Manuka honey MGO 300+: what does the number mean?
Written by WIGNA EditorialUpdated 1 min read
In short
MGO is the amount of methylglyoxal in the honey, in milligrams per kilogram. MGO 300+ means at least 300mg of methylglyoxal per kg; the higher the number, the higher the content. Methylglyoxal forms as the dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in manuka nectar converts while the honey matures.
- MGO = milligrams of methylglyoxal per kg of honey
- MGO 300+ = at least 300mg per kg
- Methylglyoxal comes from DHA in the nectar converting as honey matures (Adams et al., 2009)
- UMF is a separate New Zealand grade that maps to minimum MGO levels
How is MGO formed?
The nectar of manuka (Leptospermum) flowers contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA). As the honey matures, DHA converts to methylglyoxal (MGO), and the measured amount is the MGO figure on the label. The conversion was described in 2009 by researchers at the University of Waikato.
How do I read the number on the label?
| Label | Meaning | WIGNA product |
|---|---|---|
| MGO 300+ | At least 300mg methylglyoxal per kg | Jar · Sachets |
| MGO 600+ | At least 600mg per kg | Jar · Sachets |
| MGO 880+ | At least 880mg per kg | Sachets |
| MGO 1200+ | At least 1,200mg per kg | Sachets |
How does it compare with UMF?
UMF is the grading system of New Zealand's UMF Honey Association. Each grade has a minimum MGO, so the two can be roughly compared.
| UMF | Minimum MGO (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
| 5+ | 83 |
| 10+ | 263 |
| 15+ | 514 |
| 20+ | 829 |
What about Australian Manuka honey?
Many Leptospermum species grow wild in Australia. A 2016 study in PLOS ONE found high MGO in Australian Leptospermum honeys too, over 1,000mg per kg. The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA), founded in 2017, sets standards for MGO, DHA and leptosperin. WIGNA Manuka honey labels show both the honey's Australian origin and its MGO figure.
Products in this article
Manuka Honey MGO 300+
100% Australian Manuka honey 250g / 500g
Manuka Honey MGO 600+
100% Australian Manuka honey 250g / 500g
Manuka Honey Sachets ×10 MGO 300+
with royal jelly & propolis 12g × 10 sachets
Manuka Honey Sachets ×10 MGO 600+
with royal jelly & propolis 12g × 10 sachets
Manuka Honey Sachets ×10 MGO 880+
with royal jelly & propolis 12g × 10 sachets
Manuka Honey Sachets ×10 MGO 1200+
with royal jelly & propolis 12g × 10 sachets
FAQ
Are MGO and UMF the same?
No. MGO states the methylglyoxal content directly. UMF is a grade from New Zealand's UMF Honey Association that tests MGO, DHA and leptosperin together. For example, UMF 10+ corresponds to at least MGO 263, and UMF 20+ to at least MGO 829.
Is there a standard for Australian Manuka honey?
The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) has two tiers. Its 'Authentic' mark requires at least 85mg/kg MGO and 170mg/kg DHA; its 'Authorised' mark requires at least 30mg/kg MGO and 60mg/kg DHA. Both require leptosperin, a marker compound of manuka, to be present.
Is a higher number always better?
The number tells you the difference in methylglyoxal content. We suggest choosing with your intended use, serving size and price in mind.
