A Deeper Look Into Why Is Manuka Honey So Much Better Than Regular Honey?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that Manuka honey contains up to 100 times more methylglyoxal (MGO) than regular honey? This unique chemical composition is the primary reason behind the question, why is Manuka honey so much better than regular honey, and it's a difference that sets it apart in terms of therapeutic and medicinal properties.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey is superior to regular honey primarily due to its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a powerful antibacterial compound. This unique component gives Manuka distinct and stable medicinal properties, including enhanced wound healing, digestive health support, and oral hygiene benefits. Its potency is certified by reliable grading systems like UMF, ensuring quality and effectiveness not found in conventional honey varieties.

Key Points

High MGO Content: The potent antibacterial effect of Manuka honey is due to its high and stable concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO).
Unique Origin: Manuka honey is produced exclusively from the nectar of the Manuka bush, native to New Zealand and Australia, unlike the multi-floral origin of regular honey.
Standardized Grading: Certifications like UMF™ and MGO provide a reliable measure of Manuka honey's potency and authenticity, a feature absent in regular honey.
Superior Medicinal Properties: Manuka honey offers enhanced benefits for wound healing, digestive issues, oral health, and skin care due to its potent, stable compounds.
Better Nutritional Profile: Manuka honey is more nutritionally dense with a higher concentration of beneficial trace elements and antioxidants.
Consistent Quality: The rigorous testing and certification process ensures a consistent level of bioactive compounds, guaranteeing the product's effectiveness.

The Core Difference: Methylglyoxal (MGO)

At the heart of the Manuka honey versus regular honey debate is a powerful, naturally occurring compound called methylglyoxal, or MGO. While most honey varieties get their antibacterial properties from hydrogen peroxide, this component is often neutralized by the body's enzymes, limiting its effectiveness in a wound or digestive system. Manuka honey is different. Bees that pollinate the native Manuka bush in New Zealand collect nectar rich in another compound, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which slowly converts into stable, high concentrations of MGO over time. It is this MGO that provides Manuka honey with its unique and potent antibacterial and antimicrobial abilities that persist even when hydrogen peroxide is gone.

Unmatched Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Activity

The high MGO content gives Manuka honey a formidable advantage in fighting off harmful bacteria. Research has shown it to be effective against a wide range of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has made it a valuable tool in modern medicine for wound care. The antibacterial effect is not just more potent; it is also more stable and durable, making it far more suitable for medical applications.

Beyond MGO

It is important to note that while MGO is a key marker, it is not the only factor contributing to Manuka's unique properties. The honey also contains other bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, flavonoids, and bee defensin-1, which work synergistically to enhance its therapeutic effects. This complex, multi-faceted composition is why Manuka honey's medicinal benefits are so broad and robust compared to the simpler antibacterial action of regular honey.

The Role of Grading Systems: UMF and MGO

Another crucial aspect that differentiates Manuka honey is its rigorous and transparent grading system. Reputable Manuka honey is tested and certified to verify its potency and authenticity. The two most common grading systems are:

MGO Grading: A straightforward measure of the methylglyoxal content in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey. The higher the MGO number, the more potent the antibacterial activity.
UMF Grading: The Unique Manuka Factor™ system is a comprehensive standard that tests for three key signature compounds, including MGO, Leptosperin (an authenticity marker), and DHA. A higher UMF™ rating indicates greater potency, quality, and authenticity.

Regular, or conventional, honey lacks any such standardized testing for medicinal properties. This means that while some conventional honey may have mild antibacterial effects, there is no guarantee of its potency or consistency. With Manuka honey, the grading system provides a reliable indicator of its therapeutic strength, justifying its premium price.

Comparison Table: Manuka Honey vs. Regular Honey


Feature	Manuka Honey	Regular Honey
Origin	Nectar from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium)	Nectar from various flowers
Key Antibacterial Compound	High levels of stable Methylglyoxal (MGO)	Primarily hydrogen peroxide, which is less stable
Antibacterial Potency	Exceptionally high and consistent, even against resistant bacteria	Varies widely, generally less potent
Grading/Certification	Certified by UMF™ or MGO systems for potency and authenticity	Not typically subject to medicinal grading or certification
Taste & Texture	Strong, earthy, and often slightly bitter with a thick, creamy consistency	Varies greatly depending on floral source, generally milder and sweeter
Price	Significantly more expensive due to scarcity and testing	More affordable and widely available
Key Health Uses	Wound healing, digestive health, oral hygiene, skin conditions	General wellness, sweetener, minor soothing effects

Diverse Health and Wellness Applications

The powerful properties of Manuka honey translate into several health benefits beyond those of regular honey, which is primarily used as a sweetener or for general wellness.

Wound Healing

Medical-grade Manuka honey is a clinically proven treatment for wounds, burns, and ulcers. It creates a moist, acidic healing environment, protects against infection, and stimulates tissue regeneration. Its anti-inflammatory action also helps reduce swelling and pain.

Digestive Health

Manuka honey's antibacterial properties make it effective against bacteria like H. pylori, which causes stomach ulcers. It also acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy microbiome. This can help soothe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms and improve overall gut health.

Oral Hygiene

Studies suggest Manuka honey can attack harmful oral bacteria responsible for plaque formation and gum disease. Using it can help maintain better oral health and may even aid in healing mouth ulcers.

Skin Conditions

Applied topically, Manuka honey can help treat inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema. Its hydrating and antibacterial properties cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation, and accelerate cell turnover.

Conclusion: A Specialized Elixir

Ultimately, the question of why is Manuka honey so much better than regular honey comes down to its distinct chemical makeup, particularly the presence of stable, high-potency MGO. While both honeys offer health benefits, Manuka's unique properties, verified by rigorous grading systems, position it as a specialized therapeutic agent rather than just a culinary sweetener. Its specific benefits for wound care, gut health, and skin conditions make the premium price a worthwhile investment for targeted health support. Regular honey remains a fine natural sweetener, but it simply lacks the consistent, powerful medicinal profile of its Manuka counterpart. For those seeking more than just a sweet treat, Manuka honey offers a comprehensive boost to wellness backed by scientific research. You can learn more about the science behind its unique properties on resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, a comprehensive grading system that certifies Manuka honey's potency, purity, and authenticity. A higher UMF™ rating indicates higher levels of key compounds, including MGO, Leptosperin, and DHA.

Methylglyoxal (MGO) provides Manuka honey with a stable and powerful antibacterial effect that does not get neutralized by body fluids, unlike the hydrogen peroxide in regular honey. This makes it more effective for therapeutic uses.

Manuka honey is more expensive due to its limited geographic origin in New Zealand and parts of Australia, the short flowering season of the Manuka bush, and the stringent testing and certification required for its UMF or MGO grading.

Yes, Manuka honey can support digestive health by acting as a prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and by inhibiting harmful bacteria like H. pylori, which is responsible for most stomach ulcers.

Medical-grade Manuka honey, which has been specially sterilized, is used to treat wounds and burns because of its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The jar from your pantry, however, should not be used for this purpose; always consult a healthcare professional for wound treatment.

Studies suggest that Manuka honey can help reduce plaque buildup and combat harmful oral bacteria associated with gingivitis and tooth decay. It can also soothe gum wounds and mouth ulcers.

Look for a product with a certified MGO or UMF rating, which indicates its potency and authenticity. The ideal strength depends on your needs, with higher ratings recommended for medicinal purposes.