Manuka Honey MGO Ratings Explained: From 100 to 1500
When shopping for Manuka honey, you may notice labels such as MGO 100, MGO 263, MGO 550, MGO 850, MGO 1200 and even MGO 1500. These numbers can make choosing the right product confusing, especially if you are new to Manuka honey.
The good news is that the basic idea behind MGO ratings is straightforward. MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound associated with the distinctive characteristics of Manuka honey. The number provides a measurable indication of the MGO concentration in the honey.
Understanding these ratings can help Australian consumers compare Manuka honey products more confidently.
What Does MGO Mean?
Methylglyoxal, or MGO, develops from another naturally occurring compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is found in the nectar of some Leptospermum plants, which are the floral sources associated with Manuka honey. As the honey matures, DHA can convert into MGO.
MGO can be measured directly through laboratory testing, making it a useful way to describe the strength of Manuka honey. The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) identifies MGO as the centrepiece of its Australian Manuka honey rating system.
Understanding MGO Ratings
MGO ratings are generally expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which is equivalent to parts per million (ppm).
The basic principle is simple:
Higher MGO number = higher measured concentration of MGO.
For example, MGO 850 contains a higher measured concentration of MGO than MGO 550, while MGO 1200 is higher than MGO 850.
It is important, however, not to treat the number as a medical dosage or assume that a higher rating automatically means a particular health result.
MGO 100
MGO 100 is a lower MGO option compared with the higher grades found on the market.
It can be suitable for consumers who want to explore Manuka honey without selecting one of the highest MGO categories. Depending on the product, it can be enjoyed as an everyday honey in foods and beverages.
The MGO number should still be considered alongside origin, authenticity and product testing.
MGO 263
MGO 263 represents a higher MGO concentration than MGO 100.
This type of rating can appeal to consumers who want a more concentrated Manuka honey while remaining below the higher-MGO categories.
MGO 263 is also notable because the AMHA’s published material gives approximately MGO 263 as the MGO level associated with an NPA 10+ reference.
MGO 550
Moving up to MGO 550 means the honey has a substantially higher measured MGO concentration than MGO 263.
Consumers interested in stronger MGO ratings may choose this level based on their preferences, intended use and budget.
As with every MGO grade, the number describes MGO concentration rather than the overall nutritional value of the honey.
MGO 850
Manuka Honey MGO 850+ is a high-MGO category that attracts consumers looking for a more concentrated Manuka honey.
The AMHA publishes an approximate relationship between NPA 20+ and MGO 829, which helps explain why MGO values around 850 are sometimes discussed alongside the higher NPA grades.
MGO 850+ can therefore be useful for consumers specifically seeking a high-MGO Australian Manuka honey with a clearly stated numerical rating.
MGO 1200
MGO 1200+ represents a still higher MGO concentration.
At this level, consumers are looking at a very high-MGO Manuka honey rather than a general everyday honey. The higher number simply indicates a higher measured concentration of MGO.
As with MGO 850+, buyers should look at independent testing and product information rather than relying on the number alone.
MGO 1500
MGO 1500+ sits toward the very high end of the MGO range commonly offered by specialist Manuka honey retailers.
A rating at this level represents a significantly higher MGO concentration than MGO 100, 263, 550 or 850.
Because very high-MGO honey is a specialised premium product, factors such as authenticity, laboratory verification, provenance and price can become especially important when comparing products.
MGO Rating Comparison
| MGO Rating | Relative MGO Level | General Category |
|---|---|---|
| MGO 100 | Lower | Everyday Manuka |
| MGO 263 | Moderate | Medium MGO |
| MGO 550 | Higher | High MGO |
| MGO 850+ | Very high | High-strength Manuka |
| MGO 1200+ | Higher still | Very high MGO |
| MGO 1500+ | Very high | Premium specialist grade |
These are useful comparison categories rather than a universal official grading scale covering every product on the market.
Does a Higher MGO Rating Mean Better Honey?
Not necessarily.
A higher MGO rating means a higher measured concentration of methylglyoxal, but “better” depends on what you are looking for.
Someone buying honey for toast, tea or cooking may prefer a lower MGO product. Another consumer may specifically want a high-MGO honey such as MGO 850+ or MGO 1200+.
Taste, origin, authenticity, testing, intended use and budget can all influence the choice.
Why Testing Matters
A trustworthy MGO rating should be supported by appropriate testing.
The AMHA explains that MGO can be directly measured through laboratory analysis and places importance on independent laboratory testing and traceability.
The AMHA Mark of Authenticity also requires qualifying Australian Manuka honey to be produced in Australia and independently tested against specified MGO and DHA criteria.
For shoppers, this means the MGO figure is most useful when combined with credible information about where the honey came from and how it was tested.
MGO and Australian Manuka Honey
Australia has a diverse range of native Leptospermum species, which provide the floral sources for Australian Manuka honey. Natural variation between species and growing regions can influence the chemical composition of different honey batches.
This is why two Manuka honeys with different MGO ratings can also differ naturally in flavour, colour and texture.
When buying Australian Manuka honey, check the country of origin as well as the MGO rating.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Manuka Honey MGO ratings from 100 to 1500 is mainly about understanding methylglyoxal concentration.
MGO 100 represents a lower concentration, while MGO 850+, MGO 1200+ and MGO 1500+ represent progressively higher concentrations. The number provides a measurable characteristic that helps consumers compare Manuka honey products.
However, the MGO number should never be considered in isolation. Australian origin, authenticity, independent testing, traceability, flavour and intended use are also important when choosing a quality product.
Whether you choose MGO 100 for everyday use or a high-MGO option such as MGO 850+, understanding the rating system allows you to read the label more confidently and select a Manuka honey that fits your preferences.