Decoding Manuka Honey by MGO Rating:
Understanding the Ladder from MGO 83 to MGO 2190 (2026)
Information in this article shouldn't be considered medical advice. If you are considering taking manuka honey, propolis, royal jelly or bee pollen for their health benefits and are currently taking medication, please consult your doctor first.
The Purpose of MGO Ratings in Manuka Honey
The MGO rating on a label stands for methylglyoxal. This is the natural compound that gives manuka honey its unique antibacterial properties. Ordinary honey types do not contain this compound in significant amounts. The Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), native to New Zealand, produces nectar that leads to high levels of methylglyoxal.
We use this rating system to communicate potency directly to you. A higher number means a higher concentration of this active compound. It serves as a reliable indicator of strength. You do not need to guess the quality of the product. The number provides the proof.
Why Precision Matters
We value precision because nature varies from season to season. One harvest might produce a mild honey, while another yields a potent batch. We measure the manuka honey by MGO rating to sort these harvests correctly. This ensures you get exactly what you pay for. You deserve to know the precise strength of the honey you bring into your home.
How MGO Levels Are Measured
We do not assign these numbers ourselves based on estimates. Independent laboratories test every single batch of honey we produce. These labs use strict scientific standards set by the New Zealand government.
Scientists test for the specific concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram. For example, an MGO 83 rating means there is at least 83mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey.
The Testing Process
- Sample Collection: We take samples from our harvest batches.
- Lab Analysis: Accredited labs analyse the chemical composition.
- Verification: The lab issues a certificate confirming the exact MGO level.
- Labelling: We print the rating on the jar based on these certified results.
This rigorous process protects the reputation of New Zealand honey. It also protects you from buying mislabelled products. We take pride in this transparency.
MGO vs UMF: Understanding the Difference
You will often see UMF and MGO ratings side by side on our jars. They work together but measure slightly different things. It helps to understand how they relate.
Methylglyoxal in manuka honey is the specific compound we measure for potency. MGO is the direct measure of that single active ingredient.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a broader quality mark. It measures MGO, but it also tests for other markers like Leptosperin and DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). Leptosperin confirms the honey is authentic manuka and not from another plant. DHA indicates the potential for the MGO levels to rise over time.
We display both because they offer a complete picture. The UMF rating guarantees authenticity and quality. The MGO rating gives you the precise potency level.
Understanding the MGO Ladder from 83 to 2190
We view the MGO scale as a ladder. You start at the bottom with mild, daily-use honey. You climb up to rare, high-potency reserves. Each step up the MGO ladder NZ brands use represents a significant increase in methylglyoxal.
We craft honey at every level of this ladder. We source our honey from distinct regions across New Zealand to achieve these different grades. Let us walk you through the specific tiers we offer at Manuka South.
MGO 83: The Daily Staple
The entry point to our range is MGO 83 (UMF 5+). We consider this the perfect introduction to manuka honey.
MGO 83 suits general daily intake due to its mild strength. It offers a balanced option for those who want manuka honey without the intensity of higher-rated selections. The taste is sweet and earthy but not overpowering.
Best Ways to Use MGO 83
- Natural Sweetener: Use it in tea or coffee instead of refined sugar.
- Breakfast: Drizzle it over porridge, yoghurt, or toast.
- Cooking: It adds a rich flavour to marinades and dressings.
We recommend this level for families. It allows you to enjoy the taste of premium New Zealand honey every day at an accessible price point.
MGO 261: The Moderate Step Up
Moving up the ladder, we reach MGO 261 (UMF 10+). This grade represents a shift from simple table honey to a product with more functional value.
How MGO 261 Fits Moderate Potency Needs: MGO 261 provides a noticeable increase in methylglyoxal content. It works well for individuals who prefer a moderate strength without moving into the higher rating categories. The texture becomes slightly thicker, and the colour often deepens.
This level supports general well-being. Many of our customers keep a jar of MGO 261 in their cupboard for the winter months. It serves as a reliable maintenance grade. You get more of the unique manuka properties than you would with the entry-level options.
MGO 512: The Targeted Grade
The MGO 512 rating (UMF 15+) marks the entry into high-grade manuka honey. At this level, the honey is no longer just a sweetener. It becomes a wellness product.
The Role of MGO 512 for Potential Health Support: MGO 512 reflects a stronger concentration of methylglyoxal. It offers a level suitable for people seeking a more focused use supported by higher test results.
We source this honey from hives located in denser manuka areas. The bees forage almost exclusively on manuka flowers here. This results in a purer, more potent honey.
Why Choose MGO 512?
- Complexity: The flavour profile is richer and more complex.
- Wellness: It is popular for potentially helping to soothe sore throats or settle stomachs.
- Skincare: Some customers use this grade for DIY face masks due to its purity.
MGO 826: The Premium Tier
We now enter the category of premium strength with MGO 826 (UMF 20+). This is where manuka honey potency levels become very high.
Why MGO 826 Represents a Distinct Tier: MGO 826 indicates a marked jump in concentration. It suits users who prefer stronger activity while remaining below the rare categories at the top of the MGO scale.
Producing honey of this calibre requires skill and patience. We must place hives in remote, pristine locations. We often use helicopters to reach these areas because no roads exist. The manuka bushes here grow wild and untouched.
Health Implications: People often ask about the specific benefits of MGO 826 manuka honey for health compared to lower grades. At this concentration, the antibacterial properties are robust.
It is a top choice for those who want potential support for normal immune system function or digestive balance. The taste is intense, savoury, and less sweet than the lower grades.
MGO 1123: The Top-End Premium Tier
MGO 1123 (UMF 24+) belongs to the highest tier of our premium Manuka honey range. Honey at this level is rare. It makes up a very small percentage of the total manuka honey harvest in New Zealand.
What Sets MGO 1123 Apart from Lower Levels: MGO 1123 carries a high concentration supported by verification and batch testing. It appeals to buyers who want a powerful option from a trusted New Zealand source.
The Cellaring Difference: We apply a "cellaring" process, similar to ageing fine wine, to every batch we harvest to ensure it reaches its absolute peak. However, our highest ratings come from selecting batches that possess superior natural potential from the start. By carefully ageing these high-potential batches in temperature-controlled environments, we allow the DHA to convert to MGO at the optimal rate. We release these distinct batches only when they have fully realised their extraordinary inherent potency.
This honey is thick, dark, and aromatic. It commands respect. You do not use this for cooking. You take it directly from the spoon.
MGO 1288 to MGO 1835: The Ultra-Premium Range
Above our 24+ is our top tier, small batches we produce small batches of ultra-premium honey. These include ratings like MGO 1288 (UMF 26+), MGO 1462 (UMF 28+), and MGO 1637 (UMF 30+).
These grades are exceptionally scarce. Nature does not produce them every year. It requires a perfect storm of weather conditions:
- Hot, dry summers.
- Healthy, abundant manuka flowering.
- Strong, active bee colonies.
When we identify a batch with this potential, we treat it with extreme care. We track the manuka honey by MGO rating through repeated testing during the maturation phase. This ensures the final product is stable and potent.
MGO 2190: The Top of the Ladder
Finally, we reach the summit: MGO 2190 (UMF 35+). This is the highest MGO manuka honey available in New Zealand that we produce.
Why MGO 2190 Sits at the Top of the Ladder: MGO 2190 represents one of the highest levels available through certified New Zealand producers. It reflects a rare strength supported by strict testing and traceability standards.
This is not an everyday product. It is a luxury item. We package it in bespoke cases because it is so precious. The texture is almost like toffee. The flavour is intensely bold.
The Rarity Factor: Finding rare high-potency manuka honey MGO 2190 is difficult. We produce very few jars of this grade. It represents the absolute best of what our bees and our land can create. We subject these batches to our strictest quality controls. We hand-select the hives. We monitor the maturation for years. We release it only when perfection is met.
How MGO Ratings Help Buyers Compare Options
The confusion in the honey aisle often comes from vague terms like "active" or "raw." These words do not tell you enough. We use the manuka honey by MGO rating to give you a concrete tool for comparison.
The rating system gives buyers a direct reference point when choosing honey. It allows a clear comparison between strengths without relying on vague descriptions.
When you look at our range, you can check the number. You know that MGO 512 is approximately twice as strong as MGO 261. You know that MGO 1123 is a different class entirely from MGO 83. This numerical system empowers you to make the right choice for your needs and budget.
Why Testing Matters for High MGO Ratings
High MGO ratings command a higher price. This makes authenticity extremely important. Sadly, fake manuka honey exists in the global market.
Why New Zealand Producers Emphasise MGO Accuracy: Producers follow strict verification steps to maintain trust. Clear ratings strengthen confidence and protect the reputation of manuka honey within international markets.
At Manuka South, we guarantee that the honey in the jar matches the number on the label. We test for the MGO 83 just as rigorously as we test the higher grades.
Laboratory testing confirms the presence of key compounds in every batch. This process supports accuracy and protects buyers from mislabelled products. We want you to feel secure in your purchase. We can trace every jar back to the specific apiary where the bees collected the nectar.
How MGO Information Supports Authenticity
Transparency builds trust. We publish our testing standards because we have nothing to hide.
Transparent MGO values help prevent misrepresentation. Buyers gain confidence knowing the jar they select reflects verified testing rather than assumptions.
When you buy Manuka South, you buy a piece of New Zealand. You buy the result of careful beekeeping and precise science. The MGO rating is our promise to you. It certifies that the product is genuine, potent, and pure.
What These Ratings Mean for Manuka South
We are a family-owned business. We have spent decades building relationships with landowners and beekeepers. This gives us access to the best manuka blocks in the country.
Manuka South provides honey across several MGO levels supported by strict testing. Their range includes options that extend into high categories known for strong methylglyoxal content.
We specialise in the higher end of the spectrum. While we offer excellent daily honey, our passion lies in the Limited Reserve grades. We take pride in our ability to source and mature honey that reaches MGO 1835 and beyond. This separates us from mass-market brands. We focus on quality over quantity.
How Buyers Can Use the MGO Ladder When Selecting Honey
Choosing the right honey depends on your personal goals. Here is a simple guide to help you align the manuka honey by MGO rating with your lifestyle.
The ladder offers a helpful way to align strength with personal needs. Each step gives clarity through verified numbers rather than general labels.
- For the Breakfast Table (MGO 83 - MGO 261): Choose these if you want to replace sugar or enjoy the taste on toast. They are affordable and delicious.
- For Winter Wellness (MGO 512 - MGO 826): Choose these if you want to support your immune system during the colder months. They offer a good balance of potency and value.
- For High-Level Support (MGO 1123+): Choose these if you need maximum strength. These are for targeted use. A small amount goes a long way.
- For Gifting (Limited Reserve): Our high-grade jars make exceptional gifts. They demonstrate thoughtfulness and a taste for luxury.
Why the MGO Scale Remains Important for New Zealand Honey
The world loves New Zealand manuka honey. This demand requires a system that guarantees quality.
The scale reflects a system built on clear measurement and verified results. It supports transparency and reinforces trust in the global reputation of New Zealand manuka honey.
The MGO scale that manuka honey producers use is recognised globally. It provides a universal language for honey quality. Whether you are in London, New York, or Dubai, MGO 512 means the same thing.
Understanding Price Variations
You will notice that the price changes as you move up the MGO ladder. This reflects the rarity of the honey.
- Yield: Bees produce less high-grade manuka honey. The flowering season is short (2-6 weeks). Rain or wind can ruin a harvest.
- Location: High-MGO honey comes from remote, difficult-to-access areas. Transport costs are higher.
- Time: We hold high-grade honey in our cellars for up to two years to let it mature. This ties up resources but improves quality.
We believe the price reflects the effort, science, and time invested in every jar.
Our Commitment to Quality
We never compromise on quality. We follow strict standards, regularly audit our processes, and work with the UMF Honey Association to keep our certifications up to date.
Every jar of Manuka South comes from a careful process. We oversee each step, from the remote hills of New Zealand to your pantry. We care for our bees, respect the land, and treat our honey as a living product.
