Manuka Honey MGO 850+ vs MGO 1200+: Understanding the Differences

Manuka honey is available in a wide range of MGO ratings, which can make choosing the right product confusing for first-time buyers. Two high-strength options that attract particular interest are Manuka Honey MGO 850+ and Manuka Honey MGO 1200+.

Both are premium, high-MGO Manuka honeys, but there is a measurable difference between them. The MGO rating relates to the concentration of methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey. MGO 1200+ therefore represents a higher MGO concentration than MGO 850+.

For Australian consumers comparing these grades, it is useful to understand what the numbers mean, how the products differ, how MGO relates to UMF, and what factors should be considered when selecting a Manuka honey.

What Is MGO in Manuka Honey?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound associated with the distinctive characteristics of Manuka honey.

MGO originates from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which occurs naturally in the nectar of some Leptospermum plants. As Manuka honey matures, DHA can convert into MGO, resulting in a measurable concentration in the finished honey. The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) uses MGO as a key measurement within its Australian Manuka honey quality framework.

The MGO rating is expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), or parts per million (ppm). This gives consumers a numerical way to compare the concentration of MGO in different Manuka honey products.

What Does MGO 850+ Mean?

Manuka Honey MGO 850+ is a high-MGO product with a stated rating of 850+.

The number represents the MGO concentration associated with the product’s grade. The “+” indicates that the product meets or exceeds the stated rating rather than having exactly 850 mg/kg.

The Sunhighlands MGO 850+ page currently identifies the product as MGO 850+ and EQV UMF 20+, and states that its batches are independently laboratory tested for MGO strength, purity, safety and consistency.

For consumers, MGO 850+ can therefore be viewed as a clearly defined high-strength Manuka honey category rather than simply a marketing description.

What Does MGO 1200+ Mean?

Manuka Honey MGO 1200+ represents an even higher MGO rating.

The MGO 1200+ product listed by Sunhighlands is labelled MGO 1200+ and EQV UMF 25+. The product page describes it as a premium Australian Manuka honey and states that it is independently tested for authenticity and strength.

The numerical difference between the two grades is straightforward:

• MGO 850+ — high MGO concentration
• MGO 1200+ — higher MGO concentration
• Difference between the stated thresholds — 350 mg/kg
• MGO 1200 compared with MGO 850 — approximately 41% higher numerically

That 41% figure is simply a comparison of the stated MGO numbers. It should not be interpreted as meaning that MGO 1200+ will produce exactly 41% more of a particular health effect.

MGO 850+ vs MGO 1200+: The Main Difference

The most obvious difference is the amount of MGO represented by the rating.

The most important point is that both ratings describe measurable MGO concentration. MGO 1200+ simply represents a higher concentration than MGO 850+.

How Does MGO Relate to UMF?

Consumers shopping for Manuka honey may also encounter the UMF™ grading system.

MGO and UMF should not be treated as identical systems.

MGO measures methylglyoxal concentration directly. UMF is a separate certification and grading system that considers several quality factors. The UMF Association’s published four-factor table lists:

• UMF 20+ — 829 mg/kg MGO
• UMF 25+ — 1197 mg/kg MGO

It also evaluates Leptosperin, DHA and HMF as part of its broader quality framework.

This explains why MGO 850+ is commonly compared with UMF 20+, while MGO 1200+ is commonly compared with UMF 25+ based on MGO concentration.

However, an MGO product labelled “equivalent” to a UMF grade is not automatically UMF-certified. Consumers should look for the actual UMF quality mark if certification under that system is important to them.

Sunhighlands currently describes its MGO 850+ product as “EQV UMF 20+” and its MGO 1200+ product as “EQV UMF 25+”.

Does Higher MGO Mean Better Manuka Honey?

Higher MGO means a higher measured concentration of MGO. It does not necessarily mean that a higher rating is the right choice for every consumer.

Someone purchasing Manuka honey primarily as a premium food may prefer MGO 850+ because it offers a high MGO rating while fitting their preferred budget or everyday routine.

Another consumer may specifically want MGO 1200+ because they are looking for a higher MGO concentration.

The choice therefore depends on what matters to the individual.

Other factors worth considering include:

Origin:
Australian Manuka honey comes from nectar collected from Leptospermum plants. Australia has more than 80 native Leptospermum species across a variety of environments.

Authenticity:
The AMHA has developed scientific criteria for identifying authentic Australian Manuka honey, including MGO and DHA testing.

Independent testing:
Laboratory verification provides useful support for the MGO value shown on a product label. The AMHA highlights independent testing and traceability as important parts of quality assurance.

Flavour and texture:
Natural honey characteristics vary by floral source, season and harvest, so MGO rating alone does not determine taste.

What Makes Australian Manuka Honey Unique?

Australia has the largest diversity of Leptospermum plants in the world, according to the AMHA, with more than 80 native species found across different habitats.

This diversity is an important part of the Australian Manuka honey story.

Australian Manuka honey can be monofloral or multifloral, depending on the floral sources visited by the bees. The AMHA defines pure monofloral Manuka honey as having at least 50% of its nectar derived from one floral source.

This means that two Australian Manuka honeys with similar MGO ratings can still have differences in flavour, colour and texture.

MGO 850+ for Everyday Enjoyment

MGO 850+ may be suitable for consumers looking for a high-MGO Manuka honey that can be incorporated into their regular food routine.

The MGO 850+ page describes the product as suitable for everyday enjoyment and culinary uses, including taking it directly from the spoon, stirring it into beverages or using it in recipes.

It can be paired with:

• Toast
• Porridge
• Greek yoghurt
• Fresh fruit
• Smoothies
• Warm drinks

Its rich flavour can also make it suitable for simple desserts and other recipes.

MGO 1200+ for Consumers Seeking a Higher Rating

MGO 1200+ represents a higher MGO category and may appeal to consumers specifically looking for a very high-MGO Manuka honey.

The MGO 1200+ product is currently listed as a 250 g jar, with the product page recommending a 10 g serving size and describing uses such as adding honey to toast, porridge, yoghurt, fruit and warm drinks.

Because MGO 1200+ has a higher stated concentration than MGO 850+, it is positioned as a more concentrated option within the high-MGO Manuka honey range.

Again, however, the higher number should be understood as a measurement rather than as a guarantee of a specific health result.

Which MGO Rating Should You Choose?

There is no single MGO rating that is appropriate for everyone.

MGO 850+ may suit you when:
you want a high-MGO Manuka honey for regular culinary enjoyment and prefer a strong rating without moving to one of the higher available grades.

MGO 1200+ may suit you when:
you specifically want a higher MGO concentration and are looking for a premium Manuka honey in a very high-MGO category.

The decision can also depend on availability, price, taste preference, product origin and testing information.

Rather than choosing solely because one number is larger, compare the full product details.

MGO Rating Is Not the Same as a Medical Dose

One important point is often misunderstood when comparing Manuka honey grades.

MGO 850+ and MGO 1200+ are product ratings, not medical dosages.

The higher numerical rating indicates a higher measured concentration of MGO. It does not mean that consumers should take a larger quantity or that the honey can replace medical treatment.

Manuka honey should be considered a food unless a specific medical product has been approved and supplied for a clinical use.

For everyday consumption, remember that honey naturally contains sugars and carbohydrates. The MGO 1200+ nutrition information, for example, lists 8.2 g of carbohydrate and 8.2 g of total sugars per 10 g serving.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Whether you choose MGO 850+ or MGO 1200+, quality and authenticity remain important.

Look for a clearly stated MGO rating and transparent information about the product’s origin. Independent laboratory testing is another useful indicator, particularly for high-value Manuka honey.

Australian consumers can also look for recognised authenticity systems. The AMHA Mark of Authenticity requires qualifying Australian Manuka honey to be produced in Australia and independently tested against specified MGO and DHA criteria.

Also check:

• Country of origin
• Ingredients
• Nutrition information
• Batch information where available
• Testing or certification details
• Storage instructions

These details can provide a much clearer picture of the product than the MGO number alone.

Final Thoughts

The difference between Manuka Honey MGO 850+ and MGO 1200+ comes down primarily to their measured MGO concentration.

MGO 850+ represents a high MGO level, while MGO 1200+ represents a higher one. Numerically, the difference between the stated thresholds is 350 mg/kg, with MGO 1200 being approximately 41% higher than MGO 850 on the face of the rating.

The two grades are also commonly compared with UMF 20+ and UMF 25+, respectively, because the UMF Association’s published MGO reference levels are 829 mg/kg for UMF 20+ and 1197 mg/kg for UMF 25+.

However, MGO and UMF are different systems, and an “equivalent” MGO comparison should not be confused with actual UMF certification.

For Australian consumers, the best way to compare Manuka honey is to consider the MGO rating together with Australian origin, authenticity, independent testing, traceability, flavour, intended use and price.

Whether MGO 850+ or MGO 1200+ is the right fit ultimately depends on the characteristics you are looking for in a premium Manuka honey. Understanding the grading system simply gives you the information needed to make that choice with greater confidence.