What is MGO in Manuka honey

What is MGO Manuka honey

What is MGO in Manuka Honey?

Understanding the Potency Behind the Label

If you’ve ever picked up a jar of Manuka honey, chances are you’ve seen a number on the label—like MGO 260+, MGO 1200+, or even MGO 1717+. But what do these numbers mean? And why are they important? In this post, we’ll explore what MGO in Manuka honey is, how it works, and why it’s the key to unlocking Manuka honey’s powerful health benefits.

 

What Does MGO Mean?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound responsible for Manuka honey’s antibacterial and medicinal properties. While all honey has some antibacterial activity (thanks to hydrogen peroxide), Manuka honey is unique—its antimicrobial strength comes primarily from MGO.

This powerful compound forms from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in high concentrations in the nectar of Manuka flowers (Leptospermum scoparium). As the honey matures, DHA slowly converts to MGO, giving Manuka honey its remarkable healing potential.

 

Why MGO Matters in Manuka Honey

The higher the MGO rating, the more potent the honey’s antimicrobial activity. Unlike regular honey, which loses its antiseptic effects once hydrogen peroxide breaks down, Manuka honey retains its potency, even when applied to skin, or mixed with food. This is known as non-peroxide activity (NPA)—and MGO is the key driver behind it.

Clinical studies have shown that MGO-rich Manuka honey can kill a range of pathogenic bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA and Campylobacter, which can cause digestive and skin issues.

 

How is the MGO Level Measured?

The number you see on your jar of Manuka honey—such as MGO 550+—refers to the milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. So MGO 550+ means there are at least 550 mg of MGO in every 1 kg of that honey.

To ensure accuracy, MGO levels are measured using a technique called High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). At Biosota, we go a step further: we independently lab-test each batch multiple times throughout the maturation process to ensure it reaches its maximum MGO potential before bottling.

 

What Affects MGO Levels in Manuka Honey?

Several factors influence the MGO rating in Manuka honey, including:

  • Manuka flower concentration – The more bees forage exclusively on Manuka blossoms, the higher the DHA (and ultimately MGO) levels.

  • Time and temperature – MGO levels increase naturally during aging, particularly when stored below 71.6°F (22°C).

  • Harvesting location – High medicinal species of Manuka (Leptospermum) from remote, pristine environments like our forest apiaries in Australia yield higher-grade nectar.

At Biosota, we allow our honey to mature for 12 to 24 months, giving it time to naturally develop the high MGO levels that make our honey so effective.

 

Choosing the Right MGO Strength

Wondering which MGO level is right for you? Here’s a quick guide:

  • MGO 150+ to 400+: Great for everyday wellness. Ideal for adding to tea, smoothies, breakfast bowls, or taking a spoonful daily.

  • MGO 550+ to 880+: Suitable for enhanced immune support, cold and flu season, or addressing skin issues and sore throats.

  • MGO 1200+ to 1717+: the highest-rated medicinal Manuka honeys in the world. Used for more intensive support, including wound care and digestive issues.

Our single-use Manuka honey straws in strengths MGO 150+ to MGO 1200+ make it easy to take your daily dose on-the-go.

Biosota Manuka Honey MGO Chart

 

Why Choose Biosota’s Manuka Honey?

At Biosota Organics, we produce some of the highest MGO-rated Manuka honey in the world—naturally and ethically. From remote Australian forests to your jar, every step of our process is crafted with care:

  • ✅ Glyphosate free & Raw

  • ✅ Non-GMO, unpasteurized, and cold-extracted

  • ✅ Independently lab-tested and traceable by batch

  • ✅ Sustainably harvested and family-owned since 1999

Whether you're seeking daily wellness or targeted healing, our premium range has the potency—and the proof—to deliver results.

 

Try the Power of MGO for Yourself

Now that you know what MGO in Manuka honey is and why it matters, explore our full range of high-grade Manuka honey in our US store. Discover the difference that real, science-backed, medicinal honey can make.

 

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