Is MGO 30 Better Than 100 for Manuka Honey and Your Diet?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Manuka honey, known for its unique therapeutic properties, contains a special compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). A higher MGO rating, such as MGO 100, indicates a higher concentration of this antibacterial agent compared to MGO 30, but whether it's 'better' depends entirely on your specific needs and budget.

Quick Summary

The ideal Manuka honey potency is determined by individual needs. Lower MGO ratings like 30 are suitable for daily culinary use, while higher concentrations like MGO 100 offer more pronounced antibacterial effects for general wellness support. Key differences include taste, cost, and intended purpose.

Key Points

MGO Stands for Methylglyoxal: This is the natural compound responsible for the potent antibacterial activity in Manuka honey.
Higher MGO Means Higher Potency: The numerical MGO rating indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal per kilogram, with a higher number correlating to stronger antibacterial effects.
MGO 30 is for Everyday Use: Lower-grade Manuka honey like MGO 30 is perfect for culinary purposes and daily wellness maintenance due to its milder flavor and lower cost.
MGO 100 Offers More Therapeutic Support: MGO 100 provides a more reliable and pronounced antibacterial benefit, making it suitable for enhanced immune support and preventative uses.
Consider Your Needs and Budget: The right choice depends on whether you prioritize daily flavor and affordability (MGO 30) or enhanced wellness and moderate therapeutic benefits (MGO 100).
Medicinal Uses Require Higher MGO: For treating significant ailments, higher potency Manuka honey (above MGO 250) is typically recommended.
Trust Certified Products: Always purchase certified Manuka honey to ensure the MGO rating is accurate and the product is authentic.

Understanding the MGO Rating System

To understand whether MGO 30 or MGO 100 is the right choice, you must first grasp what the MGO rating represents. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a naturally occurring compound responsible for Manuka honey's potent antibacterial properties. The number indicates the concentration of MGO in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. Therefore, an MGO 100+ honey contains a minimum of 100mg of MGO per kg, while an MGO 30+ has a minimum of 30mg/kg.

This distinction is crucial, as the higher the MGO number, the stronger the antibacterial activity and the more potent the honey's therapeutic potential. The concentration of MGO can vary widely based on factors such as the purity of the Manuka nectar the bees collected and the maturation process of the honey.

The Case for MGO 30 Manuka Honey

MGO 30+ is considered a mild-strength, 'table grade' Manuka honey. Its lower MGO content makes it a more accessible and economical option for everyday use.

Everyday Culinary Use: MGO 30 honey has a sweeter, less intense flavor profile compared to higher-grade Manuka, making it a delicious and healthy alternative to sugar in a variety of recipes, from tea and smoothies to baked goods.
General Wellbeing: While not as potent as higher grades, MGO 30 honey still contributes to overall health. It can be a part of a daily wellness routine for general maintenance for those with a healthy immune system.
Gentle Topical Use: For minor, non-intensive needs like moisturizing skin or soothing minor irritations, the mild antibacterial properties of MGO 30 can be sufficient.

The Case for MGO 100 Manuka Honey

MGO 100+ represents a step up in potency from MGO 30. It is often recommended as a daily maintenance dose for good health and overall wellbeing. Its higher antibacterial strength makes it suitable for more targeted, preventative uses.

Enhanced Immune Support: The more concentrated MGO content provides stronger support for the immune system, making it particularly useful during cold and flu season or when you need a little extra defense.
Moderate Antibacterial Action: MGO 100 is often cited as a minimum threshold for meaningful antibacterial benefits. This makes it more effective for combating oral bacteria and other low-level infections.
Better Value for Targeted Support: For those seeking moderate therapeutic effects, MGO 100 offers a better balance of potency and price compared to very high-grade Manuka.

Comparison: MGO 30 vs. MGO 100 Manuka Honey


Feature	MGO 30+ Manuka Honey	MGO 100+ Manuka Honey
MGO Concentration	Minimum 30mg/kg	Minimum 100mg/kg
Potency Level	Mild, table-grade	Daily maintenance/moderate strength
Best For	Everyday culinary uses, general wellness maintenance	Enhanced immune support, low-level antibacterial uses
Flavor Profile	Sweeter, classic honey taste	Slightly more medicinal or earthy taste
Cost	More affordable and budget-friendly	Higher price point due to increased potency
Antibacterial Activity	Present, but mild	More reliable and pronounced antibacterial effects

Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

Selecting between MGO 30 and MGO 100 is a matter of aligning your needs with the honey's properties. For the average consumer looking for a wholesome, natural sweetener to incorporate into their daily diet, MGO 30 is an excellent and cost-effective choice. It provides the delicious taste of Manuka honey with some inherent health benefits without the premium price tag. If your primary goal is to support your immune system or gain more pronounced antibacterial effects for general wellness, upgrading to MGO 100 offers a significant increase in potency and value.

It is important to remember that for serious or intensive medicinal applications, such as treating wounds, chronic digestive issues, or severe infections, a significantly higher MGO rating (e.g., MGO 250+ or MGO 550+) would be necessary. However, for routine dietary and wellness support, the choice between MGO 30 and MGO 100 is clear. Assess your health objectives and budget to decide which concentration offers the perfect blend of benefits for your personal nutrition diet. For further reading on the science behind Manuka honey's properties, the National Library of Medicine offers extensive research on the subject.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5562472/)

Conclusion: Your Purpose Dictates the Potency

The question of whether MGO 30 is 'better' than 100 is not a matter of one being universally superior, but rather which is a better fit for your specific purpose. An MGO 30 is ideal for everyday use, adding a nutritious and tasty element to your diet at a more accessible price point. In contrast, an MGO 100 offers a more concentrated and reliable antibacterial boost for those focused on enhanced daily wellness and immune support. By understanding the distinction in potency, you can make an informed choice that best serves your health goals without overspending on a strength you don't need.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO 100 contains a minimum of 100mg of MGO per kilogram, providing stronger antibacterial properties than MGO 30, which contains a minimum of 30mg/kg.

For general, everyday culinary use, such as sweetening tea or toast, MGO 30 is an excellent and more economical choice. It offers a pleasant, sweeter taste with mild health benefits.

You should choose MGO 100 if you want a more potent antibacterial effect for enhanced immune support or during cold and flu season. It's a step up for wellness benefits compared to MGO 30.

Not necessarily. Higher MGO grades tend to have a stronger, more earthy, and medicinal flavor profile, while lower grades like MGO 30 are typically sweeter and closer to the taste of regular honey.

No, honey with an MGO rating below 100 is not useless. MGO 30 still has mild antibacterial properties and is a healthy natural sweetener, but it is considered table grade rather than therapeutic.

Always purchase from a reputable brand that provides third-party testing and certification to verify the MGO content. Some brands include a QR code on their jars to show test results.

Common uses for MGO 30 include a sugar alternative in cooking and drinks, while MGO 100 is often taken by the spoonful for daily immune support or used for oral hygiene.