UMF vs MGO: What’s the Difference — and Which One Should You Trust?

If you’ve spotted labels like “UMF 10+” or “MGO 250+,” you’re not alone. Both look important — but they measure different things. Understanding the difference helps you pick the honey that’s right for you, and makes it easier to compare products on the market.

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound in Mānuka honey that contributes to its antibacterial properties.

• Higher number = stronger activity. MGO ratings show how much methylglyoxal is in the jar.
• Not unique to Mānuka. Other honeys contain MGO too, usually in tiny amounts (1–10 mg/kg). Mānuka honey is special because it naturally contains much higher levels — for example, UMF 10+ sits around 250 mg/kg, with higher UMF grades reaching 800 mg/kg or more.
• Helpful but limited. MGO gives you a sense of potency but doesn’t confirm authenticity or overall quality.

UMF stands for Unique Mānuka Factor, and it’s a globally recognized trustmark rather than just a content claim.

• Full quality check: UMF measures MGO, DHA, and leptosperin — three markers that confirm your honey is genuine, pure, and high-grade Mānuka.
• Independent verification: Only licensed New Zealand producers can use the UMF logo.
• Think of it this way: MGO tells you about strength. UMF tells you the honey is authentic and high quality.

At Happy Valley, we include both MGO ratings and the UMF certification on our Mānuka honey range.

• MGO numbers let you compare the strength of our honey to others on the market.
• UMF trustmark gives you confidence in the authenticity, purity, and overall quality of the honey you’re buying.
• Using both together gives you the full picture — so you can choose the right honey for daily wellness, recipes, or even skincare.

• MGO is great for gauging potency.
• UMF is the gold standard for verifying authenticity, purity, and quality.
• When you see both on a jar, you’re getting the strength information plus the trust and verification you need to compare products confidently.

Tip: UMF 10+ is a popular choice for everyday wellness. It’s perfect for adding to tea,
toast, smoothies, or even DIY skincare.

1. Look for the UMF logo — only licensed NZ producers can use it.
2. Check the batch code or QR code for traceability.
3. Confirm the New Zealand origin — UMF honey must be packed in NZ.
4. Be cautious of cheap products with no independent verification.

• MGO = strength/potency
• UMF = authenticity + purity + quality
• Together they give you both the information and the trust to make an informed choice.

Try Happy Valley UMF® 10+ Mānuka Honey — independently tested, fully traceable, and crafted by our family-owned New Zealand brand.