MGO 550 Manuka Honey: What Does This Rating Mean?
When shopping for Manuka honey, you may notice labels such as MGO 100+, MGO 263+, MGO 550+, MGO 850+ and MGO 1200+. These numbers can seem complicated at first, but they provide a useful way to understand the amount of methylglyoxal present in the honey.
So, what does MGO 550 actually mean?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey. An MGO 550+ rating indicates that the honey meets or exceeds a stated concentration of 550 milligrams of MGO per kilogram of honey.
What Is MGO?
Methylglyoxal, or MGO, is one of the naturally occurring compounds associated with Manuka honey.
MGO develops from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in the nectar of some Leptospermum plants. As the honey matures, DHA can convert into MGO, resulting in a measurable concentration in the finished honey.
Because MGO can be measured through laboratory analysis, it provides consumers with a numerical reference for comparing different Manuka honey products.
What Does MGO 550 Mean?
An Manuka Honey MGO 550+ label indicates a high measured concentration of methylglyoxal.
The number is expressed as milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which is numerically equivalent to parts per million (ppm). Therefore, MGO 550+ represents a minimum threshold of approximately 550 mg of MGO per kilogram of honey. The “+” indicates that the tested result meets or exceeds the stated threshold.
It is important to understand that this number is a concentration measurement, not a serving size or medical dose.
Why Does Manuka Honey Have MGO?
The answer begins with the plant.
Manuka honey is associated with nectar collected from Leptospermum plants. Australia has a diverse range of native Leptospermum species, and differences in plant species and growing conditions can influence the natural compounds present in their nectar.
When nectar containing DHA is collected by bees and becomes honey, natural maturation allows some DHA to convert into MGO.
This is why different batches of Manuka honey can have different MGO levels.
Is MGO 550 Higher Than MGO 263?
Yes.
Because the numbers represent MGO concentration, MGO 550+ contains a higher stated MGO concentration than MGO 263+.
The Australian Manuka Honey Association’s published guidance gives approximately MGO 263 as a reference associated with NPA 10+ and approximately MGO 514 with NPA 15+.
MGO and NPA are related but different measurements, so they should not simply be treated as interchangeable labels.
How Does MGO 550 Compare With MGO 850?
The same principle applies when comparing MGO 550+ and MGO 850+.
MGO 850+ has a higher stated MGO concentration. The numerical difference is:
850 − 550 = 300 mg/kg
That means the MGO 850 threshold is about 54.5% higher numerically than MGO 550.
This is only a comparison of MGO concentration. It should not be interpreted as a percentage difference in health effects.
Does a Higher MGO Number Mean Better Honey?
Not automatically.
A higher MGO rating tells you that the honey contains a higher measured concentration of MGO. It does not mean that the highest rating is necessarily the right choice for every consumer.
When choosing Manuka honey, consider several factors:
MGO rating: Understand the concentration represented by the label.
Australian origin: Check where the honey was produced.
Testing: Look for credible laboratory verification of the stated MGO level.
Authenticity: Consider recognised Australian Manuka honey standards or certification.
Flavour: Manuka honey can have a richer and more distinctive flavour than many everyday honeys.
Price: Higher-MGO products are generally positioned within the premium honey market.
Why Is Laboratory Testing Important?
Testing is important because MGO is a measurable characteristic.
The Australian Manuka Honey Association states that MGO can be directly measured using specialist laboratory analysis and identifies MGO as a central part of its Australian Manuka honey rating system.
The AMHA also uses independent laboratory testing as part of its framework for authentic Australian Manuka honey. Products carrying its Mark of Authenticity must be produced in Australia and tested against specified MGO and DHA criteria.
For consumers, this makes independent testing an important factor when comparing premium honey.
What Does MGO 550 Manuka Honey Taste Like?
MGO rating does not determine exactly how a particular honey will taste.
Manuka honey often has a distinctive flavour that can be richer, earthier or more robust than mild floral honey. Natural differences in floral source, season and region can affect the final taste.
Texture can also vary naturally. Honey may be thick and smooth or develop crystals over time. Crystallisation is a normal characteristic of honey and does not automatically indicate poor quality.
How Can You Use MGO 550 Manuka Honey?
MGO 550+ can be enjoyed in many everyday ways, including:
- On toast
- In porridge or oats
- Mixed with yoghurt
- Drizzled over fruit
- Added to smoothies
- Stirred into warm drinks
- Used in recipes and dressings
Because Manuka honey has its own distinctive flavour, many people prefer to use it in foods where that flavour can be appreciated.
Remember that honey naturally contains sugars and carbohydrates, regardless of its MGO rating.
Is MGO 550 a Medical Rating?
No.
MGO 550 is a measurement of methylglyoxal concentration. It is not a medical prescription, serving recommendation or guarantee of a specific health result.
Manuka honey is a food product unless a particular honey preparation has been specifically manufactured and approved for a clinical application. Consumers should not assume that a higher MGO rating can replace professional medical treatment.
What Should You Look for When Buying MGO 550?
If you are considering MGO 550 Manuka honey, check the complete product information.
Look for a clearly stated MGO rating, Australian origin information and evidence of laboratory testing. Where relevant, recognised authenticity standards can provide additional information about provenance and quality.
It is also useful to read the ingredient list, nutrition panel, serving information and storage instructions before buying.
Final Thoughts
MGO 550 Manuka Honey is a high-MGO Manuka honey rating based on the measurable concentration of methylglyoxal.
The MGO develops naturally from DHA found in the nectar of certain Leptospermum plants and forms as the honey matures.
Compared with MGO 263+, MGO 550+ represents a higher MGO concentration, while MGO 850+ represents a higher concentration again. These numbers give consumers a practical way to compare Manuka honey, but they should not be interpreted as medical doses or as a complete measure of overall product quality.
For Australian shoppers, the best approach is to consider MGO concentration, origin, independent testing, authenticity, flavour and price together.
Understanding what MGO 550 means makes Manuka honey labels easier to read and helps you choose a product based on clear, measurable information.