Understanding MGO Ratings: How to Choose the Right Mānuka Honey for You

When it comes to choosing mānuka honey, one of the key factors to consider is its MGO rating. MGO, or methylglyoxal, is the compound responsible for many of the unique benefits of mānuka honey, including its powerful antibacterial and therapeutic properties. Here's a closer look at what MGO ratings mean and how to select the right level for your needs.

What is an MGO Rating?

The MGO rating indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in mānuka honey. This rating provides insight into the honey’s potency and effectiveness. Essentially, the higher the MGO rating, the greater the concentration of methylglyoxal, which typically means a more potent product with enhanced antibacterial and therapeutic properties.

Understanding MGO Ratings and Their Potency

Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right MGO rating for your needs:

• Daily Wellbeing: MGO 400+ Provides moderate antibacterial activity to support overall wellness and skin health. Suitable for daily health support and as a natural sweetener.

• Enhanced Extra Radiance: MGO 600+ is ideal for boosting both inner and outer vitality, this honey provides stronger antibacterial effects and is great for more pronounced health benefits, including wound care and severe infections.

• Targeted Ultra Care: MGO 800+ delivers the highest concentration of methylglyoxal and is designed for serious therapeutic use, offering maximum antibacterial and healing properties for acute conditions and specialized care.

Other Factors to Consider Beyond the MGO Rating

MGO levels can vary significantly, so to ensure potency, the honey should be tested and certified for its natural MGO content. Although the MGO rating is important, other factors should also be considered when selecting mānuka honey:

Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF)

The UMF rating is a key quality indicator that evaluates the honey's antibacterial activity. It works alongside the MGO rating to further ensure the honey's authenticity and effectiveness. UMF ratings offer third-party verification and transparency about potency. A dual rating with both MGO and UMF provides the highest level of assurance for potency, quality, and authenticity.

K-Factor

K-Factor indicates the pollen content, revealing what percentage of the honey is mānuka. However, pollen content does not reflect the potency of mānuka honey. The New Zealand Government's updated testing requirements do not recognize pollen alone as a reliable marker of authenticity.

Active or Bioactive

The terms "Active" or "Bioactive" refer to the general activity of honey but do not specify its potency. These labels are non-specific and do not indicate the strength of mānuka honey unless accompanied by an MGO rating. The New Zealand government prohibits the use of these terms on mānuka honey products unless MGO levels are also stated.

Source and Authenticity

Ensure that the mānuka honey is sourced from reputable producers and is verified for its MGO content. Authentic mānuka honey will have a credible certification, which guarantees that you are getting a genuine product with the claimed MGO level.

Packaging and Labeling

High-quality mānuka honey should be clearly labeled with both the MGO and UMF ratings. Check for certifications and authenticity markers on the packaging to ensure that you are purchasing a premium product.

Understanding MGO ratings is essential for selecting the right mānuka honey for your needs. By paying attention to the MGO level, along with other quality indicators such as UMF and source verification, you can make an informed choice and maximize the benefits of this remarkable honey. 

Whether you want to enhance your skincare routine or support your overall health, mānuka honey offers numerous benefits. Our mānuka honey carries a 100% New Zealand Guarantee of Origin, is certified and scientifically proven to be rich in methylglyoxal (MGO), and is sustainably harvested to preserve its valuable properties.

Shop our Mānuka Honey Collection