What Do Different MGO Grades Mean?

Lower grades like MGO 600+ are commonly used for everyday wellness routines. Mid-range options like MGO 850+ are often chosen for more focused daily support, while MGO 1000+ is a more concentrated option for those looking for a stronger grade.

MGO Grade Table

This table shows how MGO grades differ and what they’re commonly used for. A higher MGO number simply means a more concentrated honey, so you can choose a grade that fits how you plan to use it.

Why Manuka Honey Is Graded 

Like fingerprints, no two jars of Manuka honey are identical. The final product is influenced by weather, soil conditions, the location and maturity of a hive, and more. That’s why grading matters. It helps you understand what’s in each jar and what makes one batch different from another, so you know what you’re choosing. 

Manuka honey is harvested in the lush Manuka Tea Tree forests of New Zealand. The unique chemistry of the Manuka Tea Tree flowers’ nectar gives rise to naturally occurring compounds like MGO (methylglyoxal) and leptosperin, which give Manuka honey its distinct character. 

How is Manuka Honey Graded?

Every batch of Manukora Manuka honey is extensively tested at third-party laboratories to meet the strict requirements we have developed for authenticity, potency, and safety.

One of the most important tests we undertake is the Methylglyoxal test (MGO for short). We test for the concentration of MGO in the Manuka honey (mg/kg) to determine its strength or potency.

Once we have the MGO testing completed, and provided the Manuka honey meets all other testing requirements, we package and label it into the closest MGO grade.

Manukora MGO grading starts at MGO 600+ and goes all the way up to MGO 1000+ and above for very special harvests. Our labels clearly state the minimum level of MGO that you can expect in your Manuka honey, but it often exceeds this amount!

The higher the MGO grade, the higher the potency. Here's a quick breakdown of the MGO grades offered by Manukora:

• MGO 600+: Supports daily immune function

• MGO 850+: Supports immune and digestive health

• MGO 1000+: Advanced support for inflammation balance

What Is So Special About MGO?

MGO is a naturally occurring compound that comes from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree. That nectar contains a unique natural sugar called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). As the honey develops, some of that DHA is converted into MGO, while some stays behind and continues to form more over time.

This is why MGO is used to grade Manuka honey. It gives you a clear way to understand what’s in the jar and helps you choose a product that fits your routine. It also adds a level of transparency around the quality and concentration of each batch.

MGO is often used as a marker because higher levels usually go hand in hand with other naturally occurring compounds like leptosperin, which is only found in Manuka honey.

MGO has also been widely studied for how it interacts with certain bacteria. Research has looked at its role in limiting the growth of strains like E. coli and MRSA, which helps explain why Manuka honey is considered different from other types of honey.

Why Are the MGO Levels Different?

The MGO levels can shift from one harvest to the next, and that comes down to a few key factors. 

Geographical Location

New Zealand has everything from warm coastal areas to cooler mountain regions. As that changes, so do the Manuka trees, the soil, and the overall environment, which can all influence MGO levels. 

Weather

The Manuka tree only flowers for a short window each year, usually a few weeks in summer. It needs the right mix of sunshine and warmth for nectar to flow well. Since the weather can be unpredictable, the results can vary even in the same spot year to year. 

Beekeeping

Healthy, undisturbed hives are more active when the flowering season begins. Our master beekeepers have access to the most remote Manuka forests in New Zealand and focus on high-quality beekeeping to ensure the bees are naturally healthy all year round.That means they’re in a better position to produce high-quality Manuka honey during that short window.

Common Grading Systems Explained

Manuka honey can be graded according to its potency, quality, and authenticity. The most common grading systems include MGO, UMF, and K Factor grading, which we explore in more detail below.

MGO Grading

MGO grading is the quickest way to understand how strong or concentrated a Manuka honey is. It reflects how much methylglyoxal (MGO) has developed in the honey over time.

Interestingly, the greater this value, the greater the presence of other beneficial compounds like Leptosperin.

UMF Grading

UMF grading gives a broader picture of quality and authenticity.

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) system is used in New Zealand and recognized internationally.

It looks at four things to give an overall rating:

• Strength: MGO content

• Authenticity: Leptosperin content (unique to Manuka honey)

• Shelf Life: DHA (dihydroxyacetone) content indicates how long the honey will hold its MGO content

• Freshness: HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural) content indicates how long the honey has been stored or if it’s been processed

The UMF factor can range from 5+ to 20+. Higher numbers indicate a higher concentration of these naturally occurring compounds and a fresher batch. 

K Factor Grading

Unlike systems like MGO or UMF, K Factor isn’t an official government-run or standardized grading method. It’s more of a reference point some brands use to highlight the origin of their honey. 

While Manukora's Manuka honey doesn't use this system, here's a brief overview: K Factor grading focuses on the pollen count of the Manuka honey. The presence of Manuka pollen authenticates the honey as being genuine monofloral Manuka honey from New Zealand rather than a blend of other plant nectar (like common multi-floral honey).

Which Manuka Honey MGO Grade Should You Choose?

It really comes down to how you want to use it. 

• MGO 600+: A common choice for everyday routines

• MGO 850+: Often picked when you want something a bit more focused

• MGO 1000+: A more concentrated option for those who prefer a higher grade

Once you understand the numbers on the jar, it becomes much easier to decide. Higher MGO simply means a more concentrated honey, so you can choose based on your routine and preference.

It’s also worth paying attention to how the honey is sourced. Look for brands that are transparent about their testing and origin, so you know exactly what you’re getting in each jar.

Why not explore the wide range of Manukora Manuka honey products? After all, your wellness routine deserves the best, and it doesn’t get any better than raw, authentic Manuka honey.

The Role of Manukora in Promoting Quality

At Manukora, we carry out all of these tests and more, including additional checks like glyphosate screening. Instead of showing multiple grading systems on the label, we keep things simple by using MGO as the main reference point.

Every jar is fully traceable. You can scan the QR code to see third-party test results for MGO, DHA, HMF, leptosperin, and other quality checks. That way, you’re not just taking a number at face value, you can see exactly what’s behind it.

Our approach to quality starts well before testing. We focus on careful hive placement, minimal interference, and letting bees work in their natural environment. This helps maintain consistency from batch to batch, even though natural variations will always exist.

FAQs

What does MGO grade tell you about Manuka honey?

MGO is the number that tells you how concentrated the honey is. When the number is higher, you’re looking at a more concentrated batch. It’s mainly there to help you compare options and pick what feels right for your routine.

Does location affect MGO levels in Manuka honey?

Yes, quite a bit. Where the honey comes from changes the result. Different parts of New Zealand have different soil, climate, and Manuka plant types, and all of that can influence the final MGO level.

How is MGO measured in Manuka honey?

Each batch is tested in a lab before it’s graded. The testing checks how much MGO is present, so the number on the jar reflects what’s actually in that specific batch.

What is the significance of the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) grading system?

The UMF grading system identifies genuine Manuka honey by testing for MGO, DHA, HMF, and Leptosperin. It directly correlates with MGO levels, providing a standardized measure of the honey's quality and potency.

Why do MGO levels vary between batches?

Because it’s a natural product. The weather, the flowering season, and where the bees are working can all change from year to year, so each batch ends up slightly different.

Sources

• The Composition and Biological Activity of Honey: A Focus on Manuka Honey - PMC

• The Golden Standard in Manuka Honey - UMF