Mānuka Honey UMF™ and MGO Ratings Compared

Easily convert MGO to UMF™ — and vice versa — with our guide to the Mānuka Honey rating systems

When shopping for honey, you'll often see two Mānuka Honey grading systems: UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) and MGO (methylglyoxal). Both help consumers identify authentic Mānuka Honey, but they focus on different elements.

The UMF™ rating offers all-round independent assurance for buyers, while an MGO rating based on the chemical compound called methylglyoxal (MGO) measures the potency of Mānuka Honey.

Understanding how to compare these systems is essential for making informed decisions about New Zealand Mānuka Honey. Find our guide to MGO and UMF™, including a handy Mānuka Honey MGO to UMF™ conversion table, below.

What is the difference between UMF™ and MGO?

Are UMF™ and MGO the same thing? Well, not quite.

Mānuka Honey MGO ratings reflect the amount of methylglyoxal (MGO) in milligrams per kilogram. MGO is the compound used to measure Mānuka Honey's potency. It occurs in Mānuka Honey at levels not typically found in other honeys.

By contrast, the Mānuka Honey UMF™ rating (Unique Mānuka Factor) is a more comprehensive grading system. It measures MGO alongside three other chemical markers that validate authenticity, freshness, and shelf stability.

This four-factor approach is what sets the UMF™ standard apart as an independently verified quality system. 

Learn more about the difference between MGO and UMF™ in our full guide.

Why the four-factor UMF™ test matters

The UMF™ test measures more than just potency. It validates the complete integrity of Mānuka Honey using four naturally occurring compounds:

1. MGO

MGO stands for methylglyoxal. The higher the MGO number, the greater the potency.

2. Leptosperin scoparium

A marker unique to Mānuka Honey, leptosperin scoparium confirms the honey is derived from the flowers of the Mānuka plant.

3. DHA

DHA (dihydroxyacetone) naturally converts to MGO over time. A higher DHA content means MGO levels are more likely to remain stable through the honey’s shelf life.

4. HMF

HMF levels rise when honey is overheated or stored for an extended period. Low HMF means the honey is fresh and carefully handled.

Together, these markers confirm that UMF™-certified Mānuka Honey is authentic and true to label.

Is UMF™ better than MGO?

The answer depends on what you’re looking for.

Methylglyoxal gives a straightforward measurement of potency.

UMF™ includes MGO, but goes further, measuring additional compounds that verify authenticity and freshness. With added measures of leptosperin, DHA, and HMF, the UMF™ Honey Association ensures that UMF™-certified Mānuka Honey is not only potent but also authentic to the label. Each batch is independently tested in accredited labs, both in New Zealand and internationally.

This means UMF™ Mānuka Honey is traceable, pure, and stored in optimal conditions to preserve its natural compounds.

How do I convert Mānuka Honey UMF™ to MGO?

The UMF™ Honey Association publishes equivalent minimum MGO levels for each UMF™ grade. Below is a Mānuka Honey MGO vs UMF™ table to help you identify the equivalent UMF™ rating based on potency.

Note: These are minimum MGO levels. The actual MGO content may vary slightly from batch to batch. 

Which UMF™ or MGO grade Mānuka Honey should I choose?

Your ideal Mānuka Honey UMF™ rating depends on your needs:

UMF™ 5+ / MGO 83+: Daily — Vitality and Wellness

• UMF™ 5+ is our most versatile grade of Mānuka Honey.
• Containing over 2000 natural compounds with a smooth flavour, it’s easy to make Mānuka Honey part of your day. 
• It’s a great snack or ingredient for cooking and baking.

UMF™ 10+ / MGO 263+: Daily — Nourishing Wellness

• UMF™ 10+ is one of our best-selling grades of Mānuka Honey.
• Recommended for eating straight off the spoon, or mixed with warm water.
• A popular choice before exercise.

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514+: Daily — Holistic Health Inside and Out

• UMF™ 15+ is recommended for people who prefer a higher-strength Mānuka Honey.
• Consume straight off the spoon.

UMF™ 18+ / MGO 696+: Targeted — Strong and Potent

• UMF™ 18+ is recommended for people seeking to step up their everyday wellness routine through higher MGO levels.
• Best enjoyed straight off the spoon.

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

• UMF™ 20+ is recommended for people seeking the potency of very high strength Mānuka Honey.
• Best enjoyed off the spoon.

Trust the independent standard

The UMF™ mark is issued by the UMF™ Honey Association of New Zealand (UMFHA), an independent organisation committed to protecting the quality and authenticity of real Mānuka Honey.

Every batch of UMF™-certified Mānuka Honey is:

• Packed and sealed in New Zealand
• Passes independent testing to confirm purity and freshness
• Traceable back to its quality certificate using a unique batch number
• Monitored globally to ensure standards remain true to label

This global oversight helps ensure your Mānuka Honey is authentic and true to label. 

Enjoy authenticity and quality in every spoonful

Discover Comvita's high-quality Mānuka Honey, UMF™ certified for authenticity, potency, quality and purity. Find your perfect match online.