What MGO means
Methylglyoxal, written MGO, is a compound that forms in manuka honey as it matures from a precursor in the nectar. Labs report it in milligrams per kilogram of honey. A jar marked MGO 400+ contains at least 400 mg of MGO in each kilogram. The scale is open-ended, and the jars we compare run from MGO 50+ to MGO 1600+.
Our methylglyoxal science page explains what researchers have studied about the compound. This page is about shopping, so we stick to what the labels mean and what they cost.
What UMF means
UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor. It is a trademark of the UMF Honey Association, and a brand must be licensed to use it. A UMF grade comes from testing several markers in the honey, not just MGO, and the testing includes checks that the honey is genuine manuka.
The association publishes a table of the lowest MGO each grade must contain. Treat it as a rough guide, because the association itself says the two ratings should not be converted into each other.
| UMF grade | Minimum MGO |
|---|---|
| UMF 5+ | 83 |
| UMF 10+ | 261 |
| UMF 15+ | 512 |
| UMF 20+ | 826 |
| UMF 25+ | 1,197 |
What KFactor means
Some brands print KFactor on the label. It describes how much of the honey comes from manuka pollen, and so it speaks to authenticity. It does not measure strength. A KFactor 16 jar and a KFactor 12 jar are both monofloral manuka. Look at the MGO or UMF number to compare strength.
Monofloral and multifloral
A monofloral jar comes mainly from one flower, and a multifloral jar is a blend. Multifloral manuka costs less and carries a lower MGO. It works for tea and toast. If you want the full manuka flavor and a higher MGO, look at monofloral.
Which level should you buy
MGO 50 to 150: Everyday sweetener and first-time tasting. The cheapest jars are in this range.
MGO 300 to 600: Regular spoonful use. Most buyers will find the best value in this range. Wedderspoon's MGO 400+ is the lowest price per 100 g at that level in our table.
MGO 800 and up: Premium jars. Wedderspoon's MGO 850+ is the cheapest per 100 g of the group. Above MGO 1000, the price per 100 g climbs sharply, so these are mainly for collectors and gifts.
We do not make health claims about any jar. A higher MGO number means more MGO in the jar, not a proven outcome for you. If you are buying for a medical reason, ask your clinician.
What to check on a label
Look for a stated MGO or UMF number, the brand name, and a batch or lot code. A jar that says "active" or "10+" without saying MGO or UMF gives you nothing to compare. A UMF number should come with a license number on the jar. The UMF Honey Association lists its licensed brands on its website.
Price per 100 g, cheapest first
We checked these thirteen jars at Wedderspoon and Manuka Health on October 15, 2026. The per-100 g price is our own math from the listed price and jar size. Where a range of sizes exists, the price shown is for the smallest size or the first listed size, and "From" marks that case.
| Jar | Rating | Size | Price | Per 100 g | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedderspoon Raw Multifloral | MGO 50+ | 250 g and 340 g squeeze | $14.99 | $6.00 | Check price at Wedderspoon |
| Wedderspoon Raw Monofloral | MGO 150+ | 250 g to 1000 g | From $27.99 | $11.20 | Check price at Wedderspoon |
| Manuka Health Classic | MGO 300+ | 8.8 oz (250 g) | $35.00 | $14.00 | Check price at Manuka Health |
| Wedderspoon Raw Monofloral | MGO 400+ | 250 g | $41.99 | $16.80 | Check price at Wedderspoon |
| Manuka Health Daily | MGO 400+ | 8.8 oz (250 g) | $60.00 | $24.00 | Check price at Manuka Health |
| Manuka Health Extra | MGO 600+ | 8.8 oz (250 g) | $75.00 | $30.00 | Check price at Manuka Health |
| Manuka Health Kit with Gold Spoon | MGO 600+ | 8.8 oz (250 g) jar plus spoon | $75.00 | $30.00 | Check price at Manuka Health |
| Wedderspoon Raw | MGO 850+ | 250 g and 500 g | From $79.99 | $32.00 | Check price at Wedderspoon |
| Manuka Health Ultra | MGO 800+ | 8.8 oz (250 g) | $100.00 | $40.00 | Check price at Manuka Health |
| Wedderspoon Raw Monofloral Reserve | MGO 1100+ | 250 g | $124.99 | $50.00 | Check price at Wedderspoon |
| Manuka Health Reserve | MGO 1000+ | 8.8 oz (250 g) | $200.00 | $80.00 | Check price at Manuka Health |
| Manuka Health Single Origin Pohuenui | MGO 856+ | 8.8 oz (250 g) | $275.00 | $110.00 | Check price at Manuka Health |
| Manuka Health Pinnacle Harvest | MGO 1600+ | 8.8 oz (250 g) | $1,575.00 | $630.00 | Check price at Manuka Health |
The retailers run promotions often, so check the final price at checkout. For a closer look at each jar, see our full manuka honey price guide.