What is the best concentration of Manuka honey? A guide to UMF and MGO

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, the potent antibacterial properties of Manuka honey are primarily due to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). Determining what is the best concentration of Manuka honey? depends entirely on your specific health goals, with higher concentrations often reserved for targeted therapeutic uses.

Quick Summary

The optimal concentration of Manuka honey varies based on its intended use, whether for daily wellness, immune support, digestive health, or targeted skin application. Grading systems like MGO and UMF indicate potency, with higher numbers corresponding to stronger antibacterial activity.

Key Points

Concentration and Use: The ideal concentration of Manuka honey depends on its intended purpose; higher grades are for targeted therapeutic use, while lower grades are for general wellness.
MGO vs. UMF: MGO directly measures the antibacterial compound methylglyoxal, while UMF is a more comprehensive certification that includes MGO and other purity markers.
Grades for Daily Use: Lower MGO (100+ to 250+) or UMF (5+ to 10+) grades are suitable for general health maintenance and as a natural sweetener.
Grades for Immune/Digestive Support: Moderate MGO (250+ to 500+) or UMF (10+ to 15+) concentrations provide stronger support for immune function and digestive health.
Grades for Therapeutic Applications: High MGO (500+ and above) or UMF (15+ and above) grades are recommended for potent antibacterial action in wound care, serious digestive issues, or skin conditions.
Authenticity Matters: Always buy from reputable brands with certified MGO and UMF ratings to ensure you are getting genuine, potent Manuka honey.

Understanding the Grading Systems: MGO vs. UMF

When you see a jar of Manuka honey, you'll notice various letter and number ratings. The two most prominent and reliable grading systems are Methylglyoxal (MGO) and Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Understanding the difference is crucial for choosing the right honey for your needs.

MGO (Methylglyoxal)

MGO is a naturally occurring compound that is a key component of Manuka honey's potent antibacterial activity. The MGO number on a jar indicates the minimum amount of methylglyoxal present in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. The higher the number, the greater the concentration of MGO and the stronger the antibacterial effect. For example, MGO 100+ means the honey contains at least 100mg of MGO per kg. This system offers a clear, direct measurement of one key compound.

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)

UMF is a more comprehensive quality certification system developed in New Zealand by the UMF Honey Association. It not only measures the MGO level but also verifies other markers to ensure the honey's authenticity, purity, and potency, including:

Leptosperin: A unique chemical marker that confirms the honey is from the Manuka plant.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): A precursor to MGO that indicates the potential for the honey's potency to increase over its shelf life.
HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): A marker to ensure the honey has not been overheated.

A UMF rating, such as UMF™ 15+, provides assurance of overall quality and a broader spectrum of beneficial compounds, not just the antibacterial strength. It is considered a more stringent and complete assessment.

Choosing the Right Concentration for Your Needs

The "best" concentration is subjective and depends on your intended use. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

For Daily Wellness and General Use

For those seeking general well-being or a natural sweetener, a lower concentration is typically sufficient.

MGO 100+ to 250+ (UMF 5+ to 10+ equivalent): These are considered entry-level grades. They are perfect for daily consumption, such as in tea or on toast, to provide a gentle immune boost and general health support.

For Immune and Digestive Support

If you are targeting specific ailments like colds, sore throats, or digestive issues, a moderate concentration offers a more pronounced therapeutic effect.

MGO 250+ to 500+ (UMF 10+ to 15+ equivalent): This range is often recommended during seasonal wellness periods or for more robust daily immune and gut support. MGO 300+ is noted as particularly beneficial for sore throats and colds.

For Targeted Therapeutic Applications

For more serious concerns like wound care, persistent digestive problems, or inflammatory conditions, higher concentrations are required for maximum potency.

MGO 500+ and above (UMF 15+ and above equivalent): These are high-strength, premium grades. They are used for serious therapeutic purposes, such as tackling infections, soothing stomach ulcers, and treating more complex skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. Medical-grade Manuka honey, often defined as UMF 15+ or higher, is recommended for intensive support.

How to Use Different Manuka Honey Strengths

Manuka honey can be consumed in various ways, but always be mindful of the concentration and its use:

Oral Consumption:

Straight: The most direct way to get the full benefits, especially for a sore throat. Allow it to coat the back of your throat for as long as possible.
In Beverages: Mix with warm water or herbal tea. Crucially, do not use boiling water, as high temperatures can degrade the beneficial compounds.
In Food: Drizzle over yogurt, porridge, or mix into smoothies. The concentration can affect the flavor, with higher grades having a more earthy, medicinal taste.

Topical Application:

Wounds and Skin: Higher concentration honey (MGO 500+ or UMF 15+ and up) can be applied to cuts, burns, and skin irritations under medical supervision. Some use UMF 15+ or higher for targeted skincare for breakouts and redness.

Manuka Honey Concentration Comparison Table


Primary Use Case	MGO Range (mg/kg)	UMF Equivalent	Characteristics	Recommended Application
Everyday Wellness	100+ to 250+	5+ to 10+	Mild potency, pleasant sweet flavor.	Daily sweetener in food or warm drinks, general maintenance.
Seasonal Immune Support	250+ to 500+	10+ to 15+	Moderate potency, more pronounced therapeutic effect.	During cold/flu season, for minor digestive issues, soothing sore throats.
Targeted Therapeutic Use	500+ to 850+	15+ to 20+	High potency, strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.	For persistent sore throats, moderate digestive issues, topical skin therapy for acne or minor wounds.
Advanced Therapeutic Use	850+ and above	20+ and above	Very high, premium potency, reserved for advanced support.	Chronic or severe health issues, serious wound care, under medical advice.

Conclusion

The best concentration of Manuka honey is not a universal constant but a tailored choice based on your health objectives. For daily culinary use and general well-being, a lower MGO or UMF grade offers great value. For targeted immune support, digestive health, or minor ailments, a mid-range concentration is more effective. The highest, most potent grades are best reserved for serious therapeutic applications where their strong antibacterial properties can be fully utilized. When selecting your Manuka honey, look for a reputable brand that clearly displays MGO and/or UMF ratings, ensuring you receive an authentic and effective product for your nutritional and wellness needs. You can verify authentic UMF products via the UMF Honey Association [https://www.umf.org.nz/].

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. The "best" concentration depends on your needs. For daily wellness or culinary use, a lower grade is often sufficient. Higher, more expensive concentrations are more potent and reserved for targeted therapeutic uses.

MGO is a rating that measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, the key antibacterial compound. UMF is a more comprehensive system that certifies authenticity and quality by measuring MGO plus other unique Manuka compounds like Leptosperin and DHA.

For sore throats, a moderate to high concentration, such as MGO 300+ or higher (UMF 10+ or higher), is often recommended for its enhanced antibacterial properties. Allow it to slowly coat your throat for the best effect.

For digestive health issues like gut balance or ulcers, a higher concentration, such as UMF 15+ (MGO 514+), is suggested for its more potent therapeutic properties.

Yes, Manuka honey can be applied topically. For general cosmetic use, UMF 15+ is suggested, while a higher concentration (UMF 20+ or above) is recommended for more severe skin concerns like acne. Some brands even suggest MGO 525+ for conditions like eczema.

Manuka honey is generally safe for children over one year of age in small amounts. However, honey should never be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.

To ensure authenticity, look for honey with clear MGO or UMF certification on the label. Buying from reputable brands and verifying the product's origin from New Zealand can also help.

Lower grades, like MGO 100+ (UMF 5+), are excellent for daily enjoyment as a natural sweetener in tea, smoothies, or spread on toast. They offer general wellness support without the more intense flavor of higher grades.