Is a Higher MGO Better in Honey? Separating Fact from Hype

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Methylglyoxal, or MGO, can be found in Manuka honey at concentrations up to 100 times higher than in other types of honey. But does a higher MGO in honey automatically mean a better product for your needs? The answer is nuanced and depends on the intended use, desired potency, and individual preferences.

Quick Summary

Higher MGO levels in honey indicate greater antibacterial potency, which is beneficial for targeted medicinal uses like wound care. For daily wellness or general use, lower MGO grades are sufficient. Factors beyond MGO, such as flavor and authenticity markers, should also be considered when choosing a Manuka honey product.

Key Points

MGO Indicates Antibacterial Strength: Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the compound responsible for Manuka honey's potent antibacterial properties; a higher MGO number means stronger activity.
High MGO is for Targeted Use: High-grade Manuka honey (e.g., MGO 550+ and above) is best for specific therapeutic applications like wound healing and intensive immune support.
Low MGO is for Daily Wellness: Lower MGO grades (e.g., 100+) offer general wellness benefits, have a sweeter taste, and are more suitable for everyday consumption.
Cost Increases with MGO Grade: The price of Manuka honey escalates significantly with higher MGO ratings due to increased rarity and potency.
Heat Affects MGO Potency: The beneficial MGO in honey is heat-sensitive; avoid using Manuka honey in boiling water or high-temperature cooking to preserve its potency.
Consider More Than Just MGO: Certifications like UMF provide a more comprehensive assurance of authenticity and quality by testing for additional markers like DHA and Leptosperin.

Understanding MGO: The Science Behind the Rating

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey that is largely responsible for its unique and potent antibacterial properties. It is formed during the honey's maturation process from Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a substance found in the nectar of the Manuka flower. The MGO rating on a jar indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). A higher number means a greater concentration and, consequently, stronger antibacterial effects. While this seems straightforward, the term "better" is subjective and depends on your specific purpose for the honey.

The Direct Link: Higher MGO, Stronger Antibacterial Activity

For targeted medicinal applications, a higher MGO rating is unequivocally better due to its more potent antimicrobial effects. Studies have shown that higher concentrations of MGO are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. This strength is why medical-grade Manuka honey, with very high MGO ratings (e.g., 850+ or 1000+), is used in clinical settings for wound and burn care.

Wound healing: High-MGO honey helps sterilize wounds, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration.
Digestive health: High-grade Manuka honey with higher MGO has been shown to support digestive issues and combat harmful gut bacteria.
Oral health: Its antibacterial properties can inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

Flavor, Cost, and Everyday Use

Not everyone needs medical-grade honey. For general wellness or as a natural sweetener, the intense medicinal and earthy flavor of high-MGO honey may not be desirable. In fact, lower MGO Manuka honey has a sweeter, more familiar taste and is better suited for everyday use in tea or on toast. The cost is also a significant factor, as higher MGO ratings correlate with higher prices due to their rarity and potency. For most general uses, a high-cost, high-MGO honey is unnecessary.

Beyond the Numbers: Other Important Factors

While MGO is a key indicator, it is not the only measure of quality. Other factors contribute to the honey's overall value and authenticity:

UMF Certification: The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a comprehensive grading system that tests for MGO, Leptosperin (a unique Manuka marker), and DHA (MGO's precursor). This provides a more holistic assurance of the honey's authenticity and potency.
Origin and Purity: Authentic Manuka honey originates from New Zealand and parts of Australia. Its purity and quality are influenced by the floral source and beekeeping practices.
Proper Handling: The beneficial compounds in Manuka honey are heat-sensitive. High heat can degrade MGO levels, which is why raw, cold-extracted honey is preferred to retain its therapeutic properties.

High vs. Low MGO Honey: A Comparison

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of low and high MGO honey based on their characteristics and intended uses.


Feature	Low MGO Manuka Honey (e.g., 100+)	High MGO Manuka Honey (e.g., 550+)
Antibacterial Potency	Mild to moderate. Sufficient for general wellness.	Very strong and potent. Intended for medicinal use.
Flavor Profile	Sweeter and less intense. A familiar honey taste.	Medicinal, earthy, and more intense taste.
Best Uses	Daily wellness, sweetening tea, topping food.	Topical wound care, digestive support, intensive immune boosts.
Cost	More affordable and widely available.	Significantly more expensive due to rarity and potency.
Target Audience	Everyday consumers, those new to Manuka honey.	Individuals seeking targeted therapeutic effects.

The MGO Myth: When More Isn't Necessarily Better

While a higher MGO means greater antibacterial power, it's not a universal metric for quality. The idea that a higher number is always better is a common misconception perpetuated by marketing. The highest potency honey is a specialized, rare, and expensive product, and buying it for everyday breakfast is like using a sports car for a trip to the grocery store. Furthermore, the taste of very high-MGO honey is distinct and not preferred by all palates. Understanding your purpose for the honey is the most critical factor.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

The question of whether a higher MGO is better in honey depends entirely on your needs. For specific medicinal applications, a high MGO rating signifies greater antibacterial potency and is the most effective choice. For daily consumption and general health maintenance, a lower MGO is both more cost-effective and palatable. Factors such as flavor, price, and broader certifications like UMF are also important considerations. By educating yourself on what MGO ratings truly mean, you can choose the right Manuka honey to match your budget and health goals, rather than simply chasing the highest number. Remember that the beneficial properties of Manuka honey, including its enzymes and nutrients, are also sensitive to heat, so proper storage and use are essential to preserve its quality. For more information on the intricate science behind MGO, you can refer to in-depth studies.

: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/298797292_How_methylglyoxal_kills_bacteria_An_ultrastructural_study

Frequently Asked Questions

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a naturally occurring organic compound found in certain honeys, especially Manuka honey, which is primarily responsible for its potent and stable antibacterial activity.

The MGO rating is measured in a laboratory and indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. The test determines the honey's antibacterial strength, with higher numbers indicating higher potency.

For daily consumption, a lower MGO honey is often sufficient, more affordable, and has a more palatable, sweeter taste. A higher MGO honey is generally reserved for targeted medicinal or therapeutic use.

Yes, MGO is heat-sensitive, and exposure to high temperatures can degrade the beneficial compounds, reducing the honey's potency. It's best to add Manuka honey to warm, but not boiling, foods and drinks.

MGO measures only the concentration of methylglyoxal. The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a broader certification that measures multiple compounds, including MGO, Leptosperin, and DHA, to verify the honey's authenticity, potency, and freshness.

Yes, studies have indicated that high MGO Manuka honey is generally safe for healthy individuals to consume. However, individuals with allergies to bees, diabetes, or those on certain medications should consult a healthcare professional.

Choose based on your intended use. For everyday wellness, a lower MGO (e.g., 100+) is fine. For immune support or moderate issues, a mid-grade (e.g., 250+ to 400+) works well. For targeted therapeutic benefits, a high-grade honey (e.g., 550+) is most effective.