affordable grade may be a more appropriate choice. Ultimately, whether 850 MGO is "good" for you depends on your individual health needs and how you plan to use this potent natural remedy. For targeted wellness goals, it can be an excellent and highly effective investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in potency and intended use. The 850 MGO grade has a significantly higher concentration of methylglyoxal, providing stronger antibacterial effects for targeted therapeutic applications. Lower grades (e.g., MGO 100+) are suitable for daily wellness and general use, with a milder taste and lower price.

Store your Manuka honey in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. To preserve its active compounds, do not expose it to temperatures above 40°C (104°F).

Yes, its potent antibacterial and prebiotic properties make it effective for supporting digestive health. It can be particularly helpful for soothing issues related to IBS, acid reflux, or combating harmful bacteria like H. pylori.

Honey should not be given to children under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism. For older children, it is generally considered safe in moderation, but a consultation with a healthcare provider is always recommended.

For guaranteed authenticity, look for third-party certifications like UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) in addition to the MGO rating. The UMF™ mark ensures the honey has been independently tested and meets New Zealand's standards for purity and origin.

Yes, its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities make it excellent for skincare. It can be applied as a mask or spot treatment to soothe acne, eczema, and other skin irritations.

Yes, due to its high concentration of beneficial compounds, rarity, and rigorous testing, high-grade Manuka honey like 850 MGO is considerably more expensive than regular honey.