When you browse the shelves for genuine Manuka honey, you’ll notice a key feature on the label: the MGO rating. This number is your guide to the potency and power of the honey inside the jar. But what exactly does MGO mean, and how do you choose the right one for your needs?
At Melora, we believe in transparency and the power of nature, backed by science. Let’s demystify the MGO rating so you can confidently select the perfect Manuka honey.
What is MGO?
MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring chemical compound that is the primary source of Manuka honey's unique and powerful antibacterial properties. While all types of honey have some level of antibacterial activity, the concentration of MGO in Manuka honey is significantly higher, setting it apart as a true natural wonder.
This remarkable compound is formed in the honey from the nectar of the Manuka flower, native to New Zealand. The MGO rating on a jar of Manuka honey indicates the concentration of Methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
Simply put: the higher the MGO number, the stronger the antibacterial activity.
Why is the MGO Rating So Important?
The MGO rating is a trusted and reliable standard for measuring the potency of Manuka honey. It gives you a clear indication of the honey's strength and its potential health and wellness benefits. When you choose a Manuka honey with a certified MGO rating, you can be sure you are getting a genuine and effective product.
Melora’s Guarantee: All Melora Manuka honey is independently tested and certified for its MGO rating, ensuring you receive the quality and potency you expect. We trace our honey from hive to home, with a deep respect for the land and the Māori communities we partner with.
Choosing the Right MGO Strength for You
Selecting the right MGO level depends on your personal wellness goals. Here’s a simple guide to our range to help you decide:
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MGO 40+ (Gentle & Functional Support):As a truly versatile and foundational grade, MGO 40+ is equally at home in the kitchen cupboard and the family first-aid kit. Its credentials as a medical-grade Manuka honey mean it is trusted for applications that require a soothing, protective barrier. Delivering its benefits with a gentle touch, it is ideal for supporting the body's natural healing processes. For those seeking dependable, gentle support for everyday family wellness, this honey is the perfect functional choice.
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MGO 100+ (Everyday Wellness): A step up in potency, this is a great all-rounder for daily wellness support. It offers a noticeable boost over the 40+ MGO grade and is perfect for those looking to make Manuka a regular part of their health routine.
- MGO 300+ (Advanced Support):Representing a significant step up in potency, MGO 300+ is a powerful, high-grade honey designed for more advanced support. This strength is also employed in medical settings, where its unique combination of robust action and a gentle nature is highly valued. It excels in applications needing a protective barrier to aid the body's inherent healing functions, making it a go-to for functional family wellness, particularly when higher antibacterial activity is required.
- MGO 525+ (High Strength): With a very high concentration of MGO, this honey is designed for when you need more targeted and potent support. It is favoured by those with specific health goals who are seeking a high-strength, effective natural product.
- MGO 850+ (Ultimate Potency): This is our specialist, highest-strength Manuka honey. With an exceptional level of MGO, it offers the ultimate potency for when you need the most powerful support. This honey is typically reserved for short-term, specific, and targeted applications where maximum natural activity is desired.
Beyond the Spoon: MGO in Skincare
The power of MGO isn't just for a healthy diet. In skincare, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of high-MGO Manuka honey can help to:
- Calm and cleanse blemish-prone skin
- Soothe redness and irritation
- Promote a clear and healthy complexion
That's why Melora incorporates the magic of Manuka into a dedicated skincare range, delivering targeted benefits directly to your skin.
The Melora Difference
At Melora, our Manuka honey is more than just a number. It's a promise of quality, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land. Sourced from the wild-harvested Manuka of New Zealand's East Cape, our honey is a gift from nature.
Ready to experience the power of MGO for yourself? Explore our range of certified Manuka honey and discover the perfect strength for your wellness journey.