Manuka Honey MGO Levels Explained: Which Strength Do You Actually Need?

Quick Answer

A high MGO means a higher strength of Manuka honey, but you don’t always need the highest MGO level. When it comes to this liquid gold, consistency is far more important. 

This guide explains what MGO actually means, how it compares to UMF, how the different strength levels fit into real daily routines, and how to choose the option that suits your lifestyle.

What Does MGO Mean in Manuka Honey?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in authentic Manuka honey. The number you see on each Manukora jar, such as 600+, 850+, or 1000+, tells you the concentration of methylglyoxal inside. A higher number simply indicates a higher concentration and, therefore, a higher strength. 

Yet, where does it come from? Why is it only found in Manuka honey?

MGO is actually derived from a natural sugar called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is present in the nectar of the Manuka tea tree. As the honey matures over the months after harvest, the DHA gradually converts into MGO. In fact, this is why many beekeepers allow Manuka honey to sit for many months before it’s packaged and sold.

At Manukora, we grade our honey using MGO because it gives you a clear, straightforward way to understand the strength in every jar. 

Why Higher MGO Is Not Always Better

A common mistake is assuming that a higher MGO level is the best option. The best choice, however, comes down to how you actually plan to use your Manuka honey.

Higher MGO levels are often chosen by individuals building a more focused, intentional wellness routine. Plenty of others find that MGO 600+ fits their everyday life perfectly. Yet, MGO 850+ and 1000+ may suit those who already enjoy Manuka honey regularly and want a stronger daily option.

If you’re new to Manuka honey, you don’t necessarily need to jump to the highest MGO level right away. Instead, consider your taste and texture preference, as well as your budget and routine. A jar you genuinely enjoy and use every single day may offer you more than one you barely ever reach for.

Manukora MGO Levels at a Glance

Here is a simple way to see how the three main MGO strengths line up:

MGO vs UMF: Understanding the Difference

When comparing brands, you may notice two different numbers. While both MGO and UMF are legitimate grading systems for Manuka honey, MGO gives a more direct measure of the honey’s strength.

MGO measures methylglyoxal content directly, giving you a single number for a specific compound. In contrast, UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor, is a broader grading system used across the Manuka honey industry. This means that UMF uses several markers together, including methylglyoxal, Leptosperin, and DHA, which may be confusing for some consumers—especially if you’re new to Manuka honey.

MGO vs UMF: A Quick Comparison

At the end of the day, MGO and UMF aren’t the same measurement, even though they are often mentioned side by side. At Manukora, we use MGO as the primary number because it provides a clear, specific value tied directly to methylglyoxal content.

What Each MGO Level Is Typically Used For

Each MGO level fits a slightly different kind of daily routine, depending on how you like to use Manuka honey. Here’s how things shake out in practice.

MGO 600+ is a comfortable starting point for everyday wellness routines. It slots easily into simple daily habits and is often chosen by people enjoying Manuka honey for the first time. It’s also easy to enjoy straight from the spoon or mixed into slightly cooled drinks.

MGO 850+ is a natural step up for those who already use Manuka honey regularly. It fits into more intentional daily routines and is often preferred by people who like a stronger, richer experience. It works well across morning, afternoon, or evening routines.

MGO 1000+ is a higher-strength option for more established daily routines. It’s often chosen by people who prefer a more premium Manuka honey experience and have a consistent daily habit in place.

Daily Wellness vs Focused Daily Support

Some people like to keep things simple with MGO 600+, while others naturally gravitate toward 850+ or 1000+ as part of a more deliberate approach. Here’s a few considerations that may help you decide what’s best for you and your life.

Daily Wellness Style May Suit People Who:

• Are new to Manuka honey

• Prefer simple, easy daily habits

• Want something they can use without thinking too much about it

• Focus on general everyday wellness routines

More Focused Daily Routine May Suit People Who:

• Already use Manuka honey regularly

• Enjoy having a stronger option in their routine

• Are building a more structured wellness habit

• Prefer a more intentional daily approach

When Does Upgrading to a Higher MGO Level Make Sense?

Upgrading is usually a personal preference that comes after you’ve already built a consistent routine.

Upgrading may feel right if:

• You already have Manuka honey as part of your daily routine

• You’re curious about a stronger or richer experience

• You want to refine your routine over time

• You feel consistent with your current usage and want to explore more

However, you may want to stay at your current level if:

• Your current MGO level already fits your routine well

• You enjoy the taste and consistency as it is

• You’re happy with how you’re using it day to day

• You don’t feel a need to change anything

At the same time, upgrading isn’t right for everyone. If you’re enjoying your MGO 600+ or MGO 800+, there’s no need to go up a level. Keep doing what you’re doing if it’s working for you!

How to Use Manuka Honey Daily

The easiest way to get value from Manuka honey is to fold it into a simple daily routine. We recommend taking one to three heaping teaspoons daily, enjoyed straight from a wooden or stainless steel spoon to keep the honey at its best. Start with one heaping teaspoon frist thing in the morning and add one to two more as needed.

You can stir it into warm coffee, tea, or lemon water once the drink has cooled and come off boiling. Let hot drinks rest for 30 to 60 seconds before adding your honey.

It may also help to keep your jar somewhere visible, near your morning drink, your breakfast things, or your wellness shelf. A habit you can see is a habit you will keep.

How to Choose the Right MGO Level for Your Routine

When it comes down to the decision, take into account these factors:

• Consider your daily routine: Pick a strength you’ll use consistently.

• Think about your taste preference: Higher MGO tends to bring a richer, stronger flavor, so choose what you will enjoy.

• Clarify your wellness goals: Decide whether you want general daily support or a more focused daily option.

• Factor in ease of use: Start with the level that feels simplest to weave into your existing habits and routine.

Start with the MGO level that feels easiest to use consistently. The right jar is the one you will actually make part of your daily lifestyle.

Why Manukora Focuses on Quality and Traceability

Choosing the right MGO level is far easier when you can trust the label and see where your honey comes from. This is why every Manukora jar carries clear MGO labeling and a QR code that lets you trace your honey back to its origin, its MGO level, and even the beekeeper behind the suit. 

Our honey is also free from glyphosate, antibiotics, and GMOs, and we’re a Certified B Corp, which means we are held to high standards on both quality and responsibility.

All of this is rooted in The Art of Ethical Beekeeping. In fact, Manukora was founded in 2015 by Mike and the legendary blind beekeeper Bryce Hooton, who built the company around traditional, ethical beekeeping practices in the remote regions of New Zealand. When the label is clear and the source is transparent, choosing your MGO level becomes a simple, confident decision rather than a guessing game.

Making Your Decision

MGO levels are a genuinely helpful way to gauge Manuka honey strength, but the right choice ultimately comes down to your routine and consistency. 

Keep in mind that MGO measures methylglyoxal content, and a higher number indicates a higher strength, though not always a better fit for you. MGO 600+, 850+, and 1000+ each suit different kinds of daily routines. MGO and UMF can be compared, but, at Manukora, we emphasize MGO for its clarity. Above all, daily consistency matters more than chasing the highest figure on the shelf.

If you are still deciding, our MGO quiz can help you find your match in a minute or two. Our Superhoney Starter Kits may then offer an easy way to begin your Manuka honey journey! Choose the Manukora MGO level that fits your lifestyle, and make it part of a simple daily wellness routine you will genuinely look forward to.

FAQs

What does MGO mean in Manuka honey?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in authentic Manuka honey. It helps indicate the honey’s strength and gives you a clear, simple point of comparison while you shop.

Is higher MGO always better?

No, a higher MGO means a higher strength, but the right choice depends on your routine, your taste preference, your budget, and how consistently you plan to use it. The best jar is the one you’ll actually reach for every day.

What MGO level should beginners choose?

MGO 600+ is a strong starting point for everyday wellness routines. It supports general well-being and immune health as part of a balanced lifestyle, and it makes consistent daily use easy and enjoyable.

What is the difference between MGO 850+ and MGO 1000+?

MGO 850+ offers a stronger daily option for people who already enjoy Manuka honey regularly, while MGO 1000+ is a higher-strength, more premium choice for established, focused daily routines.

How much Manuka honey should I take daily?

At Manukora, we recommend one to three heaping teaspoons daily, either straight from a wooden or stainless steel spoon or stirred into a cooled drink.

What is the UMF equivalent of MGO 600+?

MGO 600+ is approximately equivalent to UMF 15+. We focus on MGO because it provides clear, specific strength labeling tied directly to methylglyoxal content.