MGO vs UMF™: What Is the Difference?

GUÍA DE LA MIEL DE MĀNUKA

Revisado por el equipo editorial de Mānuka Honey Store · Última revisión: 27 de agosto de 2026

MGO reports methylglyoxal concentration in milligrams per kilogram. UMF™ is a licensed certification that assesses MGO together with authenticity, freshness and shelf-life markers. The ratings are related, but they are not interchangeable and cannot be converted exactly.

MGO vs UMF™ at a glance

Both systems help shoppers compare jars, but they answer different questions. MGO is a laboratory measurement. UMF™ is a trademarked certification used only by licensed producers whose products meet the programme requirements.

What does MGO mean?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, one of the compounds measured in Mānuka honey. An MGO value expresses the measured concentration in milligrams per kilogram. For example, MGO 263+ means the declared batch meets at least that MGO level. The number is a grading fact, not a medical promise.

What does UMF™ certify?

The UMF Honey Association describes UMF™ as a quality assurance system that examines Mānuka honey identity, potency, freshness and shelf life. A genuine UMF™ label should show the UMF™ mark, a grade and the licensed producer information. You can check a producer in the official UMF™ certified brands directory.

Can you convert MGO to UMF™?

You can compare common MGO thresholds, but you cannot turn an MGO-only result into UMF™ certification. UMF™ includes additional tests and licensing requirements. Treat any table as a purchasing reference, not as a certification calculator.

MGO-to-UMF™ reference table

Manufacturers may sell MGO grades that sit between these reference points. MGO 400, for example, is above the common UMF™ 10+ MGO threshold but below the common UMF™ 15+ threshold. It should not be relabelled as either UMF™ grade unless it actually carries licensed certification.

Which rating should you choose?

Choose first by label transparency and intended culinary use, then by flavour, scarcity, jar size and budget. Lower and middle grades are practical for frequent use. Very high grades are scarcer and generally more expensive. A higher number is not automatically better value.

How to check an authentic label

1. Confirm that the honey is identified as a product of New Zealand.
2. Look for a clear MGO or UMF™ grade rather than vague wording such as “active”.
3. For UMF™, verify the licensed brand and licence number.
4. Check the batch, best-before date, net weight and manufacturer details.
5. Buy from a seller with visible contact, delivery and return information.

For broader buying advice, read our complete guide to choosing Mānuka honey.