Is Higher-MGO Manuka Honey Worth the Money?

Quick Answer

A higher-MGO Manuka honey can absolutely be worth it, but only if it fits how you actually plan to use it. Ultimately, the value here depends on your routine, preferences, and consistency, not just the MGO number.

At the end of the day, higher MGO means higher strength. Higher-strength Manuka honey usually costs more because it is rarer and harder to produce at scale. It may be well worth it for people who want stronger daily support and already enjoy Manuka honey regularly. 

However, it may not be necessary if you mainly want a simple everyday wellness habit. The best value, in the end, is the jar you’ll use every day. This article breaks down where this higher cost comes from, when paying more makes sense, and when it doesn’t.

Why Higher-MGO Manuka Honey Costs More

Simply put, higher-MGO Manuka honey costs more because it has a higher concentration of methylglyoxal and is harder to produce at scale.

MGO (which stands for methylglyoxal) is a naturally occurring compound in authentic Manuka honey. This number on the jar indicates its concentration, so a higher MGO means a higher concentration of methylglyoxal and, therefore, a higher strength. 

However, higher-strength batches are simply less common. Nature decides how much methylglyoxal develops in a given harvest, and the stronger grades don’t come around as often.

On top of that, more testing, verification, and sourcing care go into confirming those higher MGO levels; this ensures the number on the jar matches what’s inside. Thus, this all means that price usually reflects the strength, rarity, and quality controls behind this type of honey. 

When Higher MGO May Be Worth Paying For

For some people, the step up to MGO 850+ or 1000+ is money well spent. It tends to make the most sense when Manuka honey is already a staple part of your daily routine. Yet, how can you decide?

Higher MGO may be worth it if:

• You already use Manuka honey daily and have a consistent routine in place.

• You want stronger support for your overall wellness.

• You’re looking for daily support for areas such as immune health, digestive balance, and a healthy inflammatory response as part of a balanced lifestyle.

• You prefer a richer, fuller-bodied Manuka honey experience.

• You value premium sourcing, testing, and traceability.

• You’re choosing Manuka honey as a regular fixture in your lifestyle rather than a one-time purchase.

When Higher MGO May Not Be Necessary

There are plenty of times when reaching for the most expensive jar might simply not be the right move for you.

Higher MGO may not be necessary if:

• You’re new to Manuka honey and still finding your feet.

• You’re still building a daily habit and want to see how it fits.

• You mainly want basic, everyday wellness support.

• You prefer a milder, less robust flavor.

• Budget is a meaningful factor in your decision.

• You’re not yet sure whether you will use it consistently.

There is nothing wrong with starting simple. In fact, it’s often the wiser way to begin. You can always opt for a higher level later when Manuka honey has become an established habit.

Higher MGO vs Better Value: What Actually Matters?

It’s tempting to assume the highest number must be the best buy, but that thinking can lead you astray. The best value isn’t always the highest MGO level. It’s the level that fits your routine, your taste, and your budget.

Think about it this way: A jar used daily can be far more valuable than a higher-strength jar that sits unopened at the back of the shelf. 

Plus, Manuka honey is meant to be enjoyed! You’ll want to be able to savor every spoonful, and because higher MGO can feel richer and more robust, it might not suit everyone’s taste buds. 

Your specific budget may be another factor to consider. Manuka honey ultimately works better as part of a consistent routine, and that routine has to be affordable with everything else going on in your life!

At the end of the day, the best-value Manuka honey is the one you enjoy enough to use consistently.

Which MGO Level Gives the Best Value?

The best value truly depends on the individual. Here’s how the three MGO levels compare:

• MGO 600+: This is a strong fit for everyday wellness, immune health support, and building a consistent daily routine. Often, the best value for newcomers is developing those simple daily habits.

• MGO 850+: This middle-ground offers a good fit for stronger daily support without moving all the way to the highest-strength option.

• MGO 1000+: Our highest MGO grade is a good fit for higher-strength, premium daily wellness routines, especially when consistency is already in place.

To be clear, no single level is the best value for everyone. The right answer depends entirely on your routine and your preferences.

What You Get With Manukora Higher-MGO Honey

When you’re paying more for a higher MGO, it’s fair to ask what that extra cost actually buys you. With Manukora, it comes down to transparency and verification you can see for yourself.

Every jar carries clear MGO labeling, so you always know the strength you’re buying. A QR code on each jar also lets you trace your honey back to its origin, its tested MGO level, and even the beekeeper who harvested your batch. 

On top of the above, our honey is free from glyphosate, antibiotics, and GMOs, and we are a Certified B Corp, which holds us to high standards on quality and responsibility alike.

Manukora was founded in 2015 by Mike and the legendary blind beekeeper Bryce Hooton, who built the company around traditional beekeeping practices in the remote regions of New Zealand. This heritage is the foundation for everything we do, an approach we call The Art of Ethical Beekeeping. It’s also what stands behind every higher-MGO purchase: premium sourcing and thorough testing you can trust.

How to Use Higher-MGO Manuka Honey Daily

A higher-MGO jar is easiest to justify when it becomes a consistent part of your daily routine. The good news is that using it is simple, and the amount stays the same no matter which strength you choose.

We recommend taking one to three heaping teaspoons daily, enjoyed straight from a wooden or stainless steel spoon. You can also stir it into warm coffee, tea, or lemon water once the drink has cooled. Just be sure to let your drinks come off boiling before adding your Manuka honey!

If you’re only just developing a new habit, it can also be beneficial to keep your jar somewhere you’ll see it each day, such as next to your coffee machine or favorite breakfast go-to.

The Verdict

So, is higher-MGO Manuka honey worth the money? 

It can be, when it matches the way you actually live. Higher MGO means higher strength, and higher-strength honey costs more because it is rarer and carefully verified. It may be well worth it if you already use Manuka honey daily and want stronger, more focused support. 

Yet, it may be unnecessary if you are just starting out or simply want an easy, everyday habit. Overall, the best value is rarely about the highest number. It’s about the jar you will reach for again and again.

Whichever way you lean, let your routine guide the decision rather than the price tag. If you would like a hand narrowing it down, our MGO quiz makes it quick, and our Superhoney Starter Kits are a low-commitment way to find your fit. Choose the Manukora MGO level that suits your lifestyle, then make it part of a simple daily wellness habit you will genuinely enjoy.

FAQs

Is higher-MGO Manuka honey better?

Higher MGO means higher strength, but it’s not automatically better for everyone. The right choice depends on your routine, your taste, your budget, and how consistently you plan to use it.

Why is higher-MGO Manuka honey more expensive?

Higher-MGO honey is rarer and contains a higher concentration of methylglyoxal. The price also reflects sourcing, testing, quality controls, and traceability that confirm the strength on the label.

Is MGO 1000+ worth it?

MGO 1000+ may be worth it if you want a higher-strength Manuka honey and already use it consistently in your daily wellness routine. For newcomers, however, it’s often worth building a habit first.

Is MGO 850+ a better value than MGO 1000+?

MGO 850+ may offer better value for people who want strong daily support without choosing the highest-strength option. It really comes down to your preference and routine.

Should beginners buy higher-MGO Manuka honey?

Beginners may prefer to start with MGO 600+ to build a comfortable daily habit, then move up to MGO 850+ or 1000+ later if they want a stronger option.

How much higher-MGO Manuka honey should I take daily?

At Manukora, we recommend one to three heaping teaspoons daily, either straight from the spoon or stirred into a cooled drink. The amount stays the same across all MGO levels.