What Level of Manuka Honey Should I Buy?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, the unique antibacterial activity of Manuka honey is largely due to the compound methylglyoxal (MGO). When deciding what level of Manuka honey should I buy, the key is understanding how MGO and UMF ratings correspond to its potency and intended use.

Quick Summary

This guide simplifies Manuka honey ratings, explaining how to choose the right MGO or UMF level for your specific health and wellness goals, from daily consumption to targeted support.

Key Points

MGO Rating: A high MGO number signifies a high concentration of Methylglyoxal, the key antibacterial compound, and correlates with greater potency.
UMF Certification: The UMF system provides a more comprehensive guarantee of authenticity by testing for four key compounds, including MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF.
Everyday Wellness: Lower-grade Manuka honey (MGO 40+ to 100+) is ideal for daily consumption, offering a natural sweetener and general immune support.
Targeted Support: Mid-to-high strength Manuka (MGO 250+ to 850+) is best for specific issues like sore throats, digestive problems, and skincare.
Therapeutic Use: For advanced wound care or chronic conditions, the highest grades (MGO 850+ and up) are recommended for their superior potency.
Check for Authenticity: Look for trusted certifications (UMF or MGO), New Zealand origin, and traceability information to ensure you are buying genuine Manuka honey.

Understanding Manuka Honey's Grading Systems

Before you can decide what level of Manuka honey is right for you, it's essential to understand the primary grading systems: MGO and UMF. These labels indicate the honey's potency and ensure its authenticity.

MGO (Methylglyoxal) Rating

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the naturally occurring compound responsible for Manuka honey's potent, non-peroxide antibacterial properties. The MGO number on a jar indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). A higher MGO number means a higher concentration of this active compound and stronger antibacterial effects. It is a simple and straightforward measurement to understand.

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Certification

UMF is a more comprehensive certification system administered by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. A UMF rating measures multiple signature compounds found in genuine Manuka honey, not just MGO. It assesses:

MGO: For potency.
Leptosperin: A unique Manuka marker for authenticity.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): The precursor to MGO, indicating the honey's freshness and shelf-life potential.
HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): Ensures the honey has not been overheated.

Because of its broader scope, UMF is often considered the gold standard for authentic Manuka honey, providing greater assurance of quality and origin. UMF honey must be packed and certified in New Zealand.

Matching Manuka Honey Levels to Your Needs

Choosing the right Manuka honey level depends on your intended use. Here is a breakdown of common ratings and their suggested applications.

For Everyday Wellness and General Use

MGO 40+ to 100+ (UMF 5+ equivalent): These are mild and budget-friendly grades, perfect for daily use as a natural sweetener in tea, smoothies, or drizzled on food. They offer general wellbeing support and are a great entry point for those new to Manuka honey.
MGO 100+ to 250+ (UMF 6+ to 10+ equivalent): A step up in potency, this level is ideal for general immune support and maintenance during seasonal changes.

For Targeted Health and Skincare Support

MGO 250+ to 550+ (UMF 10+ to 16+ equivalent): This is a medium to high-strength range suitable for more specific ailments. It is often recommended for soothing sore throats, addressing digestive issues, and managing minor skin irritations like acne or sunburn. A UMF 15+ is a highly potent option for more targeted uses.
MGO 550+ to 850+ (UMF 16+ to 20+ equivalent): With higher antibacterial activity, this range is recommended for more persistent conditions, supporting enhanced immune and digestive health. This is a popular choice for intensive skincare applications.

For Advanced Therapeutic Applications

MGO 850+ and above (UMF 20+ and above): These premium, high-potency grades are reserved for more severe or chronic issues, often under medical advice. They are used for advanced wound care, severe digestive problems like ulcers, and persistent bacterial infections due to their powerful antibacterial properties.

Comparison of Manuka Honey Levels


Grade (MGO)	UMF Equivalent	Suggested Use	Price Range (Approx.)
40+ to 100+	UMF 5+ to 6+	Daily sweetener, general wellness	Low to Moderate
100+ to 250+	UMF 6+ to 10+	Immune system maintenance, minor ailments	Moderate
250+ to 550+	UMF 10+ to 16+	Seasonal wellness, sore throat, mild skin conditions	Moderate to High
550+ to 850+	UMF 16+ to 20+	Strong immune and digestive support, targeted skincare	High to Premium
850+ and above	UMF 20+ and above	Advanced wound care, chronic infections	Premium to Luxury

How to Ensure You're Buying Authentic Manuka Honey

The high demand for Manuka honey has led to many counterfeit products on the market. To ensure you are purchasing a genuine and effective product, follow these steps:

Look for Official Certification: Always check for an MGO rating or a UMF™ trademark on the label. The UMF mark is a highly reliable indicator of quality, purity, and origin, as it tests for four key markers.
Verify the Source: Authentic Manuka honey originates from New Zealand. Look for clear labeling stating the product is “Packed in New Zealand” and bears the country's official certifications, such as the FernMark logo.
Check for Traceability: Many reputable brands offer a traceability system, often through a QR code on the jar. Scanning this code allows you to view third-party test results and information about the honey's origin.
Be Wary of Vague Labels: Avoid products with unverified terms like “Active,” “Bio-Active,” or high NPA ratings without corresponding MGO or UMF certification. These terms can be misleading.
Consider the Price: Genuine, high-potency Manuka honey is a specialty product with a higher price point due to its rarity and testing. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

What to Look for on an Authentic Label

A genuine Manuka honey label should contain the following information:

The MGO rating or UMF™ certification prominently displayed.
The brand name and UMF license number, if applicable.
The monofloral or multifloral classification.
Packed in New Zealand statement.
A batch number and/or QR code for traceability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right level of Manuka honey boils down to your purpose. For daily use, a lower-grade honey with MGO 40+ to 100+ is a great and affordable choice. For targeted support like seasonal illness or minor skin issues, opt for a mid-range honey (MGO 250+ to 550+). For therapeutic-grade use, such as advanced wound care, a higher potency (MGO 850+ and above) is most effective. Regardless of the level you choose, always verify authenticity by checking for certified MGO or UMF ratings and purchasing from a reputable source to guarantee you receive the unique benefits of genuine Manuka honey.

Visit the UMF Honey Association for more information on certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO (Methylglyoxal) measures the concentration of a single antibacterial compound, while UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a comprehensive certification that measures MGO along with other markers for authenticity, potency, and freshness.

For general, daily wellness and use as a natural sweetener, an MGO rating between 40+ and 100+ is recommended. These levels are mild and suitable for regular, everyday consumption.

For a sore throat, a mid-to-high strength Manuka honey is most effective. A UMF 15+ (MGO 514+) or higher is recommended for its stronger antibacterial properties.

For skincare applications like acne or eczema, a higher potency is generally more effective. A UMF 20+ (MGO 829+) or higher is often recommended for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

A higher rating indicates a higher concentration of beneficial compounds and stronger potency. While 'better' depends on your specific needs, higher ratings are most beneficial for targeted therapeutic use, not necessarily for everyday sweetening.

Authentic Manuka honey will have clear MGO or UMF certification, be labeled 'Packed in New Zealand', and come from a reputable brand. Be cautious of vague or unverified labels like 'Active Manuka' without a corresponding certification.

For advanced therapeutic applications, such as chronic wound healing or severe digestive issues, the highest Manuka honey grades of MGO 850+ and above (UMF 20+) are typically used for maximum potency.

Yes, Manuka honey is used to support digestive health. Higher MGO levels, such as MGO 500+ or MGO 850+, are often recommended for targeted gut health support.