Different types of manuka honey labels
In our article Manuka Honey Grades – UMF, MGO, KFactor discussing why manuka honey are certified or graded under different schemes, another question that most consumers ponder over is this : Is one label better than another?
Indication of active ingredient
Generally, manuka honey with UMF, MGO and KFactor labels are considered premium grade quality. Manuka honey without these labels could be of lower quality, manuka mixed with other blends of honey, or lower level of active ingredients.
Each label tracks a certain marker known as the “peroxide activity” that represents the potency of the manuka honey. The higher the “peroxide activity”, the greater the potency of the manuka. Since the value of the manuka honey is dependent on the level of peroxide activity, it would be helpful to understand what each label means and this would allow you to make a comparison between different brands of manuka honey.
UMF vs MG/MGO difference
Among the labels that exist today, only the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) measures the quality of the manuka honey according to the level of three unique signature compounds, namely, Leptosperin, DHA and Methylglyoxal. Meanwhile, other labels such as MGO measures only the concentration of the Methylglyoxal compound.
Compare UMF and MG/MGO
While some brands of manuka honey have been certified under both UMF and MGO resulting in product labels with dual ratings, many of the manuka honey sold in shops are still carrying single rating. They are either UMF or MGO rated. In this case, how do you know the level of active ingredient in each one?
The following table is a guide for how to compare a UMF number to its MGO equivalent number and vice versa based on the active ingredient. Please note that some brands of manuka honey are graded MG instead of MGO, and both are the same term referencing to the active ingredient called Methylglyoxal.
| UMF RATING | MINIMUM MGO* METHYLGLYOXAL |
Remarks |
| UMF 5+ | MGO 83 | UMF 5+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 83 |
| UMF 6+ | MGO 113 | UMF 6+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 113 |
| UMF 7+ | MGO 146 | UMF 7+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 146 |
| UMF 8+ | MGO 182 | UMF 8+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 182 |
| UMF 9+ | MGO 222 | UMF 9+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 222 |
| UMF 10+ | MGO 263 | UMF 10+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 263 |
| UMF 11+ | MGO 308 | UMF 11+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 308 |
| UMF 12+ | MGO 356 | UMF 12+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 356 |
| UMF 13+ | MGO 406 | UMF 13+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 406 |
| UMF 14+ | MGO 459 | UMF 14+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 459 |
| UMF 15+ | MGO 514 | UMF 15+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 514 |
| UMF 16+ | MGO 572 | UMF 16+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 572 |
| UMF 17+ | MGO 633 | UMF 17+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 633 |
| UMF 18+ | MGO 696 | UMF 18+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 696 |
| UMF 19+ | MGO 761 | UMF 19+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 761 |
| UMF 20+ | MGO 829 | UMF 20+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 829 |
| UMF 21+ | MGO 899 | UMF 21+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 899 |
| UMF 22+ | MGO 971 | UMF 22+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 971 |
| UMF 24+ | MGO 1122 | UMF 24+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 1122 |
| UMF 25+ | MGO 1200 | UMF 25+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 1200 |
| UMF 26+ | MGO 1282 | UMF 26+ Manuka has a minimum MGO rating of 1282 |
* MGO is measured as mg/kg (ppm)
What is your preferred type of manuka?
Do you prefer UMF or non-UMF manuka honey? Cast your vote and see what the rest of our readers think.
