What is 100 MGO good for?: Everyday Benefits of Manuka Honey

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Manuka Lab, 100+ MGO Manuka honey, also known as NPA 5+, possesses valuable antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for daily wellness and culinary uses. This moderate strength honey provides a versatile entry point for individuals seeking the unique benefits of Manuka honey without the higher cost of more potent grades. Knowing what is 100 MGO good for can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Quick Summary

This article explores the specific benefits and uses of 100+ MGO Manuka honey, covering its value for daily immune support, digestive health, and as a superior culinary ingredient, comparing it to higher MGO grades.

Key Points

Moderate Potency for Daily Use: 100 MGO Manuka honey is not for high-strength medicinal applications but is ideal for daily wellness, immune support, and culinary purposes.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient: Its milder flavor makes 100 MGO a great, affordable replacement for regular honey in tea, toast, and various recipes.
Supports Immune and Digestive Health: Regular consumption can boost the immune system and support healthy gut bacteria for improved digestion.
Soothes Minor Ailments: It is effective for soothing sore throats, calming coughs, and providing topical relief for minor cuts and abrasions.
Budget-Friendly Option: As a lower-grade honey, 100 MGO is more accessible than higher-strength versions, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy Manuka honey's benefits.

Understanding the MGO Rating

Methylglyoxal, or MGO, is the key compound responsible for Manuka honey's potent antibacterial properties. The MGO rating on a jar indicates the concentration of this compound in milligrams per kilogram of honey. Unlike standard honeys, whose antibacterial effects diminish over time and with exposure to heat, Manuka honey’s MGO content provides a stable and reliable source of antimicrobial activity. A rating of 100 MGO means the honey contains at least 100 milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilogram, a level that offers notable health advantages for everyday use.

The Everyday Health Benefits of 100 MGO Manuka Honey

While higher MGO ratings are often reserved for targeted medicinal applications, 100 MGO Manuka honey is prized for its gentle yet effective properties, making it perfect for daily maintenance.

Immune System Support: Regular consumption of 100 MGO Manuka honey can help support and strengthen your immune system. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties can provide a proactive boost, especially during cold and flu season.

Digestive Health: Manuka honey contains prebiotics that support the growth of good gut bacteria, promoting a healthy digestive balance. It can also help soothe digestive issues like indigestion or acid reflux.

Sore Throat and Cough Relief: Taking a spoonful of 100 MGO Manuka honey can provide natural relief for a sore throat or persistent cough. Its thick, viscous texture coats the throat, providing a soothing effect while its antibacterial properties work to combat the underlying cause.

Oral Health: By helping to combat harmful oral bacteria, 100 MGO Manuka honey supports overall oral hygiene. It can be beneficial for maintaining healthy gums and relieving mild throat infections.

Skin Care for Minor Issues: For minor skin concerns, this grade of Manuka honey can be applied topically. Its anti-inflammatory properties can assist in promoting healing for minor cuts, scratches, or abrasions.

Versatile Culinary Applications

100 MGO Manuka honey is exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. Its mild, sweet flavor profile is less intense and medicinal than higher grades, making it an excellent all-purpose sweetener.

Natural Sweetener: Replace refined sugar in your daily routine by adding 100 MGO Manuka honey to your tea, coffee, or smoothies.

Breakfast Topping: Drizzle it over toast, yogurt, or oatmeal for a delicious and nutritious start to your day.

Recipe Ingredient: Use it in marinades, salad dressings, and baked goods. Keep in mind that heating the honey above 40°C can destroy some of the beneficial bioactive compounds, so it is best added to cooked foods after they have cooled.

Comparison: 100 MGO vs. Higher Grades

To make an informed choice, it's helpful to compare 100 MGO Manuka honey with its more potent counterparts. Your decision should align with your budget and intended use.


Feature	100 MGO Manuka Honey	400+ MGO Manuka Honey	800+ MGO Manuka Honey
Best For	Everyday maintenance, general wellness, culinary use, sore throat relief.	Moderate support, seasonal wellness, targeted immune boosting, skin conditions.	Premium, targeted support for specific infections, complex health issues, and serious wounds.
Antibacterial Potency	Mild, but still possesses valuable antibacterial properties.	Stronger and more potent for fighting bacteria.	Highest concentration and antibacterial strength.
Flavor	Mild, sweeter honey taste.	More robust and intense.	Very strong, earthy, and intense.
Cost	More affordable and budget-friendly.	Higher price point reflecting increased potency.	Most expensive due to rarity and potency.

How to Choose Authentic 100 MGO Honey

Because of its popularity, there are many counterfeit Manuka products on the market. To ensure you're getting genuine, high-quality honey, check the following:

Verify MGO Content: Ensure the MGO rating is clearly stated on the label.
Check for Certifications: Look for independent third-party certifications from accredited laboratories in New Zealand or Australia. The UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) and MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) certifications provide added assurance of authenticity and quality.
Buy from Reputable Brands: Purchase from trusted retailers and producers to avoid counterfeit products and ensure accurate labeling.
Look for Origin: Authentic Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, where the Manuka bush grows natively. New Zealand’s stringent regulations protect the authenticity and quality of the product.

Conclusion

In summary, 100 MGO Manuka honey is an excellent choice for a daily wellness routine, offering a balanced combination of flavor and health benefits. While not as potent as its higher-rated counterparts, its mild antibacterial properties and delicious taste make it an affordable and versatile option for supporting immune and digestive health, soothing a sore throat, and enjoying as a natural culinary sweetener. When purchasing, always check the label for certification and source to guarantee authenticity and quality. This grade of Manuka honey is a great entry point for those wanting to explore the advantages of this powerful superfood for overall well-being.

Sources

**** New Zealand Honey Co., "What does MGO mean on manuka honey?," newzealandhoneyco.com.
**** Manuka Lab UK, "The Unique Benefits of Manuka Honey 100 MGO - NPA 5+," manukalab.co.uk.

Authoritative Outbound Link (Optional)

For additional details on Manuka honey and MGO, visit New Zealand Honey Co.

Frequently Asked Questions

The '100 MGO' rating indicates that the honey contains at least 100 milligrams of methylglyoxal (MGO) per kilogram. This compound is responsible for the honey's stable and potent antibacterial properties.

100 MGO is not as potent for targeted medicinal uses as higher ratings like 400+ or 800+ but is excellent for daily health maintenance and general wellness. The 'best' rating depends on your specific needs and budget.

Yes, you can use 100 MGO Manuka honey in cooking. However, to preserve its beneficial compounds, it is best added to foods and drinks after they have cooled, as heat above 40°C can reduce its potency.

For daily wellness, you can simply take a spoonful by itself, add it to your tea or smoothie, or drizzle it over yogurt or toast. Consistent, daily use is key.

Compared to higher MGO grades which can be quite earthy or medicinal, 100 MGO Manuka honey has a milder, sweeter honey flavor.

Always look for a clear MGO rating on the label, and check for certifications from recognized independent laboratories in New Zealand or Australia. Reputable brands provide transparency and authenticity.

Manuka honey, like all honey, is not recommended for children under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism. It is considered safe for children over this age.