To choose Manuka honey, look for the UMF™ or MGO rating on the label for guaranteed authenticity and potency, with higher numbers indicating stronger antibacterial properties for therapeutic use, while lower numbers (Multifloral) are great for daily enjoyment; ensure it's packed in New Zealand with traceability, and avoid vague terms like "bio-activity".
MGO (or Methylglyoxal) is the natural compound found in Manuka honey that gives its unique superpowers. This compound is an important measure of the honey's potency and its antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO level, the more concentrated, and therefore more powerful, the Manuka honey is.
The "best" strength of Manuka honey depends on your goal: lower MGO (30+ to 100+) is great for daily wellness, toast, or drinks; medium strengths (MGO 250+ to 500+) suit sore throats, minor cuts, or digestive issues; while high strengths (MGO 850+ to 1000+ and above) offer potent antibacterial action for severe wounds, ulcers, or specific therapeutic needs, with higher numbers indicating stronger antibacterial potency.
Is UMF or MGO Better? UMF is a more comprehensive grading system, while MGO is simpler and more direct to test. Because they measure different aspects of mānuka honey, neither system is inherently more reliable than the other.
Generally, higher grade UMF 15+ or UMF 20+ Manuka Honeys are more effective at killing active bacterial infections. The higher the UMF rating, the more antibacterial activity the Mānuka honey has and the more potency of MGO (Methylglyoxal) it has.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a unique, naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka honey that's responsible for its unique properties that help fight germs. MGO occurs naturally in many foods, plants, and animal cells and has germ-fighting properties.
While other kinds of honey offer vitamins, minerals, and propolis, Mānuka honey goes above and beyond offering additional health benefits and high levels of methylglyoxal. These properties make it a valuable addition to the world of natural medicine.
On the lower end of the MGO scale, honeys graded at MGO 150+ are a great option for a natural, everyday treat. Those closer to MGO 250+ can work well as a maintenance dose to support immunity.
The higher the MGO number of the Manuka Honey, the stronger its antimicrobial bioactivity levels and the more potent the natural medicinal benefits.
How to identify authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand
1: Look for the highest UMF™ and MGO grading in your budget
The UMF™ and MGO (methylglyoxal) numbers refer to the concentration of compounds found only in manuka honey and works on a spectrum. The higher the concentration, the higher the grade. Look for: Any grade from UMF™10+ upwards is suitable.
Manuka Honey 100 MGO (NPA 5+) is known for its beneficial health properties, thanks to a unique compound called Methylglyoxal (MGO). Sourced from the manuka bush in New Zealand, this honey is celebrated for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic qualities.
To help protect consumers and ensure that you know what you're buying, a range of grading systems were developed. UMF™ is the most popular and trustworthy grading system, followed by MGO.
KFactor measures the amount of pollen in the honey but does not measure the antibacterial strength of the Manuka honey. KFactor 12 represents Multifloral Manuka Honey based on pollen count. KFactor 16 represents Monofloral Manuka Honey based on pollen count.
The "best" Manuka honey brand depends on your needs, but top contenders consistently praised for quality, purity, and testing include Comvita, Manuka Health, New Zealand Honey Co., and Biosota Organics, with many experts recommending high-U M F (Unique Manuka Factor) or MGO (Methylglyoxal) ratings (e.g., 20+ UMF/850+ MGO) for potent benefits, but always check for independent lab results and UMF certification for authenticity.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
Costco's Kirkland Signature Manuka Honey is genuine New Zealand-sourced honey with UMF certification (typically UMF 10+ or 15+). Prices run $20-$30 for 17.6oz—roughly 30% cheaper than specialty brands. Always check the UMF logo and batch number on the jar. Not safe for infants under 1 year due to botulism risk.
Manuka honey should start working straight away. For wound and burn care the area should be soothed and show noticeable changes overnight. For skin conditions it should soothes the skin quickly and then might take a few applications to get a good result.
Health Benefits of Daily Mānuka Honey Consumption
Mānuka honey is known for its ability to promote gut health. Its antibacterial properties can help combat harmful bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori, which is linked to stomach ulcers. Additionally, it may soothe digestive issues like bloating and acid reflux.
Among these, methylglyoxal (MGO) is the most reactive and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, vascular complications, and several other chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders1,2.
Robinia pseudoacacia honey has the best antioxidant potential among the five honey types. This honey has also the best anti-inflammatory potential than the other honeys evaluated in this work. Flavonoids and organic acids were found in Robinia pseudoacacia honey.