Is MGO 40 Manuka honey good for everyday wellness and culinary use?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

MGO, or Methylglyoxal, is the key naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its potent antibacterial properties. While higher MGO grades are reserved for therapeutic use, MGO 40+ is positioned as a milder, more affordable entry point, focusing on general wellness and a pleasant culinary experience.

Quick Summary

MGO 40+ Manuka honey offers a balanced blend of distinct flavor and gentle wellness benefits. It is perfect for daily culinary use and supporting overall health, rather than targeted medicinal applications.

Key Points

MGO 40 is a mild grade: This Manuka honey has gentle antibacterial properties and is best suited for general daily wellness and culinary purposes.
Ideal for cooking and baking: Its sweet, mild, and creamy flavor makes MGO 40+ an excellent, health-conscious alternative to refined sugar for everyday culinary use.
A great entry-level option: MGO 40+ offers an affordable and delicious introduction to Manuka honey, providing a taste of its unique benefits without the high cost of stronger grades.
Verify for authenticity: To ensure you have genuine Manuka honey, check for certification seals like UMF™ or New Zealand MPI standards, which guarantee purity and origin.
Not for intensive medical use: For serious health conditions or targeted therapeutic applications, a much higher MGO-rated Manuka honey is recommended due to its greater potency.
Complements a healthy diet: A daily teaspoon of MGO 40+ can be a valuable addition to your routine, providing antioxidants and gentle immune support.

Understanding the MGO Rating System

MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a compound naturally found in Manuka honey that is largely responsible for its unique antibacterial effects. The MGO number on a jar indicates the concentration in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). Simply put, a higher MGO number signifies a higher concentration of methylglyoxal and thus, stronger antibacterial activity. This standardized system allows consumers to directly compare the potency of different Manuka honey products.

MGO 40 vs. Other Grades

Unlike higher grades which have a more pronounced medicinal flavor and are often used for targeted health applications, MGO 40+ is a mild grade. It is not designed for intensive therapeutic use but is ideal for daily consumption and cooking. The higher the grade, the rarer and more expensive the honey, as premium grades often come from remote locations and specific harvests. MGO 40+ is a great option for those new to Manuka honey who want to experience its benefits and unique flavor without the intense potency and higher price tag of stronger versions.

Is MGO 40 Manuka Honey 'Good'? Defining Its Role

To determine if MGO 40+ Manuka honey is 'good,' one must consider its intended purpose. It excels as a delicious, health-conscious ingredient for daily use and offers mild, general wellness support. It's 'good' for its flavor, versatility, and everyday benefits, but not for serious medical conditions requiring a much higher MGO concentration. Think of it as a daily boost rather than a powerful remedy.

The Best Uses for MGO 40+ Manuka Honey

MGO 40+ Manuka honey is a versatile pantry staple with a variety of everyday applications:

Culinary Creations: Its sweet, mild, and slightly floral flavor profile makes it a perfect natural sweetener. Drizzle it over pancakes, toast, or yogurt. Use it in baking, sauces, or glazes to add a unique depth of flavor.
Everyday Wellness Tonic: A simple way to incorporate MGO 40+ into your daily routine is to stir a teaspoon into your morning tea or warm water with lemon. This can provide a gentle antioxidant and immune-supporting boost.
DIY Skincare: Thanks to its mild antibacterial and hydrating properties, MGO 40+ can be used in homemade facial masks to moisturize and soothe irritated or dry skin.
Soothing Sore Throats: For a mild sore throat or cough, a spoonful of honey can provide a comforting, soothing effect.

MGO Comparison: 40+ vs. Higher Grades


Feature	MGO 40+ Manuka Honey	MGO 250+ Manuka Honey	MGO 550+ Manuka Honey
Potency	Mild, entry-level	Moderate	High, extra support
UMF Equiv.	Not UMF rated (or UMF 2+)	Typically UMF 10+	Typically UMF 16+
Taste Profile	Sweet, mild, floral, creamy	Richer, more earthy	Strong, intense, medicinal flavor
Primary Use	Culinary, general daily wellness	Seasonal wellness, enhanced daily support	Targeted support, intensive wellness regimen
Cost	Most affordable	Mid-range	Premium, higher cost

How to Authenticate Your MGO 40 Manuka Honey

Due to its high value, the market contains counterfeit Manuka honey products. To ensure you are purchasing genuine MGO 40+ Manuka honey from New Zealand, follow these key steps:

Check for Certification: Authentic Manuka honey exported from New Zealand is regulated and tested by the New Zealand Government's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Look for this certification or the UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) mark, which provides broader assurance of authenticity and quality.
Verify the Source: Genuine Manuka honey comes from New Zealand. The label should explicitly state this country of origin.
Inspect the Packaging: Reputable brands often use tamper-evident, BPA-free jars and may offer traceability information so you can trace the honey from hive to home.
Confirm the MGO Rating: Ensure the packaging clearly states the MGO rating, for example, 'MGO 40+'. Avoid products with vague terms like 'active honey' without a specific grade.

Conclusion: Is MGO 40 Right for You?

MGO 40 Manuka honey is a perfectly 'good' product, but its value depends on your specific needs. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a natural, delicious sweetener with mild antibacterial and antioxidant properties for everyday consumption and general well-being. It is the most cost-effective way to enjoy the distinctive Manuka flavor and benefit from its gentle health-boosting qualities. However, if your goal is intensive therapeutic treatment for specific ailments, a higher-grade Manuka honey would be more appropriate. For the daily drizzle or a comforting warm drink, MGO 40+ is a worthwhile and tasty addition to your kitchen cupboard.

More information on MGO ratings and Manuka authenticity can be found at this reputable source.

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO 40+ means the honey contains a minimum of 40mg of Methylglyoxal (MGO) per kilogram of honey. This indicates a mild potency level suitable for general consumption rather than targeted medicinal use.

Yes, MGO 40 Manuka honey can be good for soothing a sore throat, providing comfort and relief due to honey's natural soothing properties. For stronger antibacterial effects against infection, a higher MGO grade might be more effective.

Yes, MGO 40 Manuka honey does have antibacterial properties, but they are considered mild compared to higher-grade Manuka honey. It is best for general wellness rather than treating significant bacterial infections.

MGO 40 is perfect for daily use. You can enjoy it straight off the spoon, add it to your tea or smoothie, or use it as a natural sweetener in your cooking and baking.

MGO 40+ honey has a milder, sweeter, and more floral flavor compared to the more earthy and sometimes bitter, intense taste of higher-grade Manuka honey.

For those seeking an affordable entry point to Manuka honey's unique benefits and flavor for daily culinary use and general wellness, MGO 40+ is a worthwhile investment. However, if strong medicinal benefits are the priority, higher grades offer better value despite the cost.

Most authentic Manuka honey, regardless of MGO rating, is sold as raw and unpasteurized to preserve its natural enzymes and properties. Always check the specific product label to confirm.