Does the MGO Rating Change How Much Manuka Honey You Should Take?

No, the MGO rating doesn’t change how much Manuka honey you should take. MGO indicates the strength of the honey, not the serving size, meaning a higher or lower number is not a signal to take less or more.

MGO indicates the methylglyoxal strength in your jar of honey. It’s not a dosage recommendation. At Manukora, we recommend 1 to 3 heaping teaspoons per day, no matter what the MGO grade is. Overall, the best rule of thumb is to follow the serving guidance printed on your jar. 

If you’re worried about your sugar intake, taking any medications, are pregnant, or have another health condition, it’s always a good idea to discuss how (and if) Manuka honey is a good addition to your diet with a licensed healthcare professional.

What Does the MGO Rating Measure?

The MGO rating measures methylglyoxal concentration, which has nothing to do with the serving size.

MGO (methylglyoxal) is the natural compound that gives Manuka honey its distinctive strength. It’s measured in milligrams per kilogram of honey. For instance, MGO 600+ contains at least 600 milligrams per kilogram, and MGO 850+ contains at least 850 milligrams per kilogram. Thus, a higher number simply means a higher certified concentration.

However, MGO 600+, 850+, or 1000+ doesn’t mean you should take 600 milligrams, 850 milligrams, or 1000 milligrams of each. The MGO label merely tells you the honey’s strength. The serving guidance tells you how much to use. 

You may also see a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating on some Manuka honey, which is a related grading system. At Manukora, however, we always use MGO first because it is the most direct measure of the strength you’re choosing.

Should You Take Less of a Higher-MGO Grade?

You don’t need to take less simply because you chose a higher MGO grade. 

MGO 850+ or 1000+ doesn’t automatically call for a smaller spoonful than MGO 600+, since a higher number reflects greater methylglyoxal concentration (not a smaller recommended serving).

Simply put, choosing a higher MGO strength changes the grade you’re using, not the general amount we recommend. Follow the serving guidance on the jar unless a qualified healthcare professional advises otherwise.

Should You Take More of a Lower-MGO Grade?

Taking more of a lower-MGO honey is not a recommended way to recreate a higher grade. MGO grades represent the tested concentration within the honey itself, which means a larger serving of MGO 600+ isn’t the same product choice as a normal serving of MGO 850+ or 1000+. In other words, increasing the spoonfuls doesn’t convert one grade into another; it also increases the sugar, calories, and total amount of honey you consume.

Instead of adjusting MGO strength through bigger spoonfuls, we suggest choosing the MGO grade you want directly, then keeping your serving within the recommended range.

How Much Manuka Honey Does Manukora Recommend?

We recommend 1 to 3 heaping teaspoons daily (one heaping teaspoon equals about 14 grams). Our favorite go-to is to enjoy a spoonful straight from a wooden or stainless spoon first thing in the morning, then reach for 1 to 2 more throughout the day as needed.

You may also opt to add it to beverages or drizzle it on top of yogurt or oatmeal. If you’re adding it to coffee or tea, let the drink come off the boiling and cool for 30 to 60 seconds first. We also don’t recommend using it for direct baking or oven use; instead, drizzle your Manuka honey on after your dish has cooked.

Serving Guidance Across MGO Grades

Manukora’s general daily serving guidance does not increase or decrease automatically with the MGO rating:

However, the above doesn’t mean everyone should take the maximum amount. You should always choose an amount that fits your preferences and routine.

What Should Determine How Much You Take?

Your serving should be guided by your jar’s instructions, your personal routine, and your overall dietary needs.

A good place to begin is within the 1 to 3 heaping teaspoon range and choosing an amount that is realistic to use consistently. Since honey is a natural source of sugar, you may also want to consider the sugar and calories the honey contains if this is something you’re tracking; check the Nutrition Facts panel for accurate measurements per serving.

How to Choose MGO Grade Without Using Serving Size

Choose your MGO grade according to the strength you prefer, your routine, and your budget, not according to how much honey you plan to take. 

Here’s a general guideline to help you make your selection:

• MGO 600+ is a wonderful, accessible choice for an everyday wellness routine.

• MGO 850+ is suitable when a higher-strength option better fits your preferences.

• MGO 1000+ is for those who want the highest standard strength in our regular range.

Keep in mind that your taste preference, routine, budget, and more may also all play a part in the MGO level you choose. A higher MGO is not necessary for everyone; the grades are also not beginner, intermediate, and advanced doses. Whichever strength you end up choosing, make it a regular, daily habit; consistency is key when supporting your overall wellness across time. 

The bottom line? Grab an MGO level you’ll be motivated to reach for on repeat.

Why Manukora Makes Strength and Serving Clear

At Manukora, every jar carries a clear MGO strength on the front, alongside standard daily-use guidance. Each one also includes a QR code, allowing you to view the honey’s origin, third-party testing, and even meet the beekeeper who harvested your batch. We believe transparency is important, since we also like to know what we’re putting in our bodies each day!

Our honey is free from glyphosate, antibiotics, and GMOs. The Nutrition Facts information on the label also allows you to view the exact sugar and caloric amounts per serving, helping you figure out how exactly you want to fit it into your regular routine.

Overall, a higher rating does not mean taking less, and a lower one does not mean taking more. We recommend 1 to 3 heaping teaspoons per day. It’s also worth noting that honey is not suitable for children under 1 year old, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ready to find your strength? Choose the Manukora MGO grade that fits your preferences, follow the serving guidance on your jar, and make it a simple part of your daily wellness routine. If you’re still not sure what MGO is right for you, take our MGO quiz. 

FAQs

Do you take less honey when the MGO rating is higher?

Not necessarily; the MGO rating indicates methylglyoxal strength. Our general recommendation is to consume 1 to 3 heaping teaspoons per day, regardless of the MGO rating, which doesn’t suggest serving sizes.

How much MGO 1000+ Manuka honey should I take?

Follow the instructions on your jar. We generally recommend 1 to 3 heaping teaspoons daily across our standard MGO range.

Does a higher MGO number mean the honey is more concentrated?

It means the honey has a higher certified methylglyoxal concentration. It doesn’t automatically mean the serving should be smaller or larger.

Can I change MGO grades without changing my serving?

Yes, switching grades doesn’t normally require any kind of serving adjustment. Keep following the guidance printed on the product.

Is three teaspoons better than one?

Not necessarily. Both fall within our general range, but a larger serving also contributes more sugar and calories to your daily intake. Choose an amount that fits your routine and dietary needs.

Can I take extra Manuka honey if I miss a day?

There is no need to make up for a missed day. Simply resume your usual routine and stay within our recommended daily range of 1 to 3 heaping teaspoons.

Sources

Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF) Grading System Explained

Botulism Prevention | Botulism | CDC