Which Honey Has the Highest MGO? Australian Manuka Leads

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

While Manuka honey is globally renowned for its high Methylglyoxal (MGO) content, recent independent testing has shown that some Australian Manuka varieties produce nectar with exceptionally high MGO levels, making them potentially the most potent in the world. Understanding the MGO rating is key to selecting honey for specific therapeutic or wellness goals.

Quick Summary

Australian Manuka honey consistently achieves the highest MGO ratings, distinguishing it from other honey types. This comprehensive article delves into the science of MGO, compares Manuka varieties, and provides a guide to choosing the correct potency for various applications, from daily wellness to medicinal use.

Key Points

Australian Manuka Honey: Contains some of the world's highest MGO levels due to unique floral and environmental conditions.
Methylglyoxal (MGO): The key compound responsible for Manuka honey's superior antibacterial properties.
MGO Rating Matters: Higher MGO numbers indicate greater antibacterial potency, making it crucial for therapeutic use.
Grades for Different Needs: MGO ratings range from everyday wellness (100+) to medicinal strength (1000+ and above) for targeted issues.
Authenticity is Key: Always check for certified MGO ratings from independent laboratories to verify the product's quality and potency.

Australian Manuka Honey: The Undisputed MGO Leader

Manuka honey, produced from the nectar of the Leptospermum family of plants, is unique for its exceptionally high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO). While New Zealand has long been associated with high-grade Manuka, Australian Manuka honey, particularly varieties like Leptospermum whitei and Leptospermum polygalifolium, have been scientifically verified to contain some of the highest MGO concentrations globally. This potency is a result of specific regional factors, the maturity of the Manuka trees, and controlled post-harvest maturation processes. The higher the MGO number, the stronger the honey's antimicrobial and medicinal properties are considered to be.

The Science Behind MGO and Manuka Honey's Potency

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a naturally occurring compound derived from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in high concentrations in the nectar of Manuka flowers. During the honey's maturation, DHA slowly converts into MGO, a process that can take up to 24 months. This conversion is what gives Manuka honey its powerful antibacterial properties, known as Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA). Unlike the antibacterial effect of regular honey, which is primarily due to hydrogen peroxide and is easily deactivated, the MGO in Manuka is stable and resilient. The concentration of MGO, measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), is the most accurate way to rate the honey's strength.

Comparison of Honey Types by MGO Content

While Manuka is the most well-known for MGO, other honeys contain it in much lower, less stable concentrations. The table below illustrates the vast difference in potency between Manuka and other varieties.


Honey Type	Primary Antibacterial Compound	Typical MGO Levels (mg/kg)	Primary Use Case
Australian Manuka	Methylglyoxal (MGO)	250+ to 2200+	Medicinal, strong immune support, topical treatment
New Zealand Manuka	Methylglyoxal (MGO)	100+ to 1200+	Wellness, dietary, topical applications
Regular Honey	Hydrogen Peroxide	Trace amounts (<10 mg/kg)	Culinary, general sweetener
Sidr Honey	Various compounds	Not MGO-based	Dietary supplement, general immunity

Choosing the Right High MGO Manuka Honey for Your Needs

The MGO rating provides a direct measurement of the honey's strength and can guide your purchase. Your choice depends heavily on your intended use.

For Everyday Wellness (MGO 100+ to MGO 250+): This range is suitable for general health maintenance and for those new to Manuka honey. It is often used as a daily immune booster, added to tea or breakfast foods, or as a general culinary sweetener.

For Therapeutic Use (MGO 260+ to MGO 900+): With a higher potency, this honey is ideal for targeted support. It is commonly used during cold and flu season to soothe sore throats, for digestive health, and for minor topical applications like cuts and scrapes.

For Strong Medicinal Action (MGO 1000+ and Above): This is the highest-grade, most potent Manuka honey, often reserved for targeted therapeutic applications. It is used for wound care, fighting certain bacterial infections, and supporting complex health issues. Some producers offer ultra-high grades of MGO 2200+ for specific medical needs.

Factors Influencing MGO Levels

The final MGO concentration in Manuka honey is determined by several factors, including the specific species of Manuka plant the bees forage from, the geographic location, and post-harvest maturation. Australian varieties from specific regions have been found to naturally produce high DHA nectar, leading to higher MGO potential. Additionally, ethical and sustainable beekeeping practices play a role, ensuring the bees collect nectar from the primary Manuka source to maximize monofloral purity.

Conclusion

For those seeking honey with the highest MGO, Australian Manuka varieties are the clear frontrunner, boasting some of the most potent ratings globally. This remarkable potency is a result of unique Australian flora and dedicated harvesting practices, making it a valuable resource for medicinal applications, immune support, and overall wellness. When buying, be sure to check for certified MGO ratings to ensure you are getting an authentic, high-quality product that aligns with your specific health goals. To learn more about the research behind Manuka honey's therapeutic properties, consider visiting the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in high concentrations in Manuka honey, which is responsible for its unique and potent antibacterial properties.

While both are known for high quality, independent testing has shown certain Australian Manuka varieties, particularly from Queensland and New South Wales, can produce some of the highest MGO levels globally.

The MGO rating is displayed as a number followed by MGO, for example, 'MGO 400+'. This number indicates the minimum milligrams of Methylglyoxal present per kilogram of honey.

No, regular honey contains only trace amounts of MGO. Manuka honey's high MGO content is unique due to its derivation from the nectar of the Leptospermum plant.

For therapeutic purposes like soothing a sore throat, an MGO rating of 250+ or higher is often recommended, as it indicates reliable antibacterial potency.

Manuka honey contains high, stable levels of MGO, giving it potent antibacterial and medicinal properties, whereas regular honey's antibacterial activity is mainly from hydrogen peroxide and is much less potent.

Higher MGO levels indicate a higher concentration of the key antibacterial compound, making the honey more potent. The best MGO level depends on your specific needs, ranging from daily wellness to intensive medicinal use.