What Is the Best Strength of Manuka Honey to Take? A Guide to MGO and UMF Ratings

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Genuine Manuka honey's potent, non-peroxide antibacterial properties are measured by grading systems like MGO and UMF. To choose the right jar, it is essential to understand what is the best strength of Manuka honey to take for your specific needs, whether for general well-being or targeted therapeutic use.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the different MGO and UMF ratings found on Manuka honey labels. It details how to select the appropriate honey strength based on your intended use, including everyday wellness, immune support, digestive health, and topical applications for skin and wound care.

Key Points

MGO and UMF measure strength: MGO measures methylglyoxal concentration, while UMF is a broader quality system that includes MGO and other markers.
Choose strength by use: The ideal Manuka honey strength depends on its intended use, from a low-grade daily boost to high-grade therapeutic applications.
Low strength for daily wellness: An MGO rating of 40+ to 100+ is suitable for everyday use and general immune maintenance.
High strength for targeted issues: MGO 500+ and higher is often recommended for specific needs like digestive health or more advanced topical care.
Higher ratings mean higher cost: Increased potency, reflected by higher MGO or UMF numbers, corresponds with a higher price point.
Look for certifications: Always check for MGO or UMF certification to ensure the honey is authentic and provides the advertised benefits.

Understanding Manuka Honey's Potency: MGO and UMF Explained

Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey contains unique non-peroxide activity (NPA), which is largely responsible for its powerful antibacterial effects. This potency is measured and communicated to consumers through two primary grading systems: MGO and UMF. Understanding the differences is the first step in choosing the right product.

MGO (Methylglyoxal) Rating

MGO, or Methylglyoxal, is a naturally occurring compound and the key component responsible for Manuka honey's antibacterial properties. The MGO rating indicates the amount of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey, with the number showing the minimum level present (e.g., MGO 400+ contains at least 400mg/kg). As the MGO number increases, so does the honey's antibacterial potency. The MGO rating is a simple, direct measurement of this single, critical compound.

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Rating

UMF, or Unique Manuka Factor, is a more comprehensive quality assurance system backed by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. A UMF certification verifies not only the MGO content but also three other key markers to ensure the honey's authenticity, freshness, and shelf life:

Leptosperin: A unique marker confirming the honey's floral origin.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): A precursor to MGO, indicating the honey's longevity and maturation.
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): Ensures the honey has not been overheated.

A UMF rating (e.g., UMF 15+) provides a more robust stamp of authority for overall quality and potency. While MGO can be measured individually, the UMF system combines multiple factors to give a broader picture of authenticity and effectiveness.

Choosing Your Manuka Honey: Strength Levels for Different Uses

The ideal strength of Manuka honey depends on how you intend to use it. The higher the UMF or MGO rating, the more potent and typically more expensive the honey will be.

Everyday Wellness (Low Strength)

For daily consumption, general immune maintenance, or as a healthy, natural sweetener, a low-strength Manuka honey is often sufficient.

MGO 40+ to 100+ (UMF 5+ to 10+): These are gentle options, ideal for adding to drinks, drizzling over food, or for first-time users. They offer mild antibacterial benefits and a classic, sweeter taste.

Immune and Seasonal Support (Moderate Strength)

If you are looking for a more potent dose, particularly during cold and flu season, a moderate-strength honey can provide enhanced support.

MGO 200+ to 300+ (UMF 10+ to 15+): This level is a great choice for seasonal wellness and boosting immunity. It offers a noticeable step-up in antibacterial activity while remaining suitable for daily use.

Targeted Digestive and Therapeutic Use (High Strength)

For more specific health concerns, such as supporting digestive health, a higher potency is often recommended. This can also apply to minor topical issues.

MGO 500+ to 850+ (UMF 15+ to 20+): These grades offer potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making them effective for maintaining digestive balance, soothing stomach ulcers, and treating minor cuts and scrapes.

Advanced Therapeutic Applications (Very High Strength)

The highest-grade Manuka honey is reserved for severe or chronic conditions and therapeutic applications, often under medical guidance.

MGO 850+ and above (UMF 20+ and higher): These are premium-grade honeys with maximum potency. They are used for advanced wound healing, targeting stubborn infections, and managing more serious digestive issues.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Manuka Honey

Choosing the right Manuka honey involves more than just looking at the rating. Keep these points in mind when making a purchase:

Intended Use: Match the honey's strength to your purpose. Don't overspend on a high-grade honey for daily tea if a lower grade will suffice.
Budget: Higher potency honey is more expensive due to its rarity and concentrated compounds.
Taste Preference: Lower-strength honeys have a sweeter, milder flavor, while higher-grade options can be richer with a more bitter or medicinal taste.
Authenticity and Certification: Always look for genuine MGO or UMF certification from a reputable brand to ensure you are buying real, potent Manuka honey, not a fake or diluted product. A traceability system, such as a QR code or batch number, adds assurance.

Manuka Honey Strength Comparison


Strength Category	MGO Rating (mg/kg)	UMF Rating (Approx.)	Primary Uses	Price & Taste
Everyday Wellness	40+ to 100+	5+ to 10+	Daily consumption, natural sweetener, general health maintenance, minor skin irritation.	Affordable, classic sweet flavor.
Seasonal Support	200+ to 300+	10+ to 15+	Enhanced immune support during seasonal changes, minor colds, sore throats.	Moderate cost, balanced flavor.
Targeted Support	500+ to 850+	15+ to 20+	Digestive health, minor wounds, acne, ulcers, enhanced immune boost.	Higher cost, richer and more earthy taste.
Advanced Therapeutic	850+ and higher	20+ and higher	Chronic conditions, persistent bacterial infections, burns, and advanced wound care.	Premium price, strong and intense flavor.

Conclusion

In summary, the "best" strength of Manuka honey is a personal choice based on your specific health goals and budget. For a simple, daily boost to overall wellness, a low-strength option is a great place to start. For more targeted support during illness or to assist with minor digestive issues, a higher MGO/UMF rating will provide greater potency. It is always wise to consult a healthcare professional for serious or chronic conditions and to ensure you are selecting an authentic product with verified certification. By matching the strength to your needs, you can effectively incorporate this unique natural product into your nutrition diet and wellness routine.

Authoritative Link

For further reading on the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey, research published in academic journals provides detailed information: Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO is a simple rating that measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, the key antibacterial compound. UMF is a more comprehensive quality assurance system that verifies multiple markers, including MGO, Leptosperin, and DHA, to confirm authenticity, freshness, and potency.

For general health and daily consumption, a lower strength Manuka honey with an MGO rating of 40+ to 100+, or a UMF rating of 5+ to 10+, is a great option.

For extra support during seasonal illnesses, a moderate strength Manuka honey, such as MGO 200+ to 300+ (or UMF 10+ to 15+), is often recommended.

For supporting digestive issues, a higher strength honey is suggested. Look for Manuka honey with an MGO 500+ or higher, or a UMF rating of 15+ or higher.

Higher MGO isn't always necessary. The 'best' strength depends on your intended use. A higher rating provides greater antibacterial potency, but it also comes at a higher cost. A lower-grade honey is perfectly suitable for everyday use.

To ensure authenticity, look for a certified MGO or UMF rating on the label. A product that also provides traceability, such as a batch number or QR code, adds another layer of confidence.

For topical uses on skin conditions or minor wounds, a high-strength Manuka honey with at least an MGO 550+ (UMF 15+) is recommended for its enhanced antibacterial effects.