What MGO Manuka honey should I use? A Guide to Choosing the Right Potency

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Genuine Manuka honey's potent antibacterial properties are attributed to its high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound found in quantities over 100 times higher than regular honey. Choosing what MGO Manuka honey should I use is about matching this potency to your specific health goals, from daily support to targeted therapeutic use.

Quick Summary

The ideal MGO rating for Manuka honey varies based on its intended purpose, ranging from low-potency options for daily wellness to high-potency grades for targeted immune and topical support. Factors such as origin, testing, and intended use determine the best choice.

Key Points

Match MGO to Use: Choose a lower MGO (30+-100+) for daily wellness and a higher MGO (550+ and up) for targeted therapeutic needs like wound care.
MGO Stands for Methylglyoxal: MGO is the key compound responsible for Manuka honey's potent antibacterial properties, with higher numbers indicating greater strength.
Verify Authenticity: Ensure your honey is genuine by checking for independent lab testing, tracing its New Zealand origin, and confirming its MGO rating.
Proper Storage is Key: Keep Manuka honey in a cool, dark, and tightly sealed container to prevent crystallization and preserve its enzymes.
Consider UMF as Well: While MGO is a primary indicator of potency, some brands also use the UMF rating, a more holistic measure of quality and authenticity that includes MGO.
Beware for Babies: Never give honey, including Manuka honey, to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.
High Potency Equals High Price: The rarity and strength of very high MGO Manuka honey make it significantly more expensive, so choose a level appropriate for your budget and needs.

What is MGO and Why it Matters

Methylglyoxal, or MGO, is the key naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its distinct antibacterial properties. The MGO rating on a jar indicates the amount of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). Unlike regular honey, which relies on hydrogen peroxide for its antibacterial effect, Manuka's activity is stable and non-peroxide-based due to its MGO content. This potency makes it a sought-after natural remedy for various health and wellness applications.

The higher the MGO number, the stronger the antibacterial effect of the honey. This is a simple and clear standard that most brands use globally, although it's sometimes accompanied by the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, a more comprehensive system that includes MGO along with other markers. For consumers, MGO offers a straightforward way to understand the potency of what they are buying.

How to Choose the Right MGO Manuka Honey

Selecting the right Manuka honey is less about finding a single 'best' product and more about aligning its potency with your specific health objectives and budget. The ideal MGO rating will differ depending on your purpose. Brands test each batch of honey to determine its MGO content, allowing you to make an informed decision based on the numbers on the label.

MGO Rating and Application Comparison


MGO Grade (mg/kg)	Typical Usage and Benefits	Taste Profile	Price Point
MGO 30+ to 100+	General daily wellness, immune system maintenance, and as a natural sweetener in foods and drinks. Mild antimicrobial activity.	Mildly sweet and pleasant, typical honey flavour.	Lower-end, most accessible option.
MGO 250+ to 500+	Moderate immune support, especially during cold and flu season. Soothes sore throats and coughs. Supports digestive health.	Rich, more intense flavour with earthy and herbaceous notes.	Mid-range, balanced option for health benefits and daily use.
MGO 550+ and higher	High-potency therapeutic use for targeted issues like minor wounds, burns, persistent digestive problems (e.g., ulcers), and specific skin conditions like acne or eczema.	Strong, earthy, sometimes slightly bitter medicinal flavour.	Highest-end, premium product due to rarity and potency.

Verifying Authenticity and Quality

With so many Manuka products on the market, it is essential to know how to identify genuine, high-quality honey. The following steps can help ensure you get the real deal:

Check for Independent Lab Testing: Reputable brands will provide proof of third-party laboratory testing, which certifies the MGO level. Some even offer a traceability system via a QR code to view the specific lab results for your jar.
Look for Origin and Certification: Authentic Manuka honey originates from New Zealand and/or Australia. The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has a strict science definition for honey labeled 'Manuka' that requires testing for five markers, including MGO and a specific DNA marker. Check labels for phrases like 'Tested Certified Manuka'.
Understand Monofloral vs. Multifloral: The label will typically specify if the honey is Monofloral (primarily from the Manuka bush) or Multifloral (from multiple floral sources, including Manuka). Monofloral is purer and often has higher MGO levels.

Storing Your MGO Manuka Honey Correctly

To preserve the potency and quality of your Manuka honey, proper storage is crucial. MGO can degrade over time and with improper handling, diminishing the honey's beneficial properties.

Avoid Refrigeration: Cold temperatures can cause honey to crystallize, resulting in a grainy texture. While still safe to eat, it can be less pleasant to use. Store at a consistent room temperature (10–25°C or 50–77°F).
Keep it Airtight: Honey is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. A tightly sealed lid prevents moisture from getting in and compromising the honey's balance, which could lead to fermentation.
Store in a Dark Place: Keep the jar away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can break down the beneficial compounds and reduce its potency. A cupboard or pantry is ideal.
Use Clean Utensils: Avoid introducing contaminants like water, food particles, or saliva by using a clean, dry spoon every time you dip into the jar.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect MGO Level

Ultimately, the choice of what MGO Manuka honey you should use comes down to your personal health goals. For everyday immune system maintenance or use as a sweetener, a lower MGO grade offers excellent value. For targeted support during cold and flu season or to aid digestion, a mid-range MGO is a great choice. When facing specific, more intensive therapeutic needs like skin issues or severe digestive problems, a high-potency MGO is the most effective option. By considering your purpose, verifying authenticity, and storing your honey correctly, you can confidently select the Manuka honey that is best suited for you. For more information on the official science definition of Manuka honey, you can refer to the New Zealand Government's Manuka Honey Testing website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is potency. Low MGO honey is suitable for general daily wellness and acts as a natural sweetener, while high MGO honey contains a higher concentration of methylglyoxal for stronger antibacterial effects and targeted therapeutic use, such as wound healing.

For a sore throat or cough, a mid-range MGO Manuka honey (250+ to 500+) is often recommended. You can take it directly by the spoonful or mix it into a warm (not hot) beverage to help soothe symptoms.

Yes, medical-grade Manuka honey with a high MGO rating (550+ and above) is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied topically to minor cuts, burns, acne, and other skin irritations.

While honey generally has a long shelf life, improper storage, such as exposure to excessive heat or direct sunlight, can degrade the MGO and other beneficial enzymes, reducing its potency over time.

MGO measures only the methylglyoxal content, which is a key antibacterial component. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a more comprehensive certification system that assesses several compounds, including MGO, to guarantee authenticity and quality.

To ensure authenticity, check the label for a certified MGO or UMF rating, look for proof of independent lab testing, and confirm that the honey was harvested and packed in New Zealand or Australia.

Manuka honey has a high sugar content and can affect blood sugar levels. Diabetics and individuals with severely compromised health should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into their diet.