When shopping for premium Manuka honey, you may come across ratings such as MGO 550+, MGO 850+, MGO 1200+ and 1500 MGO Manuka Honey. These numbers can seem confusing, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the way Manuka honey is graded.
The basic idea is simple: MGO refers to methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound associated with Manuka honey. The number on the label indicates its measured concentration in the honey. A 1500 MGO rating therefore represents a very high concentration of MGO compared with lower-rated products.
MGO, or methylglyoxal, is one of the naturally occurring compounds that gives Manuka honey its distinctive characteristics.
MGO develops from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which naturally occurs in the nectar of certain Leptospermum plants. As the honey matures, DHA can convert into MGO. The amount of MGO that ultimately develops depends on factors including the floral source and natural maturation of the honey.
Because MGO can be measured through laboratory analysis, it provides a useful numerical reference for comparing Manuka honey products.
1500 MGO indicates a very high measured concentration of methylglyoxal.
MGO is generally expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which is numerically equivalent to parts per million (ppm). The higher the number, the greater the measured concentration of MGO.
For comparison:
MGO 550+ has a lower MGO concentration
MGO 850+ has a higher concentration
MGO 1200+ is higher again
MGO 1500+ represents an even higher level
The difference is a measurement of concentration. It should not be interpreted as meaning that one product provides a specific percentage more health benefits than another.
The main reason is its high MGO concentration.
MGO is widely used as an indicator of the strength or potency of Manuka honey, and the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) identifies MGO as a central part of its Australian Manuka honey rating approach. MGO can be directly measured using laboratory testing.
A 1500 MGO product is therefore positioned at the very high end of the MGO range commonly encountered by consumers.
This makes it particularly relevant to people who are specifically looking for a high-MGO Manuka honey rather than a general everyday honey.
Australian Manuka honey comes from bees collecting nectar from plants belonging to the Leptospermum genus.
Australia has more than 80 native Leptospermum species, growing across a variety of environments, from coastal regions to mountainous areas. This botanical diversity contributes to the characteristics and natural variation found in Australian Manuka honey.
The floral source is important because the nectar provides the DHA from which MGO develops during honey maturation.
This is also why not every Manuka honey naturally reaches a very high rating such as MGO 1500.
A specific MGO rating is most useful when supported by reliable laboratory testing.
The AMHA states that MGO can be directly measured through laboratory analysis and highlights independent testing and traceability as important parts of its quality approach.
The AMHA's Mark of Authenticity is separate from the MGO rating. Products carrying this mark must be produced in Australia and independently tested against the association's criteria for authentic Australian Manuka honey.
This distinction is useful when shopping: the MGO number tells you about MGO concentration, while an authenticity mark provides information about a separate set of requirements.
The numerical difference between high-MGO products is straightforward.
For example, MGO 1500 is:
300 mg/kg higher than MGO 1200
650 mg/kg higher than MGO 850
950 mg/kg higher than MGO 550
These comparisons simply show the difference in measured MGO concentration. They should not be presented as percentages of therapeutic effectiveness.
A higher MGO rating also does not automatically mean that every consumer needs that grade.
The MGO rating does not determine one exact flavour profile.
Manuka honey can naturally have a rich, distinctive taste, while colour, aroma and texture can vary between harvests. Floral source, region and seasonal conditions all contribute to these natural differences.
Some people enjoy high-MGO Manuka honey directly, while others add it to toast, yoghurt, porridge, fruit or warm drinks.
MGO and UMF™ should not be treated as identical grading systems.
MGO measures methylglyoxal concentration directly. UMF is a separate certification system that considers several factors, including MGO, Leptosperin, DHA and HMF. The published UMF specifications list 1197 mg/kg MGO for UMF 25+, which explains why very high MGO products may sometimes be compared with the upper UMF grades.
However, an MGO 1500+ label does not automatically mean UMF certification. Consumers should check for the actual certification mark if that certification is important to them.
MGO 1500 Manuka honey can be enjoyed as a premium food in several everyday ways.
Try it with:
Toast or sourdough
Porridge and oats
Greek yoghurt
Fresh fruit
Smoothies
Warm drinks
Homemade desserts
Because honey naturally contains sugars, it should be enjoyed in appropriate portions as part of a balanced diet.
A higher MGO rating means a higher measured concentration of methylglyoxal, but it is not necessarily the best choice for everyone.
When choosing a Manuka honey, consider more than the MGO number. Australian origin, independent testing, authenticity, flavour, serving information and price can all be relevant.
The most expensive or highest-rated honey is not automatically the most suitable product for an individual's preferences.
What Should You Check Before Buying?
When looking for 1500 MGO Manuka Honey, check the label and product information for:
MGO rating: Is 1500+ clearly stated?
Australian origin: Does the product clearly identify where the honey comes from?
Testing: Is there credible laboratory verification?
Authenticity: Is recognised certification available?
Ingredients and nutrition: Are the product details transparent?
Storage: Are clear storage instructions provided?
These checks can help you compare premium Manuka honey products more effectively.
1500 MGO Manuka Honey stands out because it represents a very high measured concentration of methylglyoxal. MGO develops naturally from DHA found in the nectar of certain Leptospermum plants and can be verified through laboratory testing.
Its high MGO rating makes it different from lower grades such as MGO 550+, MGO 850+ and MGO 1200+. However, the number should be viewed as a measurement of concentration, not a medical dosage or a guarantee of a particular health outcome.
For Australian consumers, a well-informed purchase involves looking beyond the number. Check the MGO rating, Australian origin, testing, authenticity and product labelling together.
That approach makes it easier to understand what 1500 MGO actually means and whether a very high-MGO Manuka honey fits your preferences.