How to Compare Different MGO Levels in Manuka Honey

Choosing Manuka honey can be confusing when you see labels such as MGO 100+, MGO 263+, MGO 550+, MGO 850+, MGO 1200+ and MGO 1500+. What do these numbers mean, and does a higher number always make one honey the right choice?

The key is to understand that MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound associated with the distinctive characteristics of Manuka honey. The MGO rating gives consumers a measurable indication of how much methylglyoxal is present in the honey.

What Does an MGO Rating Mean?

MGO is generally expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which is also equivalent to parts per million (ppm).

The basic principle is straightforward:

Higher MGO rating = higher measured concentration of MGO.

For example, MGO 850+ represents a higher MGO concentration than MGO 550+, while MGO 1200+ is higher than MGO 850+.

The “+” symbol generally indicates that the honey meets or exceeds the minimum level represented by the rating.

It is important to remember that MGO measures one specific characteristic of Manuka honey. It is not a medical dosage or a guarantee of a particular health outcome.

How Does MGO Develop?

MGO develops naturally from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a compound found in the nectar of some Leptospermum plants.

As Manuka honey matures, DHA can convert into methylglyoxal. The amount of DHA in the original nectar and the maturation of the honey influence the final MGO concentration.

This is one reason different Manuka honeys can have different MGO ratings.

Comparing Common MGO Levels

MGO 100+

MGO 100+ is a relatively lower rating within the high-MGO range.

It can be an approachable option for consumers who want to explore Manuka honey and its distinctive characteristics without selecting one of the highest available grades.

MGO 263+

MGO 263+ represents a higher concentration than MGO 100+.

The AMHA’s published information associates approximately MGO 263 with its NPA 10+ reference level, providing a useful point of comparison between older activity terminology and MGO measurements.

MGO 550+

MGO 550+ moves into a higher-MGO category.

This level may appeal to consumers who specifically want a stronger MGO rating for a premium Manuka honey product.

MGO 850+

Manuka Honey MGO 850+ is a high-MGO option for consumers looking for a significantly higher MGO concentration.

The current product information for a 250g MGO 850+ honey lists a 10g recommended serving size and 25 servings per jar.

MGO 850+ is also commonly compared with UMF 20+ based on MGO concentration. The UMF Association lists approximately 829 mg/kg MGO as its reference for UMF 20+.

MGO 1200+

MGO 1200+ represents an even higher MGO concentration than MGO 850+.

It is suited to consumers specifically looking for a very high-MGO Manuka honey.

The UMF Association’s published specifications place the MGO reference for UMF 25+ at approximately 1,197 mg/kg, which explains the common comparison between MGO 1200+ and UMF 25+.

MGO 1500+

MGO 1500+ sits even higher on the MGO scale.

Compared with MGO 850, the numerical difference is 650 mg/kg, while 1500 is approximately 76% higher than 850.

These figures describe the difference in MGO concentration only. They should not be interpreted as a percentage difference in health effects.

MGO Comparison at a Glance

These are useful comparison points rather than a universal grading system covering every Manuka honey product.

Does a Higher MGO Mean Better Honey?

Not necessarily.

A higher MGO number means that the honey contains a higher measured concentration of methylglyoxal. It does not automatically mean that every consumer should choose the highest possible rating.

Your choice may depend on:

Intended use: Lower ratings may be suitable for everyday culinary use, while some consumers specifically prefer high-MGO products.

Taste: Manuka honey can have a distinctive, robust flavour, and preferences vary.

Budget: Higher-MGO honey generally occupies a more specialised premium market.

Origin: Australian consumers may specifically want honey produced from Australian Leptospermum sources.

Testing: Independent laboratory verification can provide useful information about the stated MGO rating.

MGO and Australian Manuka Honey

Australia has a diverse range of native Leptospermum species. The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) notes that Australian Manuka honey can be monofloral or multifloral and that naturally occurring compounds such as MGO and DHA are relevant to identifying and describing it.

Because floral sources and environmental conditions vary, MGO levels can also vary naturally between honey batches.

This is why not every Manuka honey reaches MGO 850+, 1200+ or 1500+.

Why Independent Testing Matters

When a honey carries a specific MGO rating, consumers should consider how that number was established.

The AMHA states that MGO can be directly measured through laboratory testing and places importance on independent testing and traceability within its quality framework.

Its Mark of Authenticity also requires qualifying Australian Manuka honey to be produced in Australia and independently tested against defined MGO and DHA requirements.

When comparing products, look for transparent information about testing rather than choosing solely according to the size of the number on the label.

MGO Is Different From UMF

MGO and UMF™ are often mentioned together, but they are not identical systems.

MGO measures the concentration of methylglyoxal. UMF is a separate certification and grading system that evaluates multiple factors, including MGO, Leptosperin, DHA and HMF.

This means an MGO 850+ product may be described as approximately comparable to the MGO level associated with UMF 20+, but that does not automatically mean the product is UMF-certified.

Always check whether a product actually carries the relevant certification.

How to Choose the Right MGO Level

When comparing different MGO levels, start by deciding what matters most to you.

For everyday food use, a lower or mid-range MGO product may be sufficient. Consumers specifically seeking a high-MGO honey may prefer MGO 550+, 850+, 1200+ or 1500+.

For Australian shoppers, it is also useful to consider:

• Australian country of origin
• Independent laboratory testing
• Authenticity information
• Ingredients and nutrition
• Serving size
• Price
• Flavour and texture

This approach gives you a better basis for comparing products than choosing the highest number automatically.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to compare different MGO levels in Manuka honey starts with one simple concept: the MGO rating tells you the measured concentration of methylglyoxal.

MGO 100+ and 263+ sit lower on the scale, while MGO 550+, MGO 850+, MGO 1200+ and MGO 1500+ represent progressively higher concentrations.

A higher rating does not automatically make one honey universally better. The right choice depends on your preferences, intended use, budget, Australian origin requirements and the quality information provided by the producer.

Most importantly, look beyond the number. Clear MGO labelling, independent testing, authenticity and traceability can help you understand what you are actually buying.

Once you understand how the ratings work, comparing Manuka honey becomes much simpler and you can choose an MGO level based on meaningful information rather than marketing language alone.