The World’s Best Mānuka Honey: UMF and MGO Explained
What Makes Mānuka Honey So Special?
New Zealand’s Mānuka honey is one of nature’s most remarkable superfoods -- prized for its unique flavour, purity, and natural health properties. But with so many jars on the market, each boasting different numbers and labels, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Understanding UMF and MGO ratings is the key to choosing genuine, high-quality Mānuka honey. These ratings aren’t just marketing terms -- they’re scientific measures that reflect the honey’s authenticity and potency.
Understanding UMF: The Gold Standard of Quality
UMF, or Unique Mānuka Factor, is the official grading system used to identify pure Mānuka honey from New Zealand. It’s regulated by the UMF Honey Association, which ensures every certified product meets strict quality, authenticity, and traceability standards.
The UMF rating measures three key compounds:
- Leptosperin – verifies the honey is genuine Mānuka
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – the precursor that converts into MGO over time
- Methylglyoxal (MGO) – the compound responsible for the honey’s antibacterial activity
UMF grades typically range from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+, with higher numbers representing greater purity and potency. If you’re using Mānuka honey for daily wellness or general immune support, UMF 5+ or UMF 10+ is ideal. For targeted health support, such as soothing a sore throat or skin healing, UMF 15+ or higher may be more suitable.
What About MGO?
MGO, short for Methylglyoxal, is the compound that gives Mānuka honey its natural antibacterial strength. The higher the MGO number, the stronger the antibacterial properties.
Here’s how UMF and MGO ratings compare:
- UMF 5+ ≈ MGO 83+
- UMF 10+ ≈ MGO 263+
- UMF 15+ ≈ MGO 514+
- UMF 20+ ≈ MGO 829+
So, if you see “MGO 514+” on an M&H Mānuka Honey jar, you know it has the same potency as a UMF 15+ product. Both systems measure the same thing -- they just express it differently.
How to Choose the Right Mānuka Honey for You
Your perfect jar depends on how you plan to use it:
- Daily health boost or sweetener: Try UMF 5+ or 10+.
- Immune support and recovery: Choose UMF 15+.
- Topical or targeted wellness uses: Opt for UMF 20+ for maximum activity.
No matter which you choose, always ensure the honey is UMF certified and harvested in New Zealand -- just like every jar of M&H Mānuka Honey.
Why Buy M&H Mānuka Honey?
At M&H, we take pride in producing pure, authentic, and traceable Mānuka honey. Every batch is independently tested for UMF and MGO content, ensuring you get exactly what’s promised on the label.
We work directly with trusted New Zealand beekeepers to deliver honey that’s both scientifically verified and naturally delicious -- from our hives to your home.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Honey?
Explore our range of UMF and MGO certified Mānuka honey and taste the difference for yourself. Shop M&H Mānuka Honey
Next recommended read: 5 Delicious Recipes with Mānuka Honey You’ll Want to Try Tonight