Is Manuka Honey 40 MGO Good? The Mild Grade Explained

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Manuka honey producers, an MGO rating of 40+ is considered a mild, entry-level grade ideal for everyday use. So, is Manuka honey 40 MGO good for your intended use? The answer depends entirely on your needs, balancing cost, flavor, and potency.

Quick Summary

This article explains what MGO 40+ Manuka honey means, detailing its primary use for daily wellness and culinary purposes rather than intensive medicinal applications, and clarifying who it's best for.

Key Points

Mild Potency: Manuka honey 40 MGO has a low to mild antibacterial activity, making it suitable for everyday use rather than intensive medicinal purposes.
Best for Culinary Use: This grade is ideal for cooking, baking, sweetening tea, or drizzling over food due to its pleasant, less intense flavor.
Ideal for Beginners: MGO 40+ is a great entry point for those new to Manuka honey, offering a mild introduction to its unique properties and flavor.
More Affordable: As a lower-grade honey, MGO 40+ is typically more budget-friendly than its high-potency counterparts.
Everyday Wellness Support: While not a potent medicine, it still offers antibacterial qualities compared to regular honey and supports general daily wellness.
Look for Authenticity: Always check for independent lab testing and certifications like UMF or MGO to ensure you are purchasing genuine Manuka honey.

What Does MGO 40+ Really Mean?

Understanding Manuka honey starts with its unique compound, methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is naturally present in the nectar of the New Zealand Manuka flower and is responsible for the honey's stable antibacterial properties. The number, in this case 40+, indicates the minimum amount of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey. For example, MGO 40+ means the honey contains at least 40mg of MGO per kg. While a higher MGO number signifies greater potency, a 40+ rating places this honey at the lower end of the Manuka scale, making it a mild, accessible entry point into the world of authentic Manuka honey.

Who is 40 MGO Manuka Honey For?

This grade of Manuka honey is particularly suited for individuals who prioritize flavor and everyday wellness over intensive medicinal effects. It is a perfect choice for those who:

Want a natural sweetener: MGO 40+ has a mild, sweet flavor with pleasant floral notes, making it an excellent alternative to refined sugar.
Are new to Manuka honey: It offers a gentle introduction to the unique characteristics of Manuka without the intense, sometimes medicinal taste of higher grades.
Seek daily wellness support: Used consistently, it can contribute to general well-being and a healthy lifestyle.
Are on a budget: Lower MGO grades are typically more affordable, allowing you to enjoy authentic Manuka honey without the premium price tag associated with high-potency versions.

Culinary Uses for MGO 40+ Manuka Honey

While higher grades of Manuka honey are reserved for therapeutic applications, MGO 40+ is a versatile culinary ingredient. Its mild and sweet profile lends itself well to a variety of uses, including:

In beverages: Stir a spoonful into your tea or coffee for a natural and flavorful sweetener.
On breakfast foods: Drizzle it generously over toast, pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a touch of natural sweetness.
In yogurt and smoothies: Blend it into yogurt or your favorite smoothie for added flavor and mild wellness benefits.
Baking and cooking: Incorporate it into recipes for baked goods, sauces, and marinades.

How Does 40 MGO Compare to Higher Grades?

Choosing the right Manuka honey is about matching the grade to the intended use. The significant difference between MGO 40+ and higher grades lies in potency and application.

Manuka Honey MGO Grade Comparison


Feature	MGO 40+ (Mild)	MGO 250+ (Moderate)	MGO 550+ (Premium)
Potency	Low to mild antibacterial activity	Moderate antibacterial activity, suitable for general wellness	Strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity
Primary Use	Everyday culinary use and mild wellness support	Extra support during seasonal changes or for digestive health	Targeted therapeutic applications, wound care, and immune support
Taste	Mild, sweet, with floral notes	Rich, more robust flavor profile	Stronger, more intense, and earthy flavor
Cost	Most budget-friendly of the authentic Manuka grades	Moderate pricing, reflects increased potency	Significantly more expensive due to higher potency and rarity

As the table illustrates, MGO 40+ is not designed for the same therapeutic applications as higher-grade Manuka honey, such as treating active infections or wounds. Its value lies in its pleasant taste and general wellness support, making it an excellent daily habit rather than a concentrated medicinal treatment.

The Importance of Authenticity and Certification

When purchasing any grade of Manuka honey, verifying its authenticity is crucial. Due to its popularity and premium status, some products are mislabeled or counterfeit. Reliable Manuka honey will be tested and certified by independent laboratories in New Zealand, confirming its MGO content. Many authentic brands also display a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) certification, which provides a comprehensive assessment of the honey's purity and potency. Looking for these certifications on the label ensures you are buying a genuine product that offers the benefits you expect from authentic Manuka honey.

Conclusion

So, is Manuka honey 40 MGO good? Yes, for the right purpose. It is a fantastic choice for those who want a delicious, naturally sweet honey with mild wellness benefits for daily consumption. Its lower MGO content makes it an affordable and versatile culinary ingredient, perfect for adding to tea, spreading on toast, or mixing into recipes. However, if your goal is intensive therapeutic treatment for specific health conditions, a higher MGO grade would be more suitable. By understanding the different MGO grades and matching your needs to the product's potency, you can make an informed decision and fully appreciate the unique qualities of this special honey. Learn more about the differences in MGO levels and their benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manuka honey MGO 40 contains the compound methylglyoxal, which gives it stable, non-peroxide antibacterial properties not found in regular honey. While it has less potency than higher-grade Manuka, it is still more potent than regular honey and carries a certified level of MGO.

While it can be soothing for a sore throat, higher MGO grades (like 300+) are more commonly recommended for their stronger antibacterial effects. MGO 40+ can provide mild relief, similar to any honey, but lacks the higher potency for targeted support.

No, MGO 40 is not recommended for medicinal wound care. For topical applications on minor cuts or burns, honey with a significantly higher MGO rating, typically MGO 260+ or more, is required for reliable antibacterial action.

This honey is best for everyday culinary purposes. You can enjoy a spoonful daily for wellness, mix it into drinks like tea, or use it as a natural sweetener in cooking and baking.

Yes, higher MGO-rated Manuka honey typically has a stronger, more robust, and earthy flavor. The mild 40 MGO version has a sweeter, more pleasant taste that is less intense.

To ensure authenticity, look for certifications on the label, such as a certified MGO rating and possibly a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) mark. Reputable brands also offer traceability information.

The price reflects the potency, with higher MGO content costing more due to its rarity and stronger properties. The mild 40 MGO grade is less expensive because it offers a lower concentration of methylglyoxal.