Manuka Honey has become one of Australia’s most recognised natural honey products, valued for its distinctive flavour and naturally occurring bioactive properties. But with different MGO ratings, certification marks and terms such as UMF appearing on the market, choosing the right Manuka Honey can sometimes feel confusing.
So, what exactly makes Manuka Honey different from regular honey? What does MGO mean, and how can you tell whether a product is genuine Australian Manuka Honey?
In this guide, Australian Bush Spices explains what you need to know before you buy Manuka honey online, including how Australian Manuka is tested, what MGO ratings mean and what to look for when choosing a quality product.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the flowers of Leptospermum plants, commonly known as Manuka. These plants grow naturally across Australia, and the honey produced from their nectar contains naturally occurring compounds that distinguish it from many other types of honey.
Australian Manuka Honey has attracted significant scientific interest because of its naturally occurring methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound associated with its antibacterial activity. Research into Australian Manuka continues across universities and scientific institutions.
Manuka Honey can be produced as either a monofloral honey, where a significant proportion of nectar comes from one floral source, or as a multifloral Manuka blend containing nectar from multiple floral sources. Natural variation in Australian Manuka crops means that MGO levels can differ between honeys.
Why Is Australian Manuka Honey Special?
One of the most important things to understand about Australian Manuka is authenticity.
The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) has established scientific criteria designed to identify authentic Australian Manuka Honey. Products carrying the AMHA Mark of Authenticity must be produced in Australia and independently tested by an approved laboratory against defined MGO and DHA requirements.
This gives consumers a clearer way to understand the origin and quality of the Manuka Honey they purchase.
For Australian Bush Spices customers, looking for the AMHA Mark of Authenticity provides an additional confidence point when selecting Australian Manuka Honey.
Want to verify our AMHA credentials?
What Does MGO Mean in Manuka Honey?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka Honey. It is one of the key measurements used to indicate the antibacterial potency of Manuka Honey.
Generally, a higher MGO number means a higher concentration of methylglyoxal. This is why you will see different strengths of Manuka Honey identified by their MGO rating. AMHA describes MGO as the centrepiece of its Australian Manuka Honey rating system.
For example, Australian Bush Spices offers:
- Manuka Honey MGO 83+ – a lower MGO option for those looking to enjoy Australian Manuka Honey as part of their everyday food choices.
- Manuka Honey MGO 514+ – a significantly higher MGO option for customers looking for a stronger Manuka Honey rating.
- Manuka Honey MGO 880+ – one of the highest MGO options available in the Australian Bush Spices range.
It is important to remember that the MGO number indicates the measured MGO level; it should not be treated as a guarantee of a particular medical outcome.
Manuka Honey UMF vs MGO: What Is the Difference?
Manuka honey UMF and MGO are two different ways of describing Manuka Honey activity.
UMF, or Unique Manuka Factor, is a grading system associated with New Zealand Manuka Honey. MGO, meanwhile, directly measures the concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey.
For Australian Manuka Honey, AMHA's quality framework focuses on scientifically tested MGO and DHA levels, alongside other criteria used to establish authenticity.
Therefore, when comparing Australian Manuka products, checking the MGO rating and looking for appropriate Australian authenticity and testing information can make it easier to understand what you are buying.
What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey is valued for more than its naturally rich flavour. Its naturally occurring MGO is associated with antibacterial activity, which is one reason Manuka Honey has received considerable scientific and clinical research attention.
Research has explored Manuka Honey in areas including antibacterial activity and wound care. However, food-grade Manuka Honey should not automatically be considered equivalent to medical-grade honey used in clinical settings.
For everyday use, many people simply enjoy Manuka Honey as a natural sweetener. It can be added to breakfast foods, yoghurt, smoothies, drinks or recipes, making it an easy way to enjoy its distinctive flavour.
How to Choose the Right Manuka Honey
When choosing Manuka Honey, consider three important factors:
1. Check the MGO Rating
Look at the MGO number on the label. This helps you compare the measured methylglyoxal level between products.
2. Look for Authenticity and Testing
The AMHA Mark of Authenticity indicates that the relevant honey product has been tested against the Association's criteria for authentic Australian Manuka Honey.
3. Choose a Product That Suits Your Needs
Australian Bush Spices offers different MGO strengths and convenient gift options, so you can choose according to your preferences and occasion.
Explore the Mini Manuka Honey Multi Pack 50g for a convenient way to sample multiple products, or consider the Mini Relish, Jam, Sauce & Manuka Gift Pack for an Australian-inspired gift.
For a more premium option, the Manuka Honey Gift Pack - MGO 83+, MGO 514+, MGO 880+ brings three different MGO strengths together in one gift set. The Premium Manuka Honey + Mini Pack Bundle is another option for customers wanting a larger Manuka Honey experience.
Where Can You Buy Australian Manuka Honey?
If you want to Buy Manuka honey online, look for a supplier that clearly communicates the product's Australian origin, MGO rating and relevant testing or authenticity information.
Australian Bush Spices offers a range of Australian Manuka Honey products, including MGO 83+, MGO 514+ and MGO 880+ options, as well as multi-packs and gift bundles.
For retailers, hospitality businesses and other commercial customers searching for manuka honey wholesale Australia, buying from a supplier with clear product specifications and authenticity information can help simplify purchasing decisions. Businesses looking to buy manuka honey wholesale should also consider product consistency, available pack sizes and supply requirements.
Discover Australian Manuka Honey
Australian Manuka Honey brings together Australia's native Leptospermum plants, traditional beekeeping and modern scientific testing.
Whether you are discovering Manuka Honey for the first time or comparing MGO ratings, understanding the product's origin, testing and MGO level can help you make a more informed choice.
Explore the Australian Bush Spices Manuka Honey collection to compare MGO strengths, multi-packs and gift options.
Ready to explore Australian Manuka Honey?
Discover the range of Australian Bush Spices Manuka Honey products and find the MGO strength or gift pack that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey is honey produced by bees collecting nectar from Leptospermum plants. Australian Manuka Honey contains naturally occurring compounds such as MGO and DHA that are used as part of scientific criteria for identifying and assessing authentic Manuka Honey.
2. What does MGO mean in Manuka Honey?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal. It is a naturally occurring compound in Manuka Honey and an important measurement used to indicate its antibacterial potency. A higher MGO number generally indicates a higher concentration of MGO.
3. Is Manuka Honey MGO 83+ different from MGO 514+ and MGO 880+?
Yes. The numbers indicate different measured MGO levels. MGO 514+ and MGO 880+ contain substantially higher MGO concentrations than MGO 83+. The best option depends on your personal preferences and how you intend to enjoy Manuka Honey.
4. What is the difference between Manuka honey UMF and MGO?
UMF is a grading system associated with New Zealand Manuka Honey, while MGO directly measures methylglyoxal concentration. For Australian Manuka Honey, AMHA's framework uses MGO and DHA as important components of its authenticity criteria.
5. How can I tell if Australian Manuka Honey is authentic?
Look for clear product information, Australian origin, an appropriate MGO rating and recognised authenticity or testing information. The AMHA Mark of Authenticity indicates that the relevant product has been tested and approved according to the Association's criteria.
6. Can I buy Manuka Honey wholesale in Australia?
Yes. Businesses can source Manuka Honey in wholesale quantities for retail, hospitality, gifting and other commercial purposes. If you are looking for manuka honey wholesale Australia, consider factors such as MGO ratings, product formats, testing, traceability and ongoing supply availability.
