If you're new to Mānuka Honey, MGO and UMF™ ratings can seem confusing. The good news is that both ratings help you understand the important characteristics of the Mānuka Honey you're purchasing.

The gold analogy

THE EASIEST WAY TO UNDERSTAND UMF™ & MGO

 Imagine you're buying gold.

Gold Mānuka Honey
The amount of gold in a bar The MGO level in the honey
A certificate proving the gold is genuine UMF™ certification helping verify authenticity and quality
In simple terms

MGO tells you the measured MGO level in the honey.

UMF™ provides a broader assessment of certified Manuka Honey, considering factors related to authenticity, quality and potency.

UMF™ vs MGO at a glance

MGO UMF™
Shows the measured MGO level in Mānuka Honey Provides a broader assessment of certified Mānuka Honey quality
Based on the level of naturally occurring MGO Based on multiple quality indicators
Helps customers compare MGO levels between products Helps customers understand certified Mānuka Honey quality
Simple measurement for comparing products Certification system for assessing Mānuka Honey quality
Customer takeaway

MGO = Measured MGO level

UMF™ = Certified Mānuka quality

What is UMF™?

UMF™ stands for Unique Mānuka Factor™ — It is one of the recognized certification systems used in the Mānuka Honey industry and helps verify that a product meets established quality and authenticity standards. Unlike MGO, which focuses on a single measurement, UMF™ evaluates multiple aspects of Mānuka Honey to provide a broader assessment of quality.

Is a higher UMF™ better?

A higher UMF™ grade represents a higher certified grade within the UMF™ system — However, higher is not automatically better for every customer. The right UMF™ level depends on what you're looking for, your preferences and your budget. 

UMF™ 5+ — Entry-level certified Mānuka Honey

UMF™ 10+ — Popular everyday Mānuka Honey

UMF™ 15+ — Higher-grade Mānuka Honey

UMF™ 20+ — Premium certified Mānuka Honey

UMF™ 25+ — Rare ultra-premium Mānuka Honey

Simple takeaway

Higher UMF™ = higher certified grade.

The best UMF™ level for you = the grade that matches your preferences and needs.

What is MGO?

MGO stands for Methylglyoxal —The MGO rating indicates the measured concentration of naturally occurring MGO found in Mānuka Honey. Generally, higher MGO numbers indicate higher measured MGO levels. Examples include:

MGO 83+MGO 263+MGO 514+MGO 829+MGO 1200+

UMF™ & MGO reference chart

UMF™ rating Approximate MGO level
UMF™ 5+ MGO 83+
UMF™ 10+ MGO 263+
UMF™ 15+ MGO 514+
UMF™ 20+ MGO 829+
UMF™ 24+ MGO 1122+
UMF™ 25+ MGO 1200+
UMF™ 28+ MGO 1450+
UMF™ 30+ MGO 1620+

Approximate reference values. Actual certification and product labeling should always be based on the applicable certification system and product documentation.