What is the Difference Between UMF™ and MGO?

How to compare UMF™ and MGO quality ratings in Mānuka Honey

Mānuka Honey is highly prized for its complex flavour and unique natural properties. But with dozens of brands and labels on the shelf, how do you know which jar of honey truly delivers what it claims?

If you've ever compared two products side by side and noticed terms like UMF™ or MGO on the label, you're not alone in wondering what it all means. In a market full of confusing claims, understanding whether to look at UMF™ or MGO can help you make a confident, informed choice.

At Comvita, we believe that buying genuine New Zealand Mānuka Honey should be a transparent and straightforward process. Here's how we help our customers do that, and why the UMF™ quality assurance system is the one we adhere to.

Why do Mānuka Honey ratings matter?

Not all honey is created equal, and not all Mānuka Honey is genuine.

As demand has grown across the global market, so have misleading marketing terms. Labels like 'bio-active,' 'active honey,' or 'Factor 500+' may suggest strength but are not defined by an independent certification body.

To bring clarity to the market, two primary grading systems have emerged:

• MGO (Methylglyoxal) – Measures one naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka Honey
• UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) – Independent assurance of the origin, potency, and quality of Mānuka Honey 

At Comvita, we display the UMF™ quality mark on every jar of New Zealand Mānuka Honey because it verifies four quality markers rather than one, and is independently certified.

So, what do the UMF™ and MGO ratings mean? Let’s take a look.

What is MGO in Mānuka Honey?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka Honey that develops during its maturation process. It’s identified as one of the active compounds linked to Mānuka Honey’s unique non-peroxide activity, and sets this New Zealand honey apart from other honey.

The MGO rating measures the methylglyoxal content in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). For example:

• MGO 83+ is Comvita’s lowest MGO level, great for everyday use
• MGO 514+ or higher indicates a much more concentrated grade

But the MGO rating alone doesn’t tell the whole story. As MGO can be synthetically added, it’s not a guarantee of authenticity.

That’s why independent testing systems like UMF™ are essential—they confirm the honey’s quality, purity, and true floral source.

What is UMF™ in Mānuka Honey?

UMF™ stands for Unique Mānuka Factor and is a complete, advanced grading system that measures the quality of genuine New Zealand Mānuka Honey. Developed and regulated by the UMF™ Honey Association (UMFHA), this internationally recognised system verifies that every jar meets strict standards for potency, authenticity, shelf life, and purity.

To earn UMF™ certification, each batch of honey must be independently tested for four signature compounds:

Methylglyoxal (MGO)

This chemical marker is linked to Mānuka Honey's unique non-peroxide activity and is an essential marker of potency. But since MGO can be added synthetically, measuring it alone doesn't confirm authenticity or purity. 

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

Found in the Mānuka flower nectar, DHA gradually converts to MGO as the honey matures. Measuring DHA helps ensure the MGO develops naturally, and also supports shelf life and freshness by indicating how long the honey will maintain its potency over time. 

Leptosperin

A unique component of Mānuka Honey, Leptosperin is extremely difficult to synthesise, making it a powerful marker for authenticity. Its presence, and the concentration at which it's found, helps confirm whether the honey is a genuine monofloral Mānuka Honey or a multifloral blend.

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)

Finally, this natural compound in Mānuka Honey is tested to indicate its freshness. Low levels of HMF indicate that honey is fresher, while higher levels suggest the honey is older or has been stored in warm conditions. 

What is Lepteridine™ (3,6,7-Trimethyllumazine)?

Comvita’s testing doesn’t stop at UMF™. Discovered by Comvita scientists, the rare plant compound Lepteridine™ (3,6,7-Trimethyllumazine) is found only in Mānuka Honey, and, like Leptosperin, it can’t be added artificially.

In addition to the four quality markers measured by the UMF™ system, Comvita is the only honey producer to test for Lepteridine™. This provides another layer of assurance that our honey is genuine.

Read our guide on what makes Mānuka Honey rare, authentic, and unique.

Why Comvita trusts the UMF™ system

At Comvita, we’ve been working with bees and honey since 1974, long before Mānuka Honey was known internationally. Today, we’re still guided by science, nature, and integrity. We trust the UMF™ grading system because it aligns with our values:

• It’s independently verified in New Zealand and overseas
• Every jar can be traced back to its origin
• It confirms what's in the jar
• And most importantly, it’s grounded in scientific testing, not marketing

What about KFactor and other labels?

You might see brands promoting KFactor, ‘Active Honey,’ or other proprietary rating systems. While they may offer some value, they do not measure the full range of chemical markers that confirm authenticity or quality. For example:

• KFactor focuses on pollen count
• ‘Bio-active’ or ‘Factor 500+’ are not defined by an independent certification body

That's why we at Comvita trust the UMF™ grading system for Mānuka Honey. Every batch of our UMF™ Mānuka Honey undergoes 34 quality checks and is independently tested and certified in New Zealand.

Which grade of Mānuka Honey is best?

Whether you’re adding a Mānuka Honey product to your tea, enjoying it as part of a wellness routine, or simply consuming it by the spoonful, choosing the right MGO or UMF™ number depends on your needs.

UMF™ 5+ / MGO 83+ Daily - Vitality & Wellness

• Our most versatile grade of Mānuka Honey.
• Rich in natural compounds, with a smooth flavour, it’s a great choice for daily consumption.
• It’s a great snack or sweet addition to breakfast, baking, or a smoothie.

UMF™ 10+ / MGO 263+ Daily - Nourishing Wellness

• UMF™ 10+ is one of our best-selling grades of Mānuka Honey.
• Recommended grade for people seeking to maintain balance; consumed straight off the spoon, or stirred in a warm drink.
• Enjoy it before exercise.

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514+ Daily - Holistic Health 

• One of our higher-strength grades, favoured by people wanting a more concentrated Mānuka Honey in their daily routine.
• Best enjoyed straight off the spoon. 

UMF™ 18+ / MGO 696+ Targeted - Strong and Potent

• Recommended for people seeking to step up their everyday wellness routine with a higher-MGO grade of Mānuka Honey.
• Best enjoyed straight off the spoon. 

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829+ Targeted - Pure, Potent and Powerful

• Recommended for people seeking a very high-strength Mānuka Honey.
• Our highest-strength option, chosen by those wanting the most concentrated Mānuka Honey in their wellness routine.
• Best enjoyed straight off the spoon. 

What else matters when choosing Mānuka Honey?

While testing and certifications are essential, choosing high-quality Mānuka Honey also means choosing a brand that cares for its source, from the beehives to the environment.

At Comvita, we’ve been working in harmony with nature since 1974. Long before sustainability became a global priority, we were practising regenerative beekeeping and protecting the ecosystems that make genuine Mānuka Honey possible.

Our commitment goes beyond honey. Through our Harmony Plan, we care for bees, nurture native forests, and support resilient communities, so this rare gift of nature can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Seven signs you’re buying authentic Mānuka Honey

1. Your Mānuka Honey is of New Zealand origin
2. It’s made from Mānuka flowers
3. It meets MPI’s scientific definition (Ministry for Primary Industries)
4. It’s tested for the four quality markers
5. It carries the UMF™ mark
6. It’s independently verified and certified
7. It’s produced by a reputable, well-established brand (like Comvita)

Learn more about how to choose genuine, high-quality Mānuka Honey from New Zealand. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mānuka Honey difference between UMF™ and MGO?

MGO measures just one compound, methylglyoxal. UMF™ measures four chemical markers that together confirm purity, freshness, and authenticity. 

Is UMF™ the same as MGO in Mānuka Honey?

Not directly, but there are accepted comparison levels between UMF™ and MGO. For example, UMF™ 10+ roughly equals MGO 263+.

What is KFactor in honey?

KFactor is a grading system based on pollen count. It does not assess MGO, DHA, Leptosperin, or purity markers, so it doesn’t verify Mānuka Honey authenticity in the way UMF™ does.

Which grade of Mānuka Honey should I choose?

Lower grades (UMF™ 5–10) are excellent for everyday enjoyment. Mid-range (UMF™ 10–15) balances strength and versatility. Higher grades of Mānuka Honey (UMF™ 15–20+) are more suited when you’re looking for higher concentration. 

Where can I buy UMF™ Mānuka Honey?

Shop the full range online. All Comvita Mānuka Honey carries the UMF™ mark, so you can be confident it's pure, potent, authentic, and fresh.

Our Mānuka Honey and other bee products are also available at selected stores across Australia. 

Choosing genuine Mānuka Honey starts with Comvita

When you buy Comvita Mānuka Honey, you’re getting purity, traceability, and quality that’s guided by science and nature. Our New Zealand honey is UMF™-certified and harvested with care, so you can trust that what’s on your spoon came straight from the hive, just as nature intended.

Discover our full range of genuine Mānuka Honey online today.