What's the Highest Grade of Manuka Honey? A Guide to UMF and MGO

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Less than 0.03% of all tested Manuka honey batches have reached the highest certified potency level, making ultra-high grades like UMF 35+ exceptionally rare. Understanding these grading systems, and what's the highest grade of Manuka honey, is crucial for discerning consumers seeking the most potent product for their wellness goals.

Quick Summary

This article explores the highest grades of Manuka honey, detailing the key differences between the UMF and MGO grading systems. It covers how these ratings reflect potency and authenticity, what to look for on labels, and how to choose the right strength for specific health and wellness applications.

Key Points

UMF 35+ is currently the highest grade: Limited batches of UMF 35+ Manuka honey, corresponding to very high MGO levels like 2190 mg/kg, are the rarest and most potent available.
UMF vs. MGO: UMF is a comprehensive system that tests for four markers (MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, HMF) to ensure authenticity and potency, while MGO measures only the Methylglyoxal content.
Grade reflects potency: The higher the UMF or MGO number, the greater the concentration of beneficial compounds, leading to stronger antibacterial and health properties.
Origin and aging are crucial: High-grade Manuka honey is typically sourced from remote, pristine regions of New Zealand and matured over several years to develop its potency.
Choose based on use: Lower grades are suitable for everyday wellness, while higher grades are recommended for targeted therapeutic uses, such as wound care or intensive immune support.
Verify authenticity: Always look for the official UMF™ certification mark on the label to ensure you are purchasing genuine, high-quality Manuka honey.

Decoding the Grades: UMF and MGO Explained

Manuka honey's potent health benefits, particularly its unique antibacterial properties, are what set it apart from other types of honey. But this potency is not universal; it is measured and graded, primarily through two key systems: UMF and MGO. Understanding these metrics is the first step toward answering the question: what's the highest grade of Manuka honey?

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) System

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a trusted, comprehensive grading system that certifies the purity, quality, and potency of New Zealand Manuka honey. The UMF rating is more than a number—it’s a robust quality assurance system that independently tests for four key markers that define genuine Manuka honey:

Methylglyoxal (MGO): The primary antibacterial compound. Higher MGO levels correlate directly with higher UMF ratings.
Leptosperin: A unique chemical marker found only in the nectar of the Manuka flower, confirming authenticity.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): A precursor to MGO that indicates the honey's shelf life and maturity.
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): A marker of freshness, ensuring the honey has not been overheated.

A product must contain all four compounds at specified levels to receive a UMF certification. The UMF rating, typically ranging from 5+ to 25+ and sometimes higher, directly indicates the concentration of these beneficial compounds. The UMF Honey Association is an independent body that licenses producers, ensuring every UMF-certified jar is tested and traceable.

The Methylglyoxal (MGO) System

The MGO grading system focuses solely on the concentration of Methylglyoxal in the honey. MGO is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), and the number on the label, such as "MGO 500+", guarantees a minimum MGO content. For many consumers, the MGO system is simpler and easier to understand, as it provides a direct measure of the honey's antibacterial potency. However, since it only measures one compound, it does not provide the same level of assurance regarding authenticity, purity, or freshness as the more comprehensive UMF system.

Identifying the Highest Grades

The highest grades of Manuka honey are defined by their exceptional potency, scarcity, and premium quality. While most Manuka honey falls within the mid-range of UMF 10+ to 20+, a few rare batches achieve much higher ratings, commanding premium prices and desirability.

The Apex of Potency: UMF 35+ and MGO 2000+

On the UMF scale, a UMF 35+ rating represents the pinnacle of potency and rarity. These are exceptional, "Legacy Grade" batches produced only during rare, ideal natural conditions, and often aged for years to reach peak potency. For example, Manuka South has produced a UMF 35+ honey containing MGO 2190, which is an extremely high concentration and represents a limited reserve product. Similarly, on the MGO scale, brands like Biosota have offered limited edition batches with MGO 2200+, cementing their status as among the highest-grade Manuka honey available. These ultra-high-grade honeys are sought after by collectors and health-conscious consumers for intensive therapeutic use.

The Role of Natural Aging

The journey to achieving the highest grade of Manuka honey is a long one, influenced by natural conditions. A key process involves the natural conversion of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) found in the Manuka flower nectar into MGO over time. Higher DHA levels in the raw nectar can lead to significantly higher MGO levels after months or years of careful maturation. This aging process, combined with optimal harvesting from remote, pristine locations, is what enables producers to achieve these rare, ultra-premium grades.

Comparison of Manuka Honey Grades


Grade	UMF Rating	Approx. MGO Content	Primary Use Case	Taste and Appearance
Everyday Wellness	5+ to 10+	83+ to 263+ mg/kg	Daily consumption for general wellness support.	Mild, slightly sweet, rich flavor; golden color.
Daily Therapeutic	10+ to 15+	263+ to 514+ mg/kg	Enhanced immune support, seasonal wellness, and minor skin application.	Richer, more robust flavor with a characteristic earthy taste.
Targeted Therapeutic	15+ to 20+	514+ to 829+ mg/kg	Supports intensive needs like sore throats, digestive issues, and specific skin conditions.	Strong, distinct, and sometimes tangy or medicinal flavor; darker color.
Superior & Limited Reserve	20+ to 35+	829+ to 2200+ mg/kg	Premium product for chronic health issues, medical applications, or collectors.	Intense, complex, earthy flavor with stronger mineral notes; dark color.

Choosing the Right Grade for Your Needs

Determining the right Manuka honey depends on your specific purpose and budget. For a daily immune boost or general wellness, a mid-range UMF 10+ or MGO 250+ may be sufficient. For more targeted applications, such as wound healing or intensive support during cold and flu season, a higher grade like UMF 20+ or MGO 800+ is often recommended. The extremely high-grade, rare reserve honeys (e.g., UMF 35+) are often considered collectibles and are priced accordingly, making them suitable for those seeking the maximum possible potency.

To ensure you are purchasing a genuine and accurately graded product, always look for independent certification marks like UMF™. The official UMF™ mark guarantees a comprehensive assessment of the honey's authenticity and quality, providing greater confidence than MGO ratings alone.

Conclusion: The Pinnacle of Potency

Ultimately, what's the highest grade of Manuka honey is defined by its UMF and MGO ratings, with the pinnacle of certified potency currently represented by exceptionally rare and limited batches rated UMF 35+ or MGO 2200+. These grades are achieved through a combination of ideal natural conditions, careful harvesting from remote New Zealand landscapes, and a patient maturation process. While the highest grades offer maximum antibacterial potency, consumers should select a grade appropriate for their specific needs. Understanding the difference between the comprehensive UMF certification and the more focused MGO rating is key to making an informed choice and ensuring you receive a premium, authentic product. The UMF Honey Association is an authoritative source for verifying genuine Manuka honey products.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMF ratings can range from 5+ for everyday use to 25+ or higher for superior antibacterial potency. The higher the UMF number, the stronger the concentration of beneficial compounds in the honey.

A higher MGO number indicates a more potent antibacterial effect, which is beneficial for targeted therapeutic uses. However, a lower MGO rating is perfectly sufficient for general daily wellness and can be more cost-effective.

To check for authenticity, look for a reputable brand with an official certification from the UMF Honey Association. Authentic products will have a batch number, clear UMF and MGO ratings, and confirmation of New Zealand origin.

Monofloral Manuka honey is sourced predominantly from the Manuka flower nectar and generally has a higher MGO and UMF rating. Multifloral honey is a blend from Manuka and other flowers, typically resulting in a lower grade.

Manuka honey is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is often used to support immune function, aid digestive issues, soothe sore throats, and promote wound healing.

High-grade Manuka honey is expensive due to its rarity, the difficulty of harvesting from remote locations in New Zealand, the time it takes to mature to a high MGO level, and the rigorous testing and certification process.

High-grade Manuka honey is potent and best used for intensive or therapeutic purposes, such as applying topically to wounds or taking a small amount for targeted immune or digestive support, rather than as an everyday sweetener.