From MGO 550 to MGO 1500: A Complete Guide to Manuka Honey Strength

Manuka honey is available in a wide range of MGO ratings, from moderate levels to exceptionally high strengths. For buyers, understanding these numbers can make it easier to compare products and choose an option that fits their preferences. Manuka Honey MGO 550 is a popular high rating, while MGO 850, MGO 1200, and MGO 1500 represent progressively higher MGO concentrations.

What Does MGO Mean?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey. The MGO rating indicates the approximate concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey.

For example, a product rated MGO 550 contains approximately 550 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. A higher number indicates a higher measured concentration of MGO.

The MGO rating is useful for comparing Manuka honey products, but it should not be treated as a complete measurement of overall quality.

Understanding Manuka Honey MGO 550

Manuka Honey MGO 550 represents approximately 550 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. It is considered a high MGO rating and can be an option for consumers looking for a clearly defined higher-strength product.

MGO 550 also provides a useful reference point when comparing different ratings. Products with MGO 850, 1200, or 1500 have progressively higher measured MGO concentrations.

MGO 850: A Higher Rating

MGO 850 contains more measured methylglyoxal than MGO 550. It can appeal to consumers who specifically want to move toward a higher MGO rating.

The difference between MGO 550 and MGO 850 is primarily the measured concentration of MGO. Other factors, such as taste, origin, packaging, and price, can also influence the choice between products.

MGO 1200: Very High Strength

MGO 1200 is significantly higher on the MGO scale than MGO 550 and MGO 850. Products carrying this rating are generally chosen by people specifically looking for a very high MGO concentration.

A higher rating does not mean that everyone needs the product. Buyers should consider why they want a particular MGO level and compare the complete product information before purchasing.

MGO 1500: An Extremely High Rating

MGO 1500 represents one of the highest MGO levels commonly seen in Manuka honey products. It indicates approximately 1500 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram.

Compared with MGO 550, this is a substantially higher measured MGO concentration. Because products with very high ratings can be more expensive, it is useful to consider whether the additional MGO level matches your preferences and budget.

Comparing MGO 550 to MGO 1500

This comparison shows the basic progression between the ratings. Each increase represents a higher measured concentration of MGO.

Does Higher MGO Mean Better Quality?

Not automatically. MGO is one measurable characteristic of Manuka honey, rather than a complete quality score.

Other factors can include the honey's origin, production practices, freshness, labeling, testing, storage, and overall product information. A lower-rated product may still be the more suitable choice for someone who does not specifically need or want a very high MGO rating.

How to Choose the Right MGO Strength

Start by deciding what matters most to you. If you want a high MGO rating, MGO 550 provides a clearly identified option. If you are looking for progressively higher MGO concentrations, MGO 850, MGO 1200, and MGO 1500 offer higher levels.

Budget can also play an important role because higher MGO ratings may cost more. Comparing the MGO rating with the complete product details can help you make a more informed choice.

Buying Manuka Honey Online

When looking for manuka honey online, always check the product label and available information carefully. Look for a clearly stated MGO rating, origin information, ingredients, producer details, and appropriate storage instructions.

It is also useful to compare products based on their complete descriptions rather than focusing only on the largest MGO number.

Final Thoughts

The journey from MGO 550 to MGO 1500 represents a progression in measured MGO concentration. Manuka Honey MGO 550 provides approximately 550 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram, while MGO 850, MGO 1200, and MGO 1500 represent increasingly higher levels.

Understanding what these numbers mean allows you to compare Manuka honey more confidently. The highest rating is not automatically the right choice for everyone, so consider MGO strength alongside product quality, origin, price, and personal preferences.