MGO and UMF: what do these quality marks mean for Manuka honey?
Manuka honey has been popular for years, but those buying a jar for the first time quickly stumble upon the letters and numbers on the label. MGO 300+? UMF 15+? In this article, we explain clearly what MGO and UMF mean, what the difference is, and what to look out for when choosing a jar of Manuka honey.
What is MGO?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a natural compound that occurs naturally in honey, but is found in much higher concentrations in Manuka honey. Regular honey usually contains only 20 to 50 mg of methylglyoxal per kilo, while in Manuka honey this can go up to 1500 mg per kilo or more. This substance is one of the characteristic components for which Manuka honey is known.
The MGO value on a jar (for example, MGO 100+, MGO 950+ or MGO 1500+) simply indicates the minimum number of milligrams of methylglyoxal present per kilo of honey. The higher the number, the more methylglyoxal the honey contains.
What is the UMF quality mark?
UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor and is a broader quality mark from New Zealand. While MGO exclusively measures the amount of methylglyoxal, UMF looks at multiple markers simultaneously, including methylglyoxal, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and leptosperin. This latter substance is an important indication that the honey actually originates from the Manuka bush, and is therefore not a counterfeit.
The UMF quality mark is issued and controlled by the UMF Honey Association, an independent organization that tests every batch of honey before the logo can be used. Do you want to know how to recognize real Manuka honey? A valid UMF or MGO certificate is the most important indicator.
UMF and MGO: how do the values relate to each other?
Both systems largely measure the same substance but express it differently:
| UMF value | MGO value |
|---|---|
| UMF 5+ | MGO ±83 |
| UMF 10+ | MGO ±263 |
| UMF 15+ | MGO ±514 |
| UMF 20+ | MGO ±829 |
| UMF 24+ | MGO ±1122 |
These are indicative values: because UMF takes multiple components into account and MGO only measures methylglyoxal, the exact figures do not always correspond one-to-one.
What exactly is methylglyoxal?
Methylglyoxal occurs naturally in small quantities in coffee and chocolate, among other things, and also in the body itself as part of sugar metabolism. However, in Manuka honey, this substance occurs in much higher concentrations than in other types of honey, making Manuka honey a special and distinctive natural product.
We emphasize that this article provides only factual information about the composition and quality marks of Manuka honey. We deliberately do not make any statements here about any potential effects or health benefits: Manuka honey is a food product, not a medicine.
Where does Manuka honey come from?
Manuka honey is produced exclusively in New Zealand (and to a limited extent Australia) by bees that collect nectar from the flowers of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). This bush primarily grows in remote, unspoiled natural areas, which makes the honey rare and its supply limited. The Manuka bush's flowering period is short, typically only a few weeks a year, giving beekeepers a small window of time to harvest the honey. This limited supply, combined with strict testing requirements, partly explains why Manuka honey is more expensive than regular types of honey.
What exactly is MGO Manuka honey?
MGO Manuka honey is honey derived from bees that collect nectar from the Manuka bush, a plant that grows predominantly in the remote natural areas of New Zealand. The distinguishing difference from ordinary honey lies in its high content of methylglyoxal, which sets the composition of Manuka honey apart from other honey types. Want to know more about its origin and special characteristics? Read also what makes Manuka honey so special.
Because Manuka honey is relatively scarce and valuable, the product is also regularly counterfeited or incorrectly labeled worldwide. It is therefore important to choose honey with a reliable, independently verified MGO or UMF value.
Which MGO or UMF value suits you?
The choice for a particular MGO or UMF value is primarily a matter of personal preference and budget. Unsure which strength suits you? In the guide which Manuka strength do I need you can read more about the different categories, from MGO 400+ to MGO 850+ and higher.
MGO or UMF: what should you pay attention to when purchasing?
Neither system is inherently more reliable than the other; they just measure slightly different things. To be sure, it's best to pay attention to:
- Is an independent laboratory test available?
- Is there a license number or recognized quality mark on the packaging?
- Does the honey actually come from New Zealand?
- Is it clearly stated whether it is monofloral (pure Manuka) or multifloral (mixed) honey?
Frequently asked questions about MGO and UMF
Is MGO or UMF better?
Neither is "better": they measure slightly different things. MGO provides a direct, simple number for the amount of methylglyoxal. UMF is broader and also looks at purity and origin.
What does a higher MGO value mean?
A higher MGO value simply means that there is more methylglyoxal per kilo of honey. It says nothing in itself about taste or quality, only about the measured concentration.
Can I convert MGO to UMF?
There is a commonly used conversion table (see above), but because the systems measure different components, the conversion is always an estimate and not an exact one-to-one translation.
Why is Manuka honey with UMF or MGO more expensive than regular honey?
This is due to the limited harvesting period, the remote location of the Manuka bush in New Zealand, and the mandatory, independent laboratory tests required to be able to state an MGO or UMF value.
How do I know if my jar of Manuka honey is real?
Check if there is a clear MGO or UMF value on the label, along with a license number or quality mark from a recognized organization. Also read our detailed explanation on how to recognize real Manuka honey.
Conclusion
MGO and UMF are two different ways of measuring the same thing: the concentration of methylglyoxal and, in the case of UMF, also the purity and origin of Manuka honey. Whichever system you adhere to, the most important thing is to look for a reliable, independently verified product. View the full range of Manuka honey at Honingwinkel.nl.
This article is intended as general, factual information about MGO and UMF and does not contain any health claims. It is not a substitute for medical or nutritional advice.
