Understanding MGO: What the Different Manuka Honey Levels Mean

Walk into any honey aisle and you will see Manuka jars labelled MGO 30+, 100+, 400+ or even 1500+. Those numbers are MGO ratings, and they are the quickest way to understand what is inside the jar. This guide explains what MGO is, what each level means, and how to choose the right Manuka honey for the way you like to eat it.

What is MGO?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey which gives it potent, antibacterial strength. It develops as the honey matures from compounds in the nectar of the Manuka (Leptospermum) flower, and it is the reason Manuka honey is graded differently from other honeys.

An MGO rating is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). A jar labelled 250+ MGO contains at least 250 mg of methylglyoxal in every kilogram of honey. Every batch of Pure Origins Manuka is independently tested by accredited laboratories to verify its authenticity and its MGO rating, so the number on the label is one you can trust.

Why is higher MGO rarer?

MGO levels depend on the season, the flowering, the weather and where the hives are placed. Only some harvests reach high levels, which is why the higher the MGO number, the rarer the honey. High grade jars are produced in small batches, and that scarcity is reflected in the price.

The Pure Origins MGO scale

30+ MGO: Gentle

A soft introduction to Manuka honey. Lovely stirred through tea, drizzled over porridge or spread on warm toast.

100+ MGO: Everyday

A mild, versatile Manuka to enjoy by the spoonful, every day. It is a great place to start if you are new to Manuka, or want a honey for daily use on yoghurt, in smoothies, in dressings and in baking.

400+ MGO: Elevated

Richer and more intense, with a noticeably higher level of naturally occurring MGO. A favourite for people who love a bolder, more robust honey flavour to enjoy straight from the spoon.

1000+ MGO: High grade

Scarce honey from exceptional seasons, produced in small, independently tested batches. A honey to savour slowly, one small spoonful at a time.

1500+ MGO: Platinum

Our rarest harvest, released only when the season allows, in limited jars. It is our highest MGO level and a special choice to treasure yourself or give as a gift.

You will also find grades in between, such as 250+ MGO, which sits between Everyday and Elevated.

Why MGO and not UMF?

You may also see Manuka honey graded as UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor). UMF is a trademarked grading and certification system run by the UMF Honey Association of New Zealand, and it appears on New Zealand Manuka honey. Pure Origins is Australian honey, so we grade by MGO instead. Our honey does not carry the UMF mark.

Here is why we think MGO is a clear and honest way to grade Manuka:

One clear number: MGO is the amount of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey. A jar labelled 400+ contains at least 400 mg in every kilogram.
Measured directly: the number comes from laboratory testing of a specific compound, not a broad rating band.
Easy to compare: MGO numbers are widely used, so you can compare jars side by side.
Independently verified: every batch is tested by accredited laboratories for authenticity and for its MGO rating.

Both systems are recognised ways of describing Manuka honey. UMF looks at several markers, while MGO focuses on one, which is why we pair our MGO rating with independent testing for authenticity on every batch.

How MGO and UMF levels compare

If you are used to UMF, this table gives approximate equivalents. They are a guide only, because the two systems measure different things.

Pure Origins level	MGO (mg/kg)	Approximate UMF™
Gentle	30+	Below UMF 5
Everyday	100+	Around UMF 5
Between Everyday and Elevated	250+	Just under UMF 10
Elevated	400+	Around UMF 12 to 13
High grade	1000+	Above UMF 20
Platinum	1500+	Above UMF 20

The commonly published reference points are UMF 5 = MGO 83+, UMF 10 = MGO 263+, UMF 15 = MGO 514+, UMF 18 = MGO 696+ and UMF 20 = MGO 829+. Our figures between those points are estimates. UMF™ is a trademark of the UMF Honey Association.

Does a higher number mean better?

A higher MGO rating means a higher concentration of MGO, a rarer harvest and a richer, more intense and potent honey. But the best honey is the one you will enjoy using. A 100+ is perfect for everyday cooking and tea, while a 1000+ or 1500+ is a premium honey with higher health benefits and best savoured on its own. Choose by taste, by how you plan to use it, and by your budget.

Manuka honey and your daily routine

Honey has been valued as a natural food in cultures around the world for thousands of years, both as a food and in traditional medicine practices, and Manuka honey has attracted plenty of scientific interest. Research is ongoing, and we keep things simple: Manuka honey is a natural, minimally processed food that many people enjoy as part of a balanced diet and a daily ritual for there well-being.

Popular ways to enjoy it include a spoonful in warm (not boiling) water or herbal tea, stirred through yoghurt, or drizzled over fruit and toast. Because honey is a natural humectant, it is also a popular ingredient in homemade skincare routines such as face masks. If you try this, patch test first.

Quality you can check

Every jar of Pure Origins honey is made with care, from hive to jar:

Single origin: never blended with honey from elsewhere, so you taste one landscape and one season.
Cold extracted: extracted and packed at temperatures no warmer than the hive, never pasteurised.
Independently lab tested: every batch of Manuka is tested to verify authenticity and MGO rating.
Australian: a family owned and operated business in South Australia since 2011, and winner of SA Exporter of the Year in 2023 and 2025.

Getting the most from your honey

Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. There is no need to refrigerate it.
Crystallising is natural. To soften it, stand the jar in a bowl of warm water.
Avoid very high heat so you keep the honey's flavour and character.
Always use a clean, dry spoon.

Who should check first?

Honey, including Manuka, is not suitable for babies under 12 months. Honey is also a natural source of sugar, so if you are managing diabetes, have a pollen or bee product allergy, or have any medical condition, speak with your doctor or health professional before adding it to your diet.

Frequently asked questions

What does MGO stand for? Methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey. The MGO number shows the minimum amount in milligrams per kilogram of honey.

Is Pure Origins Manuka honey raw? Our honey is cold extracted and packed at temperatures no warmer than the hive, and it is never pasteurised.

How much should I have? There is no one right amount. Honey is a source of sugar, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Where does it come from? Our honeys are single origin and come from remote, protected parts of Australia, from Tasmanian rainforest to South Australian bushland.

Ready to find your level?

Browse the Pure Origins Manuka honey collection and choose the MGO grade that suits you.

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Pure Origins Manuka honey is a food, not a medicine, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you have health concerns, please speak with a health professional.