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.
Generally, higher grade UMF 15+ or UMF 20+ manuka honeys are more effective at killing active bacterial infections.
Manuka honey comes in a range of MGO ratings. The higher the number on the label, the better the health benefits and anti-bacterial properties are.
An MGO rating is a standardised measure of methyglyoxal content and is an indicator of quality. 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.
UMF ranges from 10 to 25, the higher the rating, the more potent, and of course, the more expensive, the honey. Manuka honey that scores UMF 10+ is considered potent enough for medicinal use.
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.
Are UMF™ and MGO the same? No. UMF™ is a complete and advanced grading system. It includes the measurement of MG (MGO) (methylglyoxal) levels, but also includes additional testing of authenticity markers of the Manuka Honey.
General Wellbeing
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.
When it comes to the anti-bacterial health benefits of honey, these are measured using a NPA (non-peroxide activity) rating, where 5+ is the lowest strength and 20+ is the best. Aldi's honey has a 5+ rating.
Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial properties that make it healthy too. 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.
MGO stands for 'Methylglyoxal', a naturally-occurring compound found in Manuka honey. The concentration of MGO in Manuka honey determines its antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO level, the stronger the antibacterial qualities of the honey.
The ratings are based on the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) in Manuka honey. The higher the level, the more potent the honey. Usually, they range from MGO 150+ to MGO 1717+.
The highest UMF produced in the world - therefore "the best" Manuka honey in terms of its antibacterial activity is UMF 28+. Precious and difficult to source, it is available in limited supply here. MGO - is short for methylgloxyl and correlates to the strength and potency of antibacterial properties in Manuka honey.
Technically, UMF™10+ manuka honey is suitable for wounds. But for the best results, look for the highest grades: UMF™ 24+ and UMF™ 26+. These have greater concentrations of the good stuff that helps to heal wounds.
How can I convert MGO to UMF™ or NPA to UMF™ or vice versa? MGO /NPA does not convert to UMF™. The UMF™ grading system measures four unique signature compounds – Leptosperin, DHA, MGO and HMF- that science has proven to be found in pure, authentic, quality New Zealand Mānuka honey.
We recommend the lower levels of MGO Manuka Honey for daily use, while the higher strength Manuka is used when you need more support in your daily diet - such as during cold and flu season.
Overall, the healthiest type of honey is raw, unprocessed honey, as there are no additives or preservatives.
Manuka honey can be especially good for colds, as it contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) – which you may have seen on labels before. The higher the MGO rating, the higher the antibacterial punch.
Surprisingly, monofloral Mānuka honey is one of the few substances on Earth that won't expire if stored properly. The only factors that will cause Mānuka honey to go bad are poor storage and contamination.
The Limited Reserve UMF 32+ (MGO 1835) is one of the rarest and most potent Mānuka honey in the world.
Due to the sheer size of Australia compared to New Zealand and the larger number of Leptospermum varieties Australia naturally produces some of the stronger MGO honeys. As the honey is only produced in two countries this makes it more expensive than other honeys that are produced globally.