What is Manuka Honey 40+? Understanding Its MGO Rating and Uses

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Manuka honey's potency is measured by its Methylglyoxal (MGO) content, and MGO 40+ is an entry-level certified grade, meaning it contains at least 40mg of this antibacterial compound per kilogram. This honey is a mild, multifloral variety suitable for daily consumption as a natural sweetener.

Quick Summary

This article defines Manuka honey 40+ by explaining its MGO rating and origin. It covers its everyday culinary uses, general wellness applications, and how it compares to higher-potency Manuka honey varieties.

Key Points

MGO 40+ is an Entry-Level Grade: It indicates a minimum of 40mg Methylglyoxal per kilogram, certifying its antibacterial properties at a mild level.
Ideal for Everyday Use: The MGO 40+ grade is perfect for daily consumption, adding a mild, pleasant sweetness to food and beverages.
Multifloral Honey: This grade is often multifloral, meaning it's a blend of nectar from the Manuka bush and other wildflowers, resulting in a milder flavor.
Supports General Wellness: It can help soothe sore throats and support digestive health, though with less potency than higher-rated Manuka honey.
Lower Potency, Lower Price: Due to its lower MGO concentration, this honey is more affordable, making it a cost-effective option for incorporating Manuka benefits into your diet.
Authenticity is Key: Always look for clear MGO or UMF™ certification and a 'Product of New Zealand' label to ensure you are purchasing genuine Manuka honey.

Defining Manuka Honey 40+: An Everyday Essential

Manuka honey is renowned worldwide for its unique properties, which are derived from the nectar of the native New Zealand Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). When you see "Manuka Honey 40+" on a jar, it signifies that the product has been tested and certified to contain a minimum of 40mg of Methylglyoxal (MGO) per kilogram. Methylglyoxal is the key active compound responsible for Manuka honey's potent antibacterial characteristics. However, an MGO 40+ rating places this honey at the milder, entry-level end of the Manuka scale, making it a flavorful and beneficial everyday honey rather than a concentrated medicinal product.

Unlike higher-rated, monofloral Manuka honey, the 40+ grade is often multifloral, meaning the bees collected nectar from both the Manuka bush and other native New Zealand wildflowers. This gives it a sweeter, milder flavor profile compared to the stronger, more robust taste of higher MGO Manuka honey. This balance of flavor and mild potency makes MGO 40+ a versatile and accessible option for those new to Manuka honey.

Everyday Culinary and Wellness Uses

Manuka honey 40+ shines in everyday culinary applications, where its pleasant taste can be enjoyed without overwhelming other flavors. For daily wellness, it can be used to soothe a sore throat or support general health. While its medicinal potency is lower than higher-rated options, it still offers the inherent antibacterial and antioxidant properties found in Manuka honey.

Practical ways to incorporate Manuka honey 40+ into your routine:

Natural Sweetener: Stir into tea, coffee, or warm lemon water for a comforting and healthful beverage.
Breakfast Topping: Drizzle over yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or granola for a touch of natural sweetness.
Salad Dressings: Use as an ingredient in homemade dressings to add a unique, herbaceous flavor.
Smoothies: Blend into your favorite fruit or green smoothies for a boost of natural energy.
Sore Throat Remedy: Take a teaspoon directly from the jar to help soothe a dry or scratchy throat.

Decoding Manuka Honey Labels: MGO vs. UMF

The market for Manuka honey includes several different grading systems, which can cause confusion for consumers. The two most common and reputable are the MGO system and the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) system.

MGO (Methylglyoxal): This system measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, the specific antibacterial compound found in Manuka honey. A higher MGO number indicates a higher concentration and stronger antibacterial properties.
UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor): A more comprehensive grading system, UMF™ measures the presence of three key compounds (MGO, Leptosperin, and DHA) to certify the honey's authenticity, potency, and purity. While the two systems correlate, a UMF™ rating offers a more thorough assurance of quality.

For a consumer, a product labeled with both MGO and UMF™ ratings offers the highest level of confidence in its quality and authenticity. However, the MGO rating provides a direct measurement of the antibacterial strength, which is the primary reason many people seek out Manuka honey.

Comparison of Manuka Honey Grades


Feature	MGO 40+ / UMF™ 5+	Mid-Range MGO 250+ / UMF™ 10+	High-Range MGO 550+ / UMF™ 15+
Potency	Mild, entry-level antibacterial activity.	Stronger antibacterial properties for daily wellness.	Very high antibacterial and healing properties.
Primary Use	Everyday culinary sweetener and general well-being.	Targeted digestive support and general immune boosting.	Intensive therapeutic use for wound care and skin conditions.
Floral Source	Often multifloral (blend of Manuka and other nectars).	Can be monofloral or multifloral, with higher Manuka concentration.	Primarily monofloral (high percentage of Manuka nectar).
Flavor	Mild and sweet with pleasant, floral undertones.	Richer, more herbaceous, and robust flavor profile.	Strong, earthy, and mineral-like with a distinct finish.
Cost	More affordable and widely available for general use.	Moderate price reflecting its more potent properties.	Premium price due to rarity and high potency.

Ensuring Quality and Authenticity

With the global popularity of Manuka honey, it is crucial for consumers to be vigilant about purchasing authentic products. Several markers can indicate a high-quality, genuine product that meets New Zealand's export standards.

New Zealand Origin: Look for honey that is harvested, packed, and tested in New Zealand to ensure authenticity and traceability from hive to jar.
Certified MGO and/or UMF™: Ensure the label clearly displays a certified MGO and/or UMF™ rating, which confirms the potency and purity. Independent laboratory testing should also be referenced.
Clear Labeling: A transparent label will specify whether the honey is monofloral or multifloral, indicating the concentration of Manuka nectar.
Avoid Misleading Terms: Be wary of labels using vague terms like "active" or "bio-active" without a specific MGO or UMF™ rating, as these can be misleading.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Manuka honey 40+ provides a great entry point into the world of this unique and beneficial honey. It offers a balance of a pleasantly mild flavor profile with the trademark antibacterial properties attributed to its certified MGO content, all at an accessible price point. While it is not intended for intensive medicinal applications, it serves as an excellent everyday natural sweetener and wellness supplement. By understanding the meaning behind the MGO 40+ rating and verifying the product's authenticity, you can make a confident and informed purchase. For those with specific health concerns, higher MGO ratings and a UMF™ certification might be more appropriate. For general daily use, however, MGO 40+ is a perfect choice.

Therapeutic Manuka Honey: No Longer So Alternative

Frequently Asked Questions

The 40+ refers to the Methylglyoxal (MGO) rating, which indicates that the honey contains a minimum of 40mg of MGO per kilogram. This certifies the honey's mild antibacterial activity.

The higher the MGO rating, the higher the concentration of Methylglyoxal and the stronger the antibacterial properties. MGO 40+ is a milder, everyday honey, while higher ratings like MGO 250+ or 550+ are used for more targeted health benefits.

You can use MGO 40+ as a natural sweetener in warm drinks, drizzle it over breakfast items like yogurt or toast, or take it by the spoonful for general well-being.

Yes, even lower-grade Manuka honey can be soothing for a sore throat due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A teaspoon mixed with warm water and lemon can provide relief.

While higher MGO ratings are typically used for targeted therapeutic wound care, MGO 40+ is not considered medical-grade. For significant wounds or infections, consult a healthcare professional. For minor skin irritations, its mild antibacterial properties can be soothing.

Manuka honey is distinct from regular honey due to its certified Methylglyoxal content, which gives it more potent antibacterial properties. While MGO 40+ has a mild rating, it still offers benefits that regular honey does not, though it can be used similarly as a sweetener.

Like all honey, Manuka honey should not be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism. It is safe for children older than one year and can be used to soothe coughs and colds.