While New Zealand Manuka honey tends to have higher levels of MGO compared to Australian Manuka honey, this does not necessarily make it always the case. In fact, both types of Manuka honey have been shown to have medicinal properties and can be used for a wide range of health applications.
More is more: Australia's unmatchable variety of Manuka
The diversity of Australia's Manuka trees is vastly superior to New Zealand. Australia is home to 83 species of Manuka, 12 of which have bioactive, medicinal properties, making them ideal for high-MGO Manuka production. In comparison, New Zealand has only one.
While Australian manuka honey may also have benefits, it isn't as well-researched and regulated. New Zealand Manuka comes only from the leptosperum scoparium plant, commonly known as the Manuka plant, while Australian manuka can come from any plant in the leptosperum species.
Best Premium Manuka Honey
At 24-plus UMF and 1,122-plus MGO, New Zealand Honey Co. produces one of the most potent Manuka honeys on the market. Each batch of New is independently tested for purity and has a thick consistency that could work nicely as a spread.
We now know Australia is host to over 80 species of Leptospermum, including the same plant - Leptospermum Scoparium - as is found in NZ. Because of this variety, along with other types of flora, Australian Manuka honey has a different flavor and color profile & is less likely to crystallize.
Tim Malfroy produces some of the world's best honey in the pristine world heritage Blue Mountains of Australia. Malfroy's honey is a great representation of the terroir of the Blue Mountains with its complex flora and pure environment. The depth of flavour is amazing; this honey is something special.
Manuka honey is more expensive than most other honey because it is rare and only produced in Australia and New Zealand. The flowers the bees collect the nectar from, to make Manuka honey are from the Leptospermum family, which is native to Australia. Farming Manuka honey costs more to produce than other honeys.
Which Manuka honey should you buy? We recommend Manuka honey with a minimum of 100+ MGO. As there are no UK guidelines to classify Manuka honey grades, we recognise that it can be difficult to shop products and compare them to understand with Manuka honey which strength you should buy.
Mānuka refers to a white flowered tree that grows in both New Zealand and Australia – although it is more widely known as “tea tree” in Australia.
Honey products are permitted into most Australian states and territories. Honey products must be inspected by a biosecurity officer on arrival, to confirm the honey items are free from contamination. Items that do not meet these conditions will be exported or destroyed at the importer's expense.
What makes New Zealand Manuka honey special, is it has over 200 compounds that are not found in other types of honey. The medicinal trilogy of leptosperin, dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and methylglyoxal (MGO) are signature compounds that are measured in the UMF™ rating to our Manuka honey.
Most people have heard of the benefits of Manuka Honey, and – thanks to clever marketing – many people believe it is only produced in New Zealand. The truth is, there are far more manuka trees in Australia than New Zealand.
Australia's Manuka MGO 850+ medical grade TGA approved honey is a superior honey with bioactive properties suitable for wound care. Suitable for the treatment of minor cuts, abrasions and burns.
Is UMF or MGO better? Because UMF is a complete, advanced grading system, it is a purer indicator; but MGO is simpler and more straightforward to test. Therefore, you cannot say one is more reliable than another.
If you plan to use it to sweeten tea, baked goods, or spread on toast, but want some added benefits, then the lower ratings would be suitable (MGO ~60+). If you plan to take the honey as a supplement for general well being or digestive health then a higher rating might be in order (MGO ~150+).
MGO stands for methylglyoxal. Methylglyoxal is a naturally-occuring compound found in raw honey, and is the main factor associated with its beneficial antibacterial and antioxidant properties². The MGO rating on a jar of manuka honey indicates its content; the higher the rating, the more methylglyoxal in that batch.
Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option. Let's draw some inspiration from Oscar Wilde here. “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
Manuka honey with higher levels of antibacterial properties is most often used in skincare and for health purposes – MGO 263+ (UMF 10+) or higher. Manuka honey with, relatively, lower levels of antibacterial properties (MGO 83+ or UMF 5+) is the perfect choice for daily consumption.
On the lower end of the MGO scale, honeys graded at MGO 30+ are a great option for a natural, everyday treat. Those closer to MGO 290+ can work well as a maintenance dose to support immunity. Biosota's Manuka honey straws are a satisfying addition to your cuppa and a great way to maintain a daily dose.
If you want a natural sweet hit every day, and you're not too worried about extra health benefits, then any honey will fill that gap. But if you're keen for a wellness kick or you want the medical benefits that have made manuka honey famous, then it's worth buying the real stuff.