Manuka Honey MGO Guide: 83+ vs 263+ vs 514+ vs 800+ — Which Strength Do You Need?

Stand in front of a shelf of Manuka honey and you'll see the same question pop up on every jar: what does the MGO number actually mean, and which one should you buy? Here's a straightforward breakdown of MGO 83+, 263+, 514+ and 800+, so you can choose with confidence instead of guessing based on price.

What Does MGO Actually Mean?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a compound that forms naturally in Manuka honey as it matures. It's responsible for Manuka's distinctive non-peroxide antibacterial activity, which sets it apart from standard honey. The MGO number on a jar tells you the concentration of this compound in milligrams per kilogram, so MGO 263+ contains at least 263mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. In simple terms: the higher the number, the more concentrated and potent the honey.

MGO 83+: Everyday Manuka Honey

This is the entry point into genuine Manuka honey, authentic, lab-tested, and noticeably milder in flavour than the higher grades. It's a good fit for everyday use: stirred into tea, spread on toast, or used as a general wellness addition to your morning routine. It's also the most affordable strength, making it a sensible starting point if you're new to Manuka honey and want to get a feel for it before spending more on a higher grade.

MGO 263+: The Popular Mid-Strength Choice

MGO 263+ is where a lot of regular Manuka honey users settle. It's a noticeable step up in potency from 83+, while still being practical for daily use, and it tends to be the strength people reach for when they want a bit of extra support during colder months or occasional throat irritation. It's often considered the best balance between strength and value.

MGO 514+: High Strength for Targeted Use

At MGO 514+, you're into higher-strength territory. This grade is typically chosen by people who want a stronger daily dose or are using Manuka honey for a specific purpose rather than general everyday enjoyment. Expect a more robust, intense flavour and a higher price, fewer jars can be produced at this concentration, since it requires honey with a naturally higher methylglyoxal content to begin with.

MGO 800+: Maximum Potency

MGO 800+ sits at the top of most retail ranges, including ours. This is the honey chosen by people who specifically want the highest concentration available, and because it's so potent, a little goes a long way, smaller servings are typically used compared to lower grades. It's rarer, more rigorously tested, and priced accordingly.

A Quick Note on MGO vs UMF

You may also see Manuka honey labelled with a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating instead of, or alongside, MGO. UMF is a broader grading system that verifies MGO alongside other natural markers to confirm authenticity, but as a simple rule of thumb, the higher either number, the more potent and (usually) more expensive the honey.

So, Which One Should You Buy?

•        New to Manuka honey or want it for everyday use → MGO 83+

•        Want a daily wellness ritual with noticeably more strength → MGO 263+

•        Looking for a stronger, more targeted daily dose → MGO 514+

•        Want the maximum potency available → MGO 800+

Whichever strength you choose, look for honey that's independently lab tested and clearly labelled, genuine Manuka honey should never leave you guessing.