How Manuka Honey Grades Help You Choose the Right Product
Choosing Manuka honey can be confusing when supermarket shelves and online stores offer products with different MGO ratings. You may see labels such as MGO 100+, MGO 550+, MGO 850+, MGO 1200+ or even higher grades.
Understanding what these numbers mean can make it easier to compare products and choose a Manuka honey that matches your preferences, intended use and budget.
What Are Manuka Honey Grades?
Manuka honey grades are commonly associated with the amount of methylglyoxal (MGO) present in the honey.
MGO is a naturally occurring compound associated with the characteristic properties of Manuka honey. It develops from another compound, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which occurs naturally in the nectar of some Leptospermum plants. As the honey matures, DHA can convert into MGO.
MGO can be measured through laboratory testing, giving consumers a numerical way to compare different Manuka honey products.
In simple terms, a higher MGO rating indicates a higher measured concentration of MGO.
Understanding Different MGO Levels
The MGO rating you choose depends on what you are looking for in a Manuka honey.
MGO 100+
MGO 100+ is a lower rating compared with high-MGO products. It can be an option for people looking to enjoy Manuka honey as part of their everyday food routine.
MGO 550+
MGO 550+ represents a substantially higher MGO concentration. It may appeal to consumers specifically interested in a stronger MGO rating.
MGO 850+
Manuka Honey MGO 850+ is a high-MGO option for shoppers looking for a significantly higher measured concentration of methylglyoxal.
This rating is particularly relevant to consumers who want a premium Manuka honey with a clearly defined MGO level.
MGO 1200+
MGO 1200+ represents a still higher MGO concentration. It is generally positioned as a premium, very-high-MGO option for consumers seeking a higher rating.
MGO 1500+
MGO 1500+ represents an even higher point on the MGO scale. Products at this level are typically aimed at consumers specifically looking for very high-MGO Manuka honey.
Does a Higher MGO Grade Mean Better Honey?
Not automatically.
A higher MGO number means a higher measured concentration of MGO, but that does not mean every consumer needs the highest grade.
For someone who wants Manuka honey mainly for toast, yoghurt, porridge or drinks, a lower or mid-range grade may be enough. Someone specifically interested in high-MGO Manuka may prefer MGO 850+, 1200+ or 1500+.
Your choice can depend on:
- Intended use
- Flavour preference
- Budget
- Desired MGO concentration
- Country of origin
- Testing and authenticity information
The best approach is to compare the complete product rather than focusing on the biggest number on the label.
Why Does MGO Concentration Vary?
MGO levels are influenced by the natural characteristics of the honey.
Australian Manuka honey comes from bees collecting nectar from Leptospermum plants. Australia has more than 80 native Leptospermum species growing across a variety of environments. Different species, locations and environmental conditions can contribute to differences in nectar composition.
DHA in the nectar provides the starting material for MGO development, while honey maturation contributes to its conversion into MGO.
As a result, not every Manuka honey naturally reaches a high MGO level.
Why Is Laboratory Testing Important?
When a product carries a specific MGO rating, laboratory testing helps verify the amount of MGO present.
The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) identifies MGO as the centrepiece of its Australian Manuka honey rating system and notes that it can be measured directly using laboratory analysis.
The AMHA also places importance on independent testing and traceability when authenticating Australian Manuka honey. Products carrying its Mark of Authenticity must be produced in Australia and tested by an independent approved laboratory against specified MGO and DHA criteria.
For consumers, this makes testing an important factor when comparing premium products.
Check the Country of Origin
MGO is only one part of the product story.
If you specifically want Australian Manuka honey, check the country-of-origin information on the label. The AMHA defines Australian Manuka honey as honey produced naturally by bees from nectar of Leptospermum plants in Australia.
A clear statement of origin can help distinguish Australian products from Manuka honey produced in other regions.
Look for Authenticity Information
Authenticity is especially important when purchasing a premium honey.
The AMHA Mark of Authenticity is designed to identify products that meet its criteria for authentic Australian Manuka honey. The criteria include minimum MGO and DHA levels, independent laboratory testing and requirements relating to the identity and production of the honey.
Consumers should check what a certification mark actually represents rather than assuming every logo has the same meaning.
MGO Is Not a Medical Dose
An important point when reading Manuka honey labels is that the MGO number is a concentration measurement, not a medical dosage.
For example, MGO 850+ describes the MGO level represented by the product. It does not tell you how much honey a person should consume or guarantee a particular health effect.
Manuka honey should be considered a food unless a specific product has been approved for a clinical use.
How to Choose the Right Grade
A simple way to compare grades is to start with your priorities.
For everyday use: A lower or moderate MGO rating may be practical for toast, breakfast foods and drinks.
For a high-MGO option: MGO 550+ or MGO 850+ may be worth considering.
For a very high-MGO product: MGO 1200+ or MGO 1500+ provides a higher measured MGO concentration.
Then compare the other details, including Australian origin, independent testing, authenticity, ingredients, nutrition, serving size and price.
What About Taste and Texture?
MGO grading does not determine exactly how a honey will taste or look.
Australian Manuka honey can naturally vary in colour, texture and flavour depending on floral source, season and location. The AMHA notes that characteristics such as colour and flavour can form part of the broader process of establishing honey identity.
High-MGO Manuka honey is often associated with a rich, distinctive flavour, but individual batches can differ.
Final Thoughts
Manuka honey grades help consumers compare products by providing a measurable MGO reference. From MGO 100+ through MGO 550+, MGO 850+, MGO 1200+ and MGO 1500+, the basic principle is that a higher number represents a higher measured concentration of methylglyoxal.
However, choosing Manuka honey should involve more than comparing numbers. Consider MGO level, Australian origin, laboratory testing, authenticity, taste, intended use and price together.
For shoppers interested in Manuka Honey MGO 850+, the rating provides a clear indication that the product falls into a high-MGO category. Checking the supporting product information can then help you decide whether that grade fits your preferences.
Ultimately, understanding the grading system gives you the information needed to read Manuka honey labels with greater confidence and choose a product based on meaningful characteristics rather than marketing language alone.