What is MGO in Manuka Honey? A Complete Guide
Manuka honey is world-renowned for its unique properties, but what truly sets it apart from ordinary honey is its MGO content. The higher the MGO, the higher the concentration of the beneficial compound and the stronger the honey's properties. MGO is a reliable benchmark for quality in Manuka honey.
What is MGO?
MGO stands for Methylglyoxal. It is a naturally occurring compound that develops in the nectar of the Manuka bush flowers in New Zealand. MGO is the key marker that defines the quality of the honey and its distinctive antibacterial properties, which make Manuka honey truly special. The MGO level is determined through laboratory tests. Here, the Manuka honey is analysed to measure the concentration and ensure that the numbers on the label match the content. Scientific tests have shown that this substance has antimicrobial properties, and the more MGO the honey contains, the greater its ability to combat microorganisms.
Manuka honey from New Zealand is also tested for special natural markers that document that the honey actually originates from the Manuka plant.
What do the MGO numbers mean in practice?
MGO is about how you want to use Manuka honey in your daily life. Here is a general guideline for the strengths:
At HVNR Health we have chosen Manuka honey above 500 MGO to offer a concentration and quality level that suits an active lifestyle with correspondingly high demands for purity, traceability and function.
500-700 MGO: A higher strength that is ideal for intensive daily use.
1000+ MGO: A rarely exclusive Manuka honey with high potency, extracted in very limited quantities
How do you choose the right MGO level?
The choice depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. Higher MGO means higher concentration and stronger properties. Many choose to have two different variants available: Everyday Boost MGO 540 for daily routine and Super Boost MGO 1000 for specific needs.
For daily well-being (Everyday Boost): If you want a simple and stable daily routine, 540 MGO is the perfect choice. It's easy to include in your breakfast, before training or as a regular part of your healthy lifestyle.
For intensive use (Super Boost): If you are looking for a more concentrated and potent solution with stronger properties, choose 1000 MGO. This variant is ideal for more specific periods when you need an extra powerful boost.
Why is high MGO Manuka honey more expensive?
The price of Manuka honey reflects the rarity and the natural conditions required to achieve high MGO concentrations. Production is limited by several factors:
Tthe Manuka bush blooms only for a short period, making the harvesting window very narrow.
The quality and concentration of the nectar depend directly on the climate and natural conditions, which makes it difficult to guarantee high MGO levels every year.
Batches with very high MGO concentrations are naturally rare, making them a scarce and exclusive product.
MGO directly measures the content of methylglyoxal in the honey. UMF is a broader classification system that measures several parameters. Both systems are used to ensure authenticity, but MGO provides a simple and average understanding of the honey’s strength.
The quality and concentration of the nectar depend directly on the climate and natural conditions, making it difficult to guarantee high MGO levels every year.
At HVNR Health, each batch is independently tested to verify its MGO level. Our Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand in collaboration with Manuka Doctor, independently tested, and fully traceable from hive to finished product.
Batches with a very high MGO concentration are naturally rare, making them a uniquely exclusive product.