What's the Difference Between UMF and MGO in Manuka Honey?

Authentic Manuka honey is highly prized for its potent antibacterial properties, with some studies showing it to be effective against a wide range of bacteria. This unique strength is what drives the need for grading systems like UMF and MGO, but understanding what's the difference between UMF and MGO in Manuka honey is crucial for consumers seeking the real deal.

Quick Summary

A guide clarifying the key distinction between UMF and MGO Manuka honey grading systems, explaining what each rating measures and how to interpret them.

Key Points

• MGO is a Single Metric: MGO measures only one compound, methylglyoxal, which is responsible for much of Manuka honey's antibacterial activity.

• UMF is a Comprehensive Standard: UMF is a broader certification that includes MGO, along with other markers for authenticity, purity, and freshness.

• UMF Verifies Authenticity: The UMF trademark confirms that the honey is genuine New Zealand Manuka, protecting against counterfeit products.

• MGO is a Potency Indicator: The MGO rating offers a clear, numerical value indicating the level of antibacterial strength, where higher is more potent.

• Dual-Labeling is Best: Many premium brands display both UMF and MGO ratings, providing consumers with maximum transparency and quality assurance.

• Higher Numbers Mean Higher Potency: For both rating systems, a higher number signifies a greater concentration of beneficial compounds.

What is MGO in Manuka Honey?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound that is a primary driver of Manuka honey's potent antibacterial activity. All honey contains some level of antibacterial properties due to hydrogen peroxide, but MGO is what sets Manuka honey apart. It is formed from the conversion of another compound, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in high concentrations in the nectar of the Manuka flower. The MGO rating on a jar of Manuka honey indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).

• A Direct Measurement: The MGO system provides a simple, direct, and scientifically backed measure of one specific antibacterial compound.
• Origin and Potency: The amount of MGO in a given batch of honey is influenced by the concentration of DHA in the nectar, the floral source, and the honey's maturation process.
• Higher Number, Higher Potency: A higher MGO number indicates a higher concentration of this key compound and, consequently, greater antibacterial strength.

What is UMF in Manuka Honey?

UMF, or Unique Manuka Factor, is a trademarked quality assurance system and the gold standard for authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand. Managed by the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA), this certification process is much more comprehensive than MGO alone. A UMF rating is based on the analysis of four key chemical markers that together confirm the honey's authenticity, potency, purity, and freshness.

The four markers measured by the UMF system are:

• Methylglyoxal (MGO): The primary antibacterial compound, measured for potency.
• Leptosperin: A unique compound found only in Manuka flower nectar, confirming the honey's authenticity.
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): The precursor to MGO, measured to indicate the honey's potential for potency over time.
• Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): A compound that can indicate if the honey has been overheated or stored improperly, ensuring freshness.

The Key Differences: UMF vs. MGO

The fundamental difference lies in their scope. While MGO focuses solely on the concentration of a single antibacterial compound, UMF provides a multi-faceted assurance of quality and authenticity. The UMF rating system ensures that the honey is genuine Manuka from New Zealand and has not been artificially adulterated, something that can be a risk with MGO-only rated products.

Another key distinction is the regulatory oversight. The UMFHA is an independent body that monitors its licensed members and conducts random testing to ensure that UMF-rated honey consistently meets its rigorous standards. MGO ratings, while scientifically valid, can be measured and labeled by various producers without the same level of third-party oversight for overall quality and origin.

Deciphering the Grade Numbers

Understanding the numbers on the label is key to choosing the right honey for your needs. Both UMF and MGO ratings are a positive indication of a product's strength, but it's important to remember their different scales.

• UMF ratings typically range from 5+ to 20+ or higher. A higher number indicates greater concentration of beneficial compounds and, therefore, higher potency.
• MGO ratings are expressed in mg/kg and can range from MGO 100+ up to 1000+ or more.

There is a rough correlation between the two systems, and many brands now display both ratings on their labels to provide maximum transparency for consumers.

UMF vs. MGO Comparison Table

Feature	UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)	MGO (Methylglyoxal)
Measurement	A comprehensive standard measuring four compounds: MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF.	Measures only the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO).
Focus	Authenticity, purity, freshness, and potency.	Potency and antibacterial activity based on MGO concentration.
Regulatory Body	UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand.	No single governing body; testing is conducted by independent labs.
Assurance	Provides a broader guarantee of authenticity and origin, ensuring the honey is genuinely from New Zealand Manuka.	Measures antibacterial strength but does not verify authenticity or purity on its own.
Licensing	Requires a license from UMFHA to use the trademarked logo.	No license required for use, though many reputable brands test and certify their MGO levels independently.

How to Choose: UMF or MGO?

Choosing between a UMF or MGO rating depends on your priorities as a consumer. For those seeking the highest assurance of authenticity, purity, and overall quality, a UMF-certified product is the safer choice. The UMF system's multi-compound testing provides a robust guarantee that the honey is genuinely from New Zealand Manuka sources and hasn't been tampered with or overheated. The UMF Honey Association maintains a registry of all certified producers, offering transparency and accountability.

However, if your primary concern is simply the antibacterial potency for a specific purpose, the MGO rating offers a clear, straightforward metric. Many high-quality brands provide MGO-only ratings that are still tested and verified, but it is important to purchase from reputable companies to avoid fraudulent products. The simplicity of the MGO scale can be helpful for easy comparison, as a higher number always signifies greater potency.

Ultimately, the best approach is to look for brands that display both the UMF and MGO ratings, as this offers the most comprehensive picture of the honey's quality and potency. This dual-labeling strategy combines the scientific clarity of the MGO measurement with the full quality assurance of the UMF standard, giving you complete confidence in your purchase.

Conclusion

In summary, while MGO is a simple measurement of a single antibacterial compound, UMF is a comprehensive, multi-factor certification that ensures the authenticity, purity, and potency of genuine Manuka honey. The MGO rating tells you the honey's strength, but the UMF mark tells you it's the real deal from New Zealand, verified through rigorous independent testing. For the most informed decision, consider both ratings on a product's label, and for the highest level of assurance, choose honey that carries the UMF trademark. By understanding what's the difference between UMF and MGO in Manuka honey, you can confidently select the product that best meets your needs for wellness or culinary use.

For more detailed information on certification standards, you can visit the official UMF Honey Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is a better grade, UMF or MGO?

UMF is a more comprehensive quality standard that provides greater assurance of authenticity, origin, and purity, while MGO is a more direct and simple measure of antibacterial potency. UMF is generally considered the higher standard, as it includes MGO testing plus other markers.

What is a good UMF or MGO level for everyday use?

For daily wellness, lower to mid-range ratings are generally sufficient. UMF 5+ to UMF 10+ (or equivalent MGO 83+ to MGO 263+) is a great choice for general health support and as a natural sweetener.

How do I convert MGO to UMF?

There is a general correlation, though not an exact one, between the ratings. For example, UMF 10+ is roughly equivalent to MGO 263+, and UMF 15+ corresponds to around MGO 514+. However, it is best to refer to a brand's specific conversion chart.

Does a higher UMF or MGO rating mean more health benefits?

Yes, generally, a higher UMF or MGO rating indicates a greater concentration of methylglyoxal and other beneficial compounds. This results in more potent antibacterial activity, which is often sought for therapeutic use.

How can I tell if a Manuka honey is authentic?

To ensure authenticity, look for a UMF-certified label, which requires independent verification of the honey's origin in New Zealand and its key chemical markers. The brand should be a licensed member of the UMF Honey Association.

Can Manuka honey have both a UMF and MGO rating?

Yes, many reputable brands include both ratings on their labels for transparency. This provides consumers with both the broad authenticity guarantee of UMF and the specific potency measure of MGO.

Is it possible for fake Manuka honey to have an MGO rating?

Yes, because MGO only measures one compound, it is possible for some fraudulent or low-quality products to be artificially infused with MGO and claim a high rating without being genuine Manuka honey. The UMF certification is a safeguard against this practice.

What other compounds does the UMF system test for besides MGO?

Besides MGO, the UMF grading system tests for Leptosperin, a marker of authenticity; Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which converts to MGO over time; and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), an indicator of freshness.