Manuka honey is famous for its healing properties, but the numbers on the jar can be confusing. Here’s a clear breakdown of what those ratings mean and how to choose the right one for your health needs.

The Problem: Too Many Numbers, Not Enough Clarity

When shoppers first encounter Manuka honey, they’re often drawn in by its health claims. But then come the labels: MGO 550+, UMF 15+, and a range of numbers and letters that seem more scientific than sweet.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which number matters more? What’s the difference? Is a higher rating always better? Worse, with premium jars fetching upwards of $70, many buyers worry they might be paying for something they don’t fully understand.

This confusion isn’t just about marketing. It can lead to consumers buying the wrong product for their needs, underdosing themselves in hopes of immune benefits, or even skipping Manuka altogether out of frustration.

The Agitation: When Labels Lead to Costly Mistakes

Take the case of Sarah, a mother of two in Parramatta who started buying Manuka honey to help manage her son's recurring throat infections. She read somewhere that the higher the number, the better. So she went straight for a jar labeled MGO 550+, thinking it was the strongest and safest option.

She used the honey daily for weeks but didn’t see the results she expected. Frustrated and feeling misled, she turned to her local health store, where an attendant explained that while MGO refers to methylglyoxal content (the antibacterial compound), UMF also includes other key markers like leptosperin and DHA, giving a more complete picture of the honey’s medical grade.

Sarah realized she had paid a premium for something without fully knowing what she was buying. What she needed was a clearer explanation of mgo vs umf ratings—and how to choose based on actual needs rather than assumptions.

The Solution: Understanding the Ratings and What They Mean

Let’s break down the two main rating systems found on genuine Manuka honey:

MGO (Methylglyoxal)

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, the key compound responsible for Manuka honey’s antibacterial power. The number next to it tells you how many milligrams of MGO are in a kilogram of honey. For example, manuka mgo 550 means it contains 550 mg/kg of methylglyoxal. Higher numbers indicate stronger antibacterial activity.

This system is straightforward and focuses on a single compound. However, it doesn’t provide a full picture of the honey’s quality, authenticity, or supporting bioactives.

UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)

The UMF rating is broader. It measures:

• Methylglyoxal (MGO)
• Leptosperin (a marker for authenticity)
• DHA (dihydroxyacetone, which converts into MGO over time)

A UMF 10+ honey, for example, includes all three factors in verified proportions. This rating system is regulated by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand and provides added assurance that the honey is genuine and medicinal.

How to Choose the Right Grade for Your Needs

Your choice should depend on how you plan to use the honey:

• Daily immune support: MGO 100+ or UMF 5+ is usually sufficient.
• Digestive issues or skin health: Aim for MGO 250+ or UMF 10+.
• Wound healing or serious infections: Higher grades like manuka mgo 550 or UMF 20+ are often recommended.

If you’re using honey medicinally or applying it to wounds, a higher, lab-verified UMF rating is usually the safest bet.

Case Study: From Confused to Confident in Parramatta

After her experience, Sarah revisited her approach. With guidance, she chose a UMF 15+ honey for her son’s sore throats. Within a week, the improvement was noticeable. The honey had the right balance of active compounds and was certified by the UMF Association.

She now checks for both MGO and UMF on the label—and makes sure the honey comes with lab verification.

Her story isn’t unique. In Parramatta and surrounding cities like Granville and Westmead, where wellness communities are growing, more shoppers are learning to read beyond the front label and make informed decisions.

Quick Tips for Reading Labels Smartly

• Always check for certification from the UMF Honey Association or lab-tested MGO verification.
• Look at both MGO and UMF if listed. Don’t rely on just one.
• If the price seems too low for a high rating, be cautious. Authentic Manuka costs more to produce.
• For general health, a moderate rating is enough. No need to overpay.

The Bottom Line

Both MGO and UMF ratings provide insight into the quality and potency of Manuka honey, but they serve slightly different roles. Think of MGO as a snapshot of one powerful compound, and UMF as the whole picture, including quality, authenticity, and supporting activity.

The best choice? A product that clearly states both—ideally backed by third-party certification. It’s the surest way to get what you’re paying for and enjoy the honey’s full benefits.

Need Expert Advice on Quality Products?

Choosing high-grade honey can be tricky. If you need help making the right choice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of wellness professionals. We’re happy to guide you through the best options for your specific needs.