How to Read Manuka Honey MGO Labels and Choose the Right Strength for Your Needs

When you pick up a jar of manuka honey, the label usually lists a number followed by the letters MGO. At first glance, it can seem like another marketing code, yet this figure is the most direct reference to the honey’s activity level. 

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, the naturally occurring compound that gives manuka honey its unique properties. Reading a manuka honey MGO label correctly helps you choose the right jar for your personal needs.

At Manuka South, we believe that people should understand what sits behind the label. Our role is to produce honey that is ethically sourced and correctly labelled. We want to give you, our consumers, the confidence that every purchase isn’t going to waste.

This guide explains how MGO is measured, how it connects with the UMF grading system, and how different strengths align with practical uses. By the end, you will also have a checklist to confirm authenticity before buying.

Inside this article:

What MGO Measures and How Labs Report It

MGO, or methylglyoxal, is measured in milligrams per kilogram of honey. When an accredited laboratory tests a sample, the result appears as a single number. For example, a jar labelled “MGO 400” contains a mimimum of 400 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. Honey labels provide a guaranteed value, generally rounded down to a whole number, but the precise values of the lab results can be requested. This is not an estimate but a quantitative test carried out under strict conditions.

A reliable test report should provide:

• The batch number linked to the tested jar.
• The name of the accredited testing laboratory.
• The date of analysis.

With these details, you can confirm that the jar you are holding matches a real certificate. At Manuka South, we make these certificates available, and our Limited Reserve range is tested multiple times across the years it spends cellaring. This process adds certainty and demonstrates our commitment to accuracy.

How MGO Relates to UMF and Other Grading Systems

While MGO is the most direct way to describe potency, it is not the only grading system. The Unique Manuka Factor, or UMF, is a grading system that looks at MGO along with additional chemical markers:

• DHA (dihydroxyacetone) – a precursor compound that converts to MGO over time.
• Leptosperin – a marker unique to New Zealand manuka nectar that confirms authenticity.

Together, these markers validate both the strength and the purity of the honey. For high-value jars, UMF certification adds a layer of reassurance because it verifies that the MGO number is not presented in isolation. 

For example, our UMF 35 MGO 2190 Limited Reserve honey has been tested over a thousand days and independently certified by two laboratories, and it's certified MGO levels place it in the rarest category worldwide.

Other grading terms exist, such as “KFactor” or “BioActive,” yet these are typically measuring other components in the honey. Buyers seeking certainty should always check for UMF or an equivalent independent certification.

Typical MGO Ranges and Recommended Uses

Not every jar of manuka honey is intended for the same purpose. The grade number on the label helps you match the product to your goals.

• Low MGO (below 300): Suitable for daily consumption, sweetening drinks, or adding to meals. The antibacterial activity is low, yet the flavour and texture remain rich.
  
• Mid MGO (300 to 900): Commonly used for both daily intake and occasional topical application. The activity is more pronounced, supporting immune function and general wellness.
  
• High MGO (900 to 1,200): Favoured for higher support such as skin application or times when stronger antibacterial action is desired.
  
• Very High MGO (above 1,000): Reserved for premium and limited reserve jars, often chosen by people seeking intensive topical use or collectors who value rarity.
  

At Manuka South, we guide buyers by presenting both the MGO and UMF grades so the purpose is clear. For example, our UMF 15+ MGO 512 is a great starting point for immunity and wellbeing support, while the UMF 35+ MGO 2190 Legacy represents the top 0.03 per cent of global production.

Practical Steps to Verify Lab Testing and Batch Traceability

Because manuka honey is highly valued, mislabelling is unfortunately common. To protect yourself as a buyer, follow a practical verification routine:

1. Check the batch number. Every authentic jar should carry a code.
2. Request the lab certificate. A credible seller can provide the lab report that matches the batch.
3. Look for the lab name and test date. These prove the report is genuine.

This process does not take long, but it helps ensure that what you are paying for is genuine. Limited Reserve jars carry even stricter protocols, with results checked repeatedly during storage.

Red Flags and What To Ask a Supplier

Some signals suggest a supplier may not be offering a genuine product:

• Labels without batch IDs.
  
• Claims of strength without naming the testing laboratory.
  
• Price points far below the expected range for the listed MGO or UMF grade.
  
• Packaging that avoids reference to traceability or certification.
  
  

When buying manuka honey, ask three simple questions:

• Which laboratory tested this batch?
  
• Can you share the certificate that names the batch ID?
  

If the seller cannot answer, consider a different provider. At Manuka South, we welcome such questions and make verification simple. Transparency is central to our reputation.

Storage Handling and Shelf Life Considerations

Proper storage preserves both taste and potency. We recommend keeping manuka honey in a cool, stable location away from direct sunlight. A pantry cupboard is ideal. Avoid refrigeration because crystallisation may occur.

Do not expose honey to high heat. Gentle warming in warm water is acceptable if the honey thickens, but boiling or microwave heating reduces activity and alters flavour.

Label Checklist Buyers Can Use Before Purchase

Before purchasing a jar, use this quick checklist:

• Batch code visible on the label.
  
• MGO number expressed clearly in mg/kg.
  
• UMF or equivalent certification mark.
  
• Laboratory certificate reference.
  
• Origin statement confirming New Zealand harvest.
  

If any element is missing, pause the purchase and request documentation. At Manuka South, we never release jars without full traceability, and our Limited Reserve line comes with handcrafted packaging and signed certificates for added assurance.