Understanding Manuka Honey Grades: What Is More Important in Manuka Honey, UMF or MGO?

With the global popularity of Manuka honey, navigating its complex grading systems can be confusing. When it comes to determining quality, many ask: what is more important in Manuka honey, UMF or MGO? While MGO measures the key antibacterial compound, the UMF certification offers a broader guarantee of authenticity, potency, and freshness.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey features two main grading systems: MGO, which quantifies the primary antibacterial compound methylglyoxal, and UMF, a comprehensive, multi-factor certification. UMF ensures authenticity and assesses multiple beneficial markers, including MGO, while MGO directly indicates potency. Both are valuable, but UMF provides greater assurance of overall quality.

Key Points

• UMF is a Comprehensive System: The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a multi-factor certification that measures several key compounds, including MGO, to guarantee authenticity, quality, and freshness.

• MGO Measures Potency: Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the key antibacterial compound in Manuka honey, and its rating indicates the honey's strength directly.

• MGO Needs Context: Relying on an MGO rating alone can be risky, as it doesn't guarantee authenticity and can be artificially added.

• UMF Assures Authenticity: The UMF certification is the gold standard for verifying that Manuka honey is genuine, pure, and has been independently tested in New Zealand.

• Choose Based on Need: Lower grade Manuka honey (e.g., UMF 5-10+) is suitable for everyday wellness, while higher grades (UMF 10+ and up) are better for targeted therapeutic support.

• Best to Use Both: The most trustworthy products feature both a UMF certification and a corresponding MGO rating, offering full transparency and assurance.

Demystifying Manuka Honey's Special Properties

Manuka honey, harvested from the nectar of New Zealand's native Leptospermum scoparium tree, is renowned worldwide for its unique health benefits that set it apart from regular honey. These properties are not just from the typical hydrogen peroxide activity found in most honeys, but from a unique compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). For consumers, understanding the labels and grading systems used to measure these properties is essential to ensure they are purchasing a genuine and high-quality product.

What is MGO? The Powerhouse Antibacterial Compound

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, and it is a naturally occurring compound that is responsible for Manuka honey's potent antibacterial effects.

The Science Behind MGO

• Naturally Formed: MGO is created from a precursor compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in high concentrations in the nectar of the Manuka flower. As the honey matures, the DHA slowly converts into MGO, with the level of MGO increasing over time.
• Quantifiable Measure: The MGO rating on a jar indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. For example, an MGO 400+ rating means there are at least 400 mg of MGO per kg of honey.
• Direct Potency Indicator: The higher the MGO number, the stronger the antibacterial activity of the honey. An MGO rating is a direct, scientific measure of this key bioactive component.

What is UMF? The Comprehensive Quality Assurance

UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor. This is not just a measure of one compound, but a comprehensive quality assurance and grading system managed by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. A UMF certification ensures the honey is genuine and meets strict quality standards.

The Four Factors of UMF

The UMF rating system assesses the presence of four key markers through independent laboratory testing:

• MGO (Methylglyoxal): Measured to confirm the level of antibacterial activity.
• DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): The precursor to MGO. Measuring this ensures the honey is authentic and indicates its potential to retain potency over its shelf life.
• Leptosperin: A unique compound found only in the nectar of the Manuka plant and a few closely related species. It's a key marker of authenticity that cannot be faked.
• HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): A heat-sensitive compound that indicates the honey's freshness and that it has not been overheated during processing, which can degrade its beneficial properties.

UMF vs. MGO: A Comparison

When asking what is more important in Manuka honey, UMF or MGO?, it is helpful to think of MGO as a specific ingredient and UMF as the full, independently verified recipe for quality.

Feature	MGO (Methylglyoxal)	UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)
What it measures	A single compound, methylglyoxal.	Multiple compounds including MGO, DHA, Leptosperin, and HMF.
Scope	A measure of potency, but not a guarantee of authenticity on its own, as MGO can be added artificially.	A comprehensive quality and authenticity trademark.
Verification	Can be tested by any lab, but is not regulated on its own.	Certified by the independent UMF Honey Association, which requires licensed producers to test against a multi-factor system.
Assurance	Indicates antibacterial strength.	Guarantees authenticity, purity, potency, and freshness.
Best for	A consumer who understands the product and relies on the MGO value as a benchmark for antibacterial power.	A consumer seeking the highest assurance of product quality, traceability, and authenticity from a trusted source.

Which Rating Should You Prioritize?

The answer to which is more important depends on what you value most. For the highest level of assurance, UMF is the clear winner. For those looking at a specific metric, MGO provides a direct number for antibacterial strength. However, MGO-only products, without the validation of a certification like UMF, leave more room for mislabeling and fraud.

A simple way to decide: Look for a Manuka honey with both a UMF certification and a corresponding MGO rating displayed on the label. This combination provides the best of both worlds—the assurance of authenticity from the UMF Association and a clear measure of the honey's antibacterial strength via the MGO number.

Choosing the Right Strength for Your Needs

Not all Manuka honey is created for the same purpose, and understanding the grade can help you choose the right product.

For Everyday Use (UMF 5+ to 10+ / MGO 83+ to 263+)

• Ideal for general wellness support, adding to tea, toast, or smoothies.
• Provides daily immune support and has all the unique Manuka properties at a less intense level.

For Therapeutic Use (UMF 10+ and higher / MGO 263+ and higher)

• The potency increases with the grade, making these better suited for specific health concerns.
• Higher grades are used for targeted support like digestive health or topical application for skin issues and wound care.

Conclusion: The Gold Standard of Quality

When evaluating Manuka honey, MGO is undeniably important as the primary compound responsible for the honey's unique antibacterial activity. However, the UMF certification is the more crucial factor for ensuring you get a genuine, high-quality, and potent product. UMF's multi-faceted testing and independent verification process protect consumers from misleading labels and provide assurance of authenticity, purity, and freshness. By choosing a honey with a clear UMF™ certification and a matching MGO rating, you can be confident in the product you are adding to your nutrition diet and wellness routine. This combination provides the gold standard for quality and transparency.

Learn more about the UMF grading standard at the UMF Honey Association website: https://www.umf.org.nz/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MGO and UMF?

MGO measures only one specific antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal, in the honey. UMF is a more comprehensive certification system that measures MGO along with other markers like DHA and leptosperin to confirm the honey's authenticity, potency, and purity.

Is a higher MGO rating always better?

A higher MGO rating indicates a higher concentration of the antibacterial compound methylglyoxal and therefore a more potent honey. However, the 'best' rating depends on your intended use, with lower grades suitable for general wellness and higher grades for therapeutic purposes.

How can I tell if Manuka honey is authentic?

To ensure authenticity, look for the official UMF trademark and license number on the label. The honey should also state its origin is New Zealand, and reputable brands often provide batch testing information.

Can I use Manuka honey for a sore throat?

Yes, Manuka honey can help soothe a sore throat due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, with higher MGO content providing a more potent effect.

Why is UMF honey more expensive than MGO-only honey?

UMF-certified honey is often more expensive because the certification process involves stringent independent testing and auditing by the UMF Honey Association, which ensures a higher standard of quality and authenticity that consumers pay for.

What role does DHA play in Manuka honey?

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a precursor compound found in the Manuka flower nectar that naturally converts into MGO as the honey matures and ages. A UMF certification measures DHA levels to indicate the honey's potential potency over time.

Can I give Manuka honey to my child?

Manuka honey should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism. It is generally considered safe for children over this age.