Manuka Honey UMF™ Comparison Guide
UMF™ and MGO measure the strength of Manuka honey. Higher UMF™ ratings correspond to higher MGO levels and greater potency.
MGO measures the concentration of methylglyoxal, while UMF™ is a broader grading system that also tests authenticity markers like leptosperin and DHA. Higher UMF™ ratings correspond to higher MGO levels.
What Is UMF™?
UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) is an independent quality grading system that measures the concentration of signature Manuka compounds.
Higher UMF™ ratings indicate higher potency.
What Is MGO?
MGO (Methylglyoxal) is the naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its unique potency.
UMF™ and MGO are directly related — higher UMF™ means higher MGO levels.
UMF™ Comparison Table
This guide explains the differences between UMF™ and MGO ratings and helps you choose the best Manuka honey strength.
| UMF™ Grade | MGO Level | Positioning | Best For | Potency Level | Rarity | Typical Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMF™ 10+ | MGO 263+ | Everyday Manuka | Everyday wellness | Entry | Common harvest | 1 tsp daily |
| UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+ | Stronger daily | Daily support | Moderate | Less common | 1 tsp daily |
| UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+ | High strength | Higher potency wellness | High | Selective harvest | 1 tsp daily |
| UMF™ 24+ | MGO 1122+ | Premium high | Advanced potency users | Very high | Limited harvest | ½–1 tsp daily |
| UMF™ 26+ | MGO 1282+ | Advanced strength | Targeted high-strength routines | Very high+ | Rare harvest | ½–1 tsp daily |
| UMF™ 28+ | MGO 1450+ | Ultra premium | Ultra-high potency | Ultra | Very rare harvest | ½ tsp daily |
| UMF™ 30+ | MGO 1620+ | Top tier | Maximum potency | Elite | Exceptionally rare | ½ tsp or less daily |
How to Choose the Right UMF™ Strength
- Choose UMF™ 10+ or UMF™ 15+ Manuka Honey for daily maintenance
- Choose UMF™ 20+ or UMF™ 24+ Manuka Honey for stronger support — these are our best sellers!
- Choose UMF™ 26+ or UMF™ 28+ Manuka Honey for maximum potency
Still unsure?
If you're new to the world of manuka honey, all these different numbers can feel a bit overwhelming. To help make it easier for you, we developed a quick quiz that will share which grade is right for your needs. Take the quiz here.
Or reach out to our Customer Care team — we can help guide what Manuka Honey is right for you.
Phone (NZ): +64 (0)3 489 8845
Phone (USA): +1 850 662 6852
Email: hello@newzealandhoneyco.com
Our customer care team is available Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm NZT (New Zealand Time). Please note: our U.S. phone number is monitored only during these hours.
