Mānuka honey, derived from the nectar of the Mānuka bush and its Mānuka flowers native to New Zealand, has gained global recognition for its distinctive flavour and unique health benefits. The exceptional properties of New Zealand Mānuka honey are primarily attributed to its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a naturally occurring compound responsible for its potent antibacterial effects and unique antibacterial properties.
Choosing the best Mānuka honey for your needs involves understanding the different MGO ratings, the Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF) certification, and other grading systems used to ensure authenticity and potency. This guide looks at the significance of these measurement systems, helping you make an informed decision on which Mānuka honey best suits your requirements.
Understanding MGO Ratings
The MGO rating on a jar of Mānuka honey indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal present. Higher MGO values mean stronger antibacterial properties and more potent health benefits. Here's a breakdown of the different MGO ratings and their typical uses:
MGO 40+: Great for taste and cooking
MGO 100+: Everyday strength
MGO 300+: Soothing, great for sore throats and colds
MGO 525+: High strength
MGO 850+: Rare and the highest strength
Both MGO and UMF grading systems are used to ensure consumers are receiving genuine Mānuka honey of the stated strength and purity.
MGO 40+: Best Mānuka Honey for Taste and Cooking
Characteristics:
Mild MGO content.
Subtle antibacterial properties.
Rich, sweet flavour profile.
Uses:
Mānuka honey with an MGO rating of 40+ is primarily valued for its taste rather than its medicinal properties. This makes it an excellent choice for culinary uses. It can be used as a natural sweetener in teas, drizzled over pancakes or yoghurt, or incorporated into recipes for baked goods and sauces.
Benefits:
While MGO 40+ Mānuka honey does possess some antibacterial qualities, its lower MGO content means it is best enjoyed for its rich, distinctive flavour rather than its health benefits. It's perfect for those who appreciate the unique taste of genuine Mānuka honey and want to experience the health benefits associated with natural honey without the intense potency of higher grades.
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MGO 100+: Everyday Strength Mānuka Honey
Characteristics:
Moderate MGO content.
Balanced antibacterial and health-promoting properties.
Uses:
MGO 100+ Mānuka honey is versatile and suitable for everyday use. It can be consumed directly by the spoonful, added to drinks, or used in cooking and baking.
Benefits:
This level of MGO offers a balanced approach, providing more pronounced antibacterial effects than MGO 40+, making it suitable for general wellness. The antibacterial activity in this Mānuka honey supports immune function and general health, offering a delicious and natural remedy for everyday support.
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MGO 300+: Best Mānuka Honey for Sore Throats and Colds
Characteristics:
High MGO content.
Strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Uses:
MGO 300+ Mānuka honey is particularly beneficial during cold and flu season. It can be taken by the spoonful, mixed into warm beverages (not hot water, as excessive heat can degrade beneficial compounds), or added to homemade remedies for sore throats and coughs.
Benefits:
The higher concentration of MGO in this honey makes it effective for soothing sore throats, reducing inflammation, and alleviating cold symptoms. Its strong antibacterial properties can help combat harmful bacteria, supporting quicker recovery and comfort when unwell.
MGO 525+: High Strength Mānuka Honey
Characteristics:
Very high MGO content.
Potent antibacterial and therapeutic properties.
Uses:
MGO 525+ Mānuka honey is often used for its medicinal properties rather than as a food ingredient. It can be consumed directly, applied to minor wounds and skin irritations to harness its antibacterial benefits, or used as part of a natural health regimen.
Benefits:
This high-strength Mānuka honey is ideal for those needing strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant support. It is often used to promote skin healing, boost immune function, and as a natural remedy for managing health conditions.
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MGO 850+: Rare and the Highest Strength Mānuka Honey
Characteristics:
Extremely high MGO content.
Exceptional antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Uses:
MGO 850+ Mānuka honey is rare and recognised for its unparalleled potency. It is primarily used for medical purposes and recommended for individuals managing more serious health issues requiring a natural product with unique properties.
Benefits:
The rare and potent nature of MGO 850+ Mānuka honey provides powerful support for the immune system, enhances wound healing, and helps combat infections. The strong antibacterial activity, combined with its natural anti-inflammatory properties, make it an exceptional addition to any health-focused routine.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Mānuka Honey
When selecting the best Mānuka honey for your needs, consider the following factors:
Quality and Authenticity:
Ensure the honey is certified as authentic Mānuka honey, preferably with UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor) certification. The UMF and MGO grading systems are trusted worldwide, with strict guidelines enforced by the New Zealand government to maintain the highest quality and purity standards. These certifications help guarantee that the label represents genuine, high-grade Mānuka honey.
Price and Availability:
Higher MGO ratings are typically more expensive and harder to find. These stronger honeys reflect the time, care, and limited yields associated with harvesting nectar from the Mānuka bush.
Personal Health Goals:
Choose an MGO rating that aligns with your specific health objectives, whether it's supporting general wellness, helping to reduce inflammation, improving skin health, or combating bacterial infections.
Mānuka Honey vs Regular Honey
Unlike regular honey, which can vary greatly in quality and may not possess significant medicinal properties, New Zealand Mānuka honey contains naturally occurring compounds such as methylglyoxal and DHA (dihydroxyacetone) derived from Mānuka flowers. These compounds provide Mānuka with unique antibacterial properties not found in other honey varieties.
While regular honey may offer some antioxidants and basic antibacterial activity, it does not match the potency and specialised health benefits offered by monofloral Mānuka honey. This distinction highlights why Mānuka is often chosen as a natural remedy for more serious health needs.
What Makes Mānuka Honey Unique?
Several factors contribute to the distinctive profile of genuine Mānuka honey:
- Unique antibacterial properties due to methylglyoxal
- High antioxidant content, supporting overall health
- Potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation
- Strict grading systems such as UMF and MGO, ensuring quality and authenticity
- Independently tested for purity, potency, and beneficial compounds
- Sourced from pristine New Zealand environments, guaranteeing purity and quality
The unique properties of Mānuka honey result from a perfect combination of the Mānuka bush's nectar, hardworking bees, and the natural environment of New Zealand.
Understanding UMF, MGO, and NPA
There are three main grading systems associated with Mānuka honey:
- UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor): A trademarked system measuring purity, quality, and antibacterial strength.
- MGO rating: Directly measures the level of methylglyoxal in the honey.
- NPA (Non-Peroxide Activity): Indicates the honey’s antibacterial potency after removing the effect of hydrogen peroxide, highlighting its unique antibacterial properties.
Each system offers valuable insights. Generally, a higher MGO or UMF rating means greater antibacterial benefits and overall potency.
How the New Zealand Government Regulates Mānuka Honey
The New Zealand government has implemented strict regulations to ensure the authenticity of Mānuka honey exported globally. This includes defining specific scientific markers that must be present to label honey as genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey, protecting consumers and supporting sustainable beekeeping practices.
Every genuine Mānuka honey jar should meet these strict criteria, ensuring the honey you buy delivers the health benefits you expect.
Conclusion
Mānuka honey is a versatile and valuable natural product, offering a range of health benefits depending on its MGO rating. Understanding the different grading systems and certification processes helps you choose the best Mānuka honey, whether for culinary enjoyment, daily wellness support, or intensive therapeutic needs.
Choose Melora for the Best Mānuka Honey
At Melora, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality Mānuka honey, sourced directly from the untouched, natural environments of New Zealand. Our honey undergoes rigorous testing for Methylglyoxal (MGO) and Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF) levels, guaranteeing its potency and authenticity.
We are committed to sustainable practices, working closely with local communities and beekeepers to ensure the health of bee populations and the protection of the environment. Each jar of Mānuka honey is crafted with care, reflecting the purity, quality, and beneficial compounds naturally found in this special honey.
With Melora, you can trust that every spoonful of our Mānuka honey delivers the antibacterial benefits, anti-inflammatory properties, and overall health benefits that have made New Zealand Mānuka honey celebrated worldwide.