What is MGO 40+ Manuka Honey? A Guide for Everyday Wellness

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a naturally occurring compound in Manuka honey that gives it potent antibacterial properties. An MGO 40+ rating indicates a honey with a minimum of 40mg of MGO per kilogram, classifying it as a milder, entry-level Manuka honey. This makes it an ideal choice for daily consumption and culinary purposes, focusing on a delightful flavor profile over intense medicinal potency.

Quick Summary

This guide explains MGO 40+ Manuka honey, detailing its mild antibacterial potency, floral flavor, and versatility for everyday use. Learn how this grade offers general wellness support and can be a delicious natural sweetener for cooking and beverages. It's an excellent introduction to the benefits of Manuka honey for beginners.

Key Points

MGO Rating: The MGO 40+ rating indicates the honey contains at least 40 milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilogram, the compound responsible for its antibacterial activity.
Mild Potency: Classified as an entry-level Manuka honey, MGO 40+ offers mild, foundational wellness support, suitable for everyday use.
Versatile Taste: Its rich, sweet flavor with floral notes makes it an excellent culinary ingredient and a delicious natural sweetener.
Multifloral Origin: This grade is often multifloral, blended with other native nectars, contributing to its creamy texture and mild taste.
Everyday Application: It's best used for daily health maintenance, adding to food and drinks, or as a healthy sugar substitute.
Affordable Choice: MGO 40+ is one of the most accessible and cost-effective Manuka honey grades on the market.

Demystifying MGO: The Science Behind Manuka Honey's Power

Manuka honey's unique properties are derived from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) bush, native to New Zealand. Unlike other honeys, it contains high concentrations of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound with scientifically proven antibacterial effects. The MGO rating on a jar quantifies this concentration, with a higher number indicating greater potency. MGO is formed from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is naturally present in the Manuka flower's nectar and slowly converts into MGO over time as the honey matures. This means that the MGO level is a reliable indicator of a Manuka honey's strength and authenticity.

What Exactly Does MGO 40+ Mean?

When a jar is labeled "MGO 40+", it has been independently tested and certified to contain at least 40 milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. This is considered a lower-tier, or entry-level, grade of Manuka honey. It's a multifloral honey, meaning the bees collected nectar not only from the Manuka bush but also from other native New Zealand wildflowers. The result is a honey that is sweeter and milder in flavor compared to higher-grade Manuka honeys, making it exceptionally palatable for a wide range of uses.

The Benefits and Uses of MGO 40+ Manuka Honey

While higher MGO ratings are sought for specific therapeutic applications, MGO 40+ offers distinct advantages for general, everyday wellness. Its primary strengths lie in its pleasant taste and subtle health benefits, which make it easy to incorporate into a daily routine.

Everyday Wellness Support

Despite its lower MGO content, MGO 40+ Manuka honey still possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a gentle boost to overall well-being. It can be a delicious and healthier alternative to refined sugars, especially for those new to Manuka honey. A daily spoonful can support general health without the intense, earthy taste associated with higher grades.

Culinary Applications

One of the most popular uses for MGO 40+ is in cooking and baking. Its rich, velvety texture and mild, floral undertones make it a versatile ingredient.

Natural Sweetener: Replace sugar in tea, coffee, or smoothies for a natural, flavorful alternative.
Drizzling: Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, toast, or yogurt.
Savoury Dishes: Incorporate it into glazes for meats, sauces, or salad dressings.
Baking: Add it to baked goods for a unique, sweet caramel flavor.

Choosing the Right Manuka Honey: A Comparison Table

Understanding the different MGO grades can help you select the right honey for your needs. Here is a comparison of MGO 40+ versus more potent grades.


Feature	MGO 40+	MGO 300+	MGO 850+
Potency	Mild antibacterial properties.	Moderate to strong antibacterial activity.	Exceptionally high antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Primary Use	Everyday consumption, general wellness, and culinary purposes.	Seasonal support for immune health, colds, and flu.	Intensive, targeted therapeutic use, such as advanced wound care.
Flavor Profile	Mild and sweet with floral notes.	Distinctive and more intense, earthy flavor.	Very strong, potent, and medicinal taste.
Cost	Most affordable and accessible grade.	Mid-range pricing for enhanced benefits.	Premium, high-cost grade due to its rarity and potency.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While generally safe for most people, there are a few important considerations when consuming Manuka honey. Like all honey, it is high in natural sugars and should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals managing their blood sugar levels. Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism. Individuals with allergies to bees or pollen should also exercise caution. For serious medical conditions, always consult a healthcare professional before relying on Manuka honey as a primary treatment.

Conclusion

MGO 40+ Manuka honey is a superb entry point into the world of this celebrated New Zealand product. It offers a gentle level of wellness support and a deliciously mild flavor, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. While it may not possess the powerful therapeutic qualities of its higher-rated counterparts, its affordability and pleasant taste make it an excellent choice for daily culinary use and general well-being. By understanding its place on the MGO scale, consumers can make an informed decision and enjoy the simple, natural goodness this honey has to offer.

Where to Learn More

For more information on the MGO grading system and the science behind Manuka honey, refer to resources from reputable testing organizations and honey producers. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) association is another key resource for ensuring the authenticity and quality of Manuka honey. The New Zealand government also maintains strict export standards, verifying authenticity and potency before any Manuka honey is shipped internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO 40+ Manuka honey is best for everyday wellness and culinary applications. Its mild, sweet flavor makes it a perfect natural sweetener for tea, toast, and baking, while offering gentle antibacterial support.

Yes, MGO 40+ Manuka honey does have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, but they are subtle compared to higher grades. It is intended for general well-being rather than targeted therapeutic use.

MGO 40+ is generally considered superior to regular honey due to its certified MGO content, which provides scientifically measured antibacterial properties. Regular honey can vary greatly in quality and lacks the same potent, unique compounds.

You can enjoy MGO 40+ Manuka honey in many ways: add a spoonful to your daily hot beverage, drizzle it over breakfast foods like porridge or yogurt, or use it as a natural sweetener in recipes.

The main difference is the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO). Higher MGO grades, such as MGO 300+ or MGO 850+, have stronger antibacterial activity and are often used for more specific, targeted health purposes, whereas MGO 40+ is milder.

Genuine Manuka honey labeled with an MGO rating is typically sourced and tested in New Zealand, where the Manuka bush is native. Always check for independent certifications to ensure authenticity.

While Manuka honey has properties that may benefit skin health, MGO 40+ has lower potency. For more intensive skincare applications, such as treating acne or specific skin infections, higher MGO grades are generally recommended.