What Level of Manuka Honey is Best? A Comprehensive Guide to Grades and Uses

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Research confirms that genuine manuka honey possesses potent antibacterial properties, largely due to its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content. To determine what level of manuka honey is best for your specific needs, it is essential to understand the different grading systems and their unique applications.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey's potency varies by its UMF and MGO ratings, indicating different levels of antibacterial compounds. Understanding these grades helps you choose the best type for daily wellness, immune support, or targeted therapeutic use.

Key Points

Grading Systems Explained: Manuka honey is primarily graded using the UMF and MGO systems, with UMF providing a more comprehensive authenticity check than MGO alone.
Level Depends on Use: The ideal level of manuka honey is not universal but depends on your specific needs, ranging from daily wellness to targeted therapeutic applications.
For Everyday Wellness: Lower grades like UMF 5+ to 10+ (MGO 100+ to 250+) are best for general immune support and daily consumption.
For Enhanced Immune Support: Mid-range grades such as UMF 10+ to 15+ (MGO 250+ to 550+) are more effective during cold and flu season or for soothing sore throats.
For Targeted Therapy: High-grade manuka honey with UMF 15+ and above (MGO 550+ and above) is best for intensive applications like wound care and severe digestive issues.
Verify Authenticity: To avoid counterfeit products, always look for reputable certifications like UMF™ or AMHA on the label, which guarantee the honey's origin and quality.

Understanding Manuka Honey Grading Systems

Unlike regular honey, manuka honey contains a high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), the key compound responsible for its powerful, stable antibacterial properties. To verify the quality and potency of authentic New Zealand manuka honey, two primary grading systems are used: MGO and UMF. Knowing the difference is crucial for making an informed purchase.

MGO vs. UMF: The Key Difference

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a direct measure of the concentration of the methylglyoxal compound in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). A higher MGO number indicates a higher concentration and stronger antibacterial effect.

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a more comprehensive quality trademark developed by the UMF Honey Association. It verifies not just the MGO content but also tests for other signature compounds, including Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Leptosperin. This provides a broader guarantee of the honey's authenticity, purity, and potency, with a higher UMF rating reflecting a greater concentration of all beneficial compounds. While MGO is a reliable indicator of potency, UMF offers a more complete assurance of the honey's quality and origin.

What Level of Manuka Honey is Best for Your Needs?

The ideal manuka honey level depends on how you intend to use it. There is no single 'best' level, but rather a spectrum of potencies suited for different applications, from daily support to intensive care. Here is a guide to help you choose the right grade.

Everyday Wellness: UMF 5+ to UMF 10+ (MGO 100+ to MGO 250+)

This range is perfect for general health maintenance and daily use. These lower grades offer mild antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making them an excellent addition to your diet for overall wellness.

Usage: Enjoy it as a natural sweetener in teas, drizzle it on toast or oatmeal, or simply take a spoonful for a daily boost.
Benefits: Supports general immune function and provides a gentle antioxidant lift.

Immune Support and Seasonal Wellness: UMF 10+ to UMF 15+ (MGO 250+ to MGO 550+)

When you need a bit more support, especially during cold and flu season, stepping up to a mid-range potency is beneficial. These grades have a more pronounced antibacterial effect.

Usage: This is often the ideal choice for soothing a sore throat, calming a cough, or providing extra support when you feel under the weather.
Benefits: Strengthens the immune system and addresses minor daily ailments more effectively than lower grades.

Targeted Therapeutic Use: UMF 15+ and Higher (MGO 550+ and above)

For more specific health needs, such as intensive support for digestive issues or topical applications for skin health, a higher potency is recommended. These premium grades are more concentrated and command a higher price.

Usage: Excellent for targeted immune support, promoting wound healing, and treating serious skin conditions like acne or eczema.
Medical Applications: Medical-grade, sterilized manuka honey (used under medical supervision) is effective for treating severe infections and persistent wounds.

How to Choose Authentic Manuka Honey

With many counterfeit products on the market, it's vital to ensure you are buying genuine, high-quality manuka honey. Here’s a checklist to follow:

Check for UMF™ or AMHA Certification: These are the most reliable indicators of authenticity, with UMF being the gold standard. A UMF-certified honey is packed in New Zealand and tested for all key markers.
Look for the MGO Rating: Ensure the label displays a verifiable MGO concentration. A minimum of MGO 83+ is required for monofloral manuka honey by New Zealand government standards.
Beware of Vague Terms: Phrases like "Active Manuka" or "Bioactive" without a clear MGO or UMF rating are often misleading and should be avoided.
Verify Origin: Authentic manuka honey is from New Zealand or parts of coastal Australia. Reputable brands will clearly state their sourcing and packing origin.
Scan Traceability Codes: Many high-quality brands include QR codes on their packaging that allow you to trace the honey's origin and view its test results.

Manuka Honey Grade Comparison


UMF Grade	MGO Equivalent	Recommended Uses	Potency
UMF 5+ to 10+	MGO 83+ to MGO 263+	Daily wellness, sweetener, general immune support	Mild to moderate
UMF 10+ to 15+	MGO 263+ to MGO 514+	Seasonal immune boosts, sore throats, digestive issues	Enhanced therapeutic
UMF 15+ to 20+	MGO 514+ to MGO 829+	Skin therapy, wound care, targeted support for specific ailments	High potency
UMF 20+ and above	MGO 829+ and above	Chronic issues, advanced support for immune and digestive health	Superior/Premium

Conclusion

Choosing the best level of manuka honey comes down to aligning its potency with your intended purpose. For daily maintenance and general well-being, a lower-grade UMF 5+ or MGO 100+ is sufficient and cost-effective. For enhanced immune support during seasonal changes or to soothe a sore throat, mid-range grades like UMF 10+ or MGO 250+ provide more robust benefits. Finally, if you require targeted therapeutic effects for chronic conditions, digestive health, or intensive topical application, a higher-grade UMF 15+ or above offers superior potency. Regardless of the level, always prioritize certified brands to ensure you are purchasing genuine manuka honey from New Zealand that delivers the unique properties it is renowned for. For additional verification of authenticity and quality, consider consulting the official UMF website: https://www.umf.org.nz/what-is-the-best-manuka-honey/.

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO measures only the concentration of methylglyoxal, the antibacterial compound in the honey. UMF is a more comprehensive system that measures MGO plus other signature compounds like DHA and Leptosperin to verify authenticity, purity, and potency.

Not necessarily. A higher rating indicates stronger antibacterial potency, which is best for therapeutic use. However, for daily wellness or as a culinary ingredient, a lower-grade honey can be just as effective and more affordable.

For general wellness, a lower grade such as UMF 5+ to 10+ or MGO 100+ to 250+ is recommended. These levels provide a mild, daily immune boost and antioxidant support without the higher cost of premium grades.

Yes, manuka honey is known for its wound-healing properties. For topical use, higher grades (UMF 15+ or MGO 550+) are typically recommended. For serious wounds or infections, use medical-grade, sterilized honey and consult a healthcare professional.

Look for a jar with a UMF™ certification mark, a UMF™ licensee number, and the clear MGO rating on the label. Ensure the honey is packed in New Zealand and consider brands with traceability features, such as a QR code.

Manuka honey is generally safe for most people over the age of one. It should not be given to infants due to the risk of botulism. Individuals with diabetes should consult a doctor due to its high sugar content, and those with bee allergies should exercise caution.

Yes, excessive heating can degrade some of the beneficial compounds, including methylglyoxal. It is best to add manuka honey to warm, not boiling, beverages or consume it directly from the spoon to preserve its potency.