MGO vs UMF® — What’s the Difference?
The UMF® grading system and MGO (Methylglyoxal) level are used to measure the quality and potency of Manuka honey. Here's a breakdown of the differences between UMF® and MGO:
UMF® (Unique Mānuka Factor) rating:
- UMF® is a grading system that evaluates the quality and authenticity of Manuka honey.
- It is based on several factors, including MGO content, but it also considers other signature compounds such as Leptosperin and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
- The UMF® certification is issued by the Honey Association of New Zealand, guaranteeing the purity and authenticity of the honey.
- UMF® ratings range from UMF 5+ to UMF 26+, indicating the potency of the honey. The higher the UMF® rating, the higher the concentration of beneficial compounds.
MGO (Methylglyoxal):
- MGO is a naturally occurring compound found in the nectar of Manuka flowers.
- It is one of the key components responsible for the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey.
- The MGO level in Manuka honey is directly related to its UMF® grade. Higher MGO levels generally correspond to higher UMF® ratings.
- The MGO content is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and can be used as an indicator of the honey's potency.
To convert MGO to UMF®, you can refer to the following approximate conversion chart:
- Methylglyoxal (MGO) Level - UMF® Grade:
- ≥83 mg/kg - 5+
- ≥263 mg/kg - 10+
- ≥514 mg/kg - 15+
- ≥696 mg/kg - 18+
- ≥829 mg/kg - 20+
- ≥1122 mg/kg - 24+
- ≥1200 mg/kg - 25+
- ≥1282 mg/kg - 26+
It's important to note that when purchasing Manuka honey, you should look for genuine UMF® Manuka honey that meets all the criteria mentioned earlier to ensure its authenticity and quality. At Whenua Honey all our Mānuka Honey's are both UMF and MG Certified by an independent third party laboratory. See our range here!
UMF® (Unique Mānuka Factor) rating:
- UMF® is a grading system that evaluates the quality and authenticity of Manuka honey.
- It is based on several factors, including MGO content, but it also considers other signature compounds such as Leptosperin and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
- The UMF® certification is issued by the Honey Association of New Zealand, guaranteeing the purity and authenticity of the honey.
- UMF® ratings range from UMF 5+ to UMF 26+, indicating the potency of the honey. The higher the UMF® rating, the higher the concentration of beneficial compounds.
MGO (Methylglyoxal):
- MGO is a naturally occurring compound found in the nectar of Manuka flowers.
- It is one of the key components responsible for the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey.
- The MGO level in Manuka honey is directly related to its UMF® grade. Higher MGO levels generally correspond to higher UMF® ratings.
- The MGO content is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and can be used as an indicator of the honey's potency.
To convert MGO to UMF®, you can refer to the following approximate conversion chart:
- Methylglyoxal (MGO) Level - UMF® Grade:
- ≥83 mg/kg - 5+
- ≥263 mg/kg - 10+
- ≥514 mg/kg - 15+
- ≥696 mg/kg - 18+
- ≥829 mg/kg - 20+
- ≥1122 mg/kg - 24+
- ≥1200 mg/kg - 25+
- ≥1282 mg/kg - 26+
It's important to note that when purchasing Manuka honey, you should look for genuine UMF® Manuka honey that meets all the criteria mentioned earlier to ensure its authenticity and quality. At Whenua Honey all our Mānuka Honey's are both UMF and MG Certified by an independent third party laboratory. See our range here!