UMF vs MGO Grading Explained

Mānuka Honey Grading Systems

MGO vs UMFTM — What’s the Difference?

The terms UMFTM and MGO can seem confusing, understanding them can help you buy the best quality Mānuka honey for you and your family.

MGO (Methylglyoxal)
Methylglyoxal, one of the naturally occurring signature compounds found in the nectar of Mānuka flowers. This amazing component is linked to antibacterial equivalency.  Methylglyoxal content, and a high UMFTM rating are all linked to excellent Mānuka honey with the best benefits.
UMFTM (Unique Mānuka Factor) rating
UMF grading system explains the quality of Mānuka honey based on exclusive characteristics, one of these being MGO.
The Honey Association of New Zealand issues the UMFTM certification. This mark guarantees the quality, purity and authenticity of Manuka honey based on the presence of MGO and other signature compounds. Choosing labels with higher ratings ensures you’re receiving honey with maximum health benefits.

What does the UMFTM Rating measure? More than just a rating number and content claim, the UMFTM grading system is a quality trademark that identifies natural, unadulterated Manuka honey that measures purity and efficacy.
We use this grading system so you can be sure you are buying a pure and quality product:
Purity Measure — Leptosperin:
Leptosperin is a signature compound found in the nectar of the Mānuka flower and is what makes Mānuka unique. As one of Mānuka’s primary authenticity markers, it assures you it has come from natural, unadulterated, natural Mānuka.
Efficacy Measure — Methylglyoxal (MGO)
MGO gives Mānuka its special benefits and is the honey’s key content measure that determines its grading. The higher the MGO levels, the higher the UMFTM grade.
Quality Measure — Hydroxymethlfurfural (HMF)
Hydroxymethylfurfural is a key indicator used to detect heat treatment or ageing of a product.  The HMF content should not exceed 40 milligrams per kilogram. Levels higher than this can indicate excess heat treatment, or the product was stored at elevated temperatures for long periods. We guarantee that our honey’s HMF measurement will be under 40.

How can you know your Manuka honey is genuine?

Genuine UMFTM Manuka honey must comply with all these six criteria:

• It has the quality trademark UMFTM image and grading clearly stated on the front label
•  It is packed in jars and labelled in New Zealand
•  It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use the UMFTM quality mark
• It has both the UMFTM Licensee’s brand name and license number on the front label
• It indicates the rating number alongside the UMFTM label – a number on its own or without the UMFTM mark is not genuine Mānuka honey
• It must contain the minimum level of Leptospira and MGO to be graded Manuka honey UMFTM

How do I convert MGO to UMFTM, and what do the numbers mean?

Honey must contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), Methylglyoxal and Leptosperin to receive a UMFTM grading. The grading system measures the attributes and values that make up Manuka honey and assures purity and quality.
Refer to the handy chart below for the UMF vs MGO of Manuka honey: