MGO and UMF: What Do the Numbers Mean?
If you’ve ever shopped for Mānuka honey, you’ve probably noticed a lot of numbers on the jar. MGO 85+, MGO 263+, UMF 10+, UMF 15+, UMF 20+… but what do they actually mean?
Understanding MGO and UMF ratings can feel confusing at first, especially when the numbers don’t seem to follow the same scale. Is MGO 263+ stronger than UMF 20+ because the number is higher? Does a higher rating always mean a better honey? And which strength should you actually choose for the way you want to use it?
The good news is, once you understand what each grading system measures, the numbers become much easier to navigate. Both MGO and UMF can tell you important information about the strength and quality of Mānuka honey, but they measure and communicate this in different ways.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you can simply compare the numbers and assume the highest one means the strongest Mānuka honey.
You can’t compare MGO and UMF numbers directly.
MGO and UMF use two different grading systems and two different scales. An MGO 263+ honey, for example, is not stronger than a UMF 20+ honey simply because 263 is a bigger number than 20. In fact, UMF 20+ corresponds to a minimum MGO level of 830 mg/kg, making it a significantly higher-strength Mānuka honey.
The easiest way to think about it? Compare MGO with MGO, and UMF with UMF.
What is MGO in Mānuka honey?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka honey.
While small amounts of MGO can be found in some other honeys and foods, genuine Mānuka honey is known for containing significantly higher concentrations. MGO is formed from another naturally occurring compound called DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which is present in the nectar of the Mānuka flower.
An MGO rating tells you the minimum amount of methylglyoxal present in the honey, measured in milligrams per kilogram.
For example:
- MGO 85+ contains at least 85 mg/kg of MGO
- MGO 100+ contains at least 100 mg/kg of MGO
- MGO 263+ contains at least 263 mg/kg
- MGO 515+ contains at least 515 mg/kg
- MGO 830+ contains at least 830 mg/kg
When comparing two MGO-rated honeys, the higher MGO number indicates a higher concentration of methylglyoxal.
What does UMF mean?
UMF stands for Unique Mānuka Factor™. Unlike MGO, which tells you the concentration of one specific compound, UMF is a broader quality and authenticity certification for genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey.
To carry the UMF™ mark, Mānuka honey must meet strict requirements set by the UMF Honey Association and undergo independent testing.
The UMF grading system assesses key signature compounds within the honey, including MGO, DHA and leptosperin. Together, these markers help verify the honey’s potency, quality and authenticity.
UMF has its own scale, typically shown as numbers such as UMF 10+, UMF 13+, UMF 15+, UMF 20+ and UMF 24+.
When comparing two UMF-rated honeys, the higher UMF number represents a higher grade.
MGO vs UMF: How do the numbers compare?
This is where things can get confusing.
An MGO number and a UMF number are not interchangeable, so you shouldn't look at the number alone to decide which honey is stronger.
Instead, you can use this guide to see how common UMF grades correspond with minimum MGO concentrations:
| UMF Rating | Minimum MGO |
|---|---|
| UMF 10+ | MGO 263+ |
| UMF 13+ | MGO 400+ |
| UMF 15+ | MGO 515+ |
| UMF 20+ | MGO 830+ |
| UMF 24+ | MGO 1122+ |
Which Mānuka honey is best for me?
Now that the numbers make a little more sense, which MGO or UMF strength should you actually choose?
There’s no single “best” Mānuka honey. Different strengths suit different occasions, from everyday cooking and naturally sweetening drinks to more concentrated daily rituals.
Here’s how we like to use each strength:
MGO 50+ — Cooking & baking
A great place to start. MGO 50+ is ideal for everyday recipes where you want the flavour and natural sweetness of Mānuka honey. Think baking, marinades, sauces, dressings and homemade treats.
MGO 85+ — Your table & pantry honey
The everyday jar. Keep MGO 85+ in the pantry for spreading on toast, drizzling over yoghurt, topping porridge or anywhere you’d usually reach for honey.
MGO 100+ — Your everyday sweetener
MGO 100+ is perfect for naturally sweetening coffee, tea, matcha and other drinks. A simple swap when you want to move away from refined sugar and bring Mānuka into your everyday routine.
UMF 10+ (MGO 263) — Your daily Mānuka ritual
A step up in strength for those wanting to make Mānuka part of their everyday wellness routine. Add UMF 10+ to smoothies, overnight oats, yoghurt bowls or other wholefood breakfasts.
UMF 13+ (MGO 400) — Pre-workout & Mānuka water
A great option before movement. Enjoy UMF 13+ by the spoonful or stir it into water for a simple pre-workout Mānuka drink.
UMF 15+ (MGO 515) — Take it by the spoonful
At this strength, we like to keep things simple. Make UMF 15+ part of your daily routine with a spoonful straight from the jar.
UMF 20+ (MGO 830) — Internal & external support
Part of our Care Collection UMF 20+ is ideal for both internal and external care. Take it straight from the spoon as part of your wellness routine, particularly when you have a scratchy throat or cough, or incorporate it into your skincare routine. Its natural humectant properties help support hydrated-feeling skin, making it a versatile high-strength Mānuka to keep in your bathroom cupboard.
UMF 24+ — Ultimate care
Our highest strength and most concentrated Mānuka honey. UMF 24+ is for those looking for the ultimate addition to their Mānuka care routine — a premium strength best enjoyed simply and intentionally.
Still not sure?
Think less about finding the “highest” number and more about how you want to use your honey.
The takeaway
MGO and UMF can both tell you valuable information about Mānuka honey, but they do it in different ways.
MGO tells you the concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey, while UMF is a broader certification system that verifies Mānuka honey against multiple markers of potency, quality and authenticity.
And if there’s one thing to remember when looking at the numbers, make it this:
Compare MGO with MGO. Compare UMF with UMF. Never judge MGO against UMF by the size of the number alone.
Once you understand the scale, choosing the right Mānuka honey becomes a whole lot simpler.
