If you have ever looked at different jars of mānuka honey and wondered what 100+, 350+, 550+, or 940+ MGO actually means, you are not alone.
One of the most common questions we get at Waitahanui Apiaries is which strength to choose and what those numbers mean in real life. The good news is that once you understand MGO and how different grades are commonly used, it becomes much easier to choose the right honey for your needs.
As producers of certified organic raw honey here in New Zealand, we believe in keeping things simple, honest, and high quality. This guide will help you understand what MGO means, why mānuka honey is so valued, and which Waitahanui product may be right for you.
What does MGO mean?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in mānuka honey.
This compound is one of the key reasons mānuka honey is so highly regarded. MGO is closely linked to the unique antibacterial properties of mānuka honey and is one of the main markers used to measure its strength.
In simple terms, the higher the MGO rating, the higher the concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey. That is why you will see different numbers across the Waitahanui range.
For customers, this makes it easier to choose a honey that suits their everyday wellbeing routine, seasonal needs, gifting preferences, or desire for a more premium option.
Why is mānuka honey so special?
Mānuka honey has been widely studied for its unique properties, particularly its antibacterial activity. Unlike many other types of honey, mānuka contains naturally occurring compounds that have made it well known around the world for both its quality and its functional value.
People choose mānuka honey for many reasons. Some enjoy it daily as part of their overall wellbeing routine. Others like to keep a stronger grade on hand during winter or times when they want a more premium honey in the pantry.
At Waitahanui Apiaries, we offer a range of strengths so customers can choose a product that matches their lifestyle, needs, and budget.
A practical guide to the Waitahanui mānuka honey range
100+ MGO
Best for everyday wellbeing and regular use
Our 100+ MGO mānuka honey is a great everyday option. It is ideal for people who want to enjoy mānuka honey regularly as part of a balanced lifestyle without stepping into the higher strength range.
This is a versatile honey for the pantry and a good choice if you are new to mānuka honey or simply want an everyday wellbeing honey for regular use.
350+ MGO
Best for a stronger everyday option and flu season support
Our 350+ MGO mānuka honey is a step up in strength and a popular choice for people who want something more concentrated than an entry level jar.
This is a practical option for those who already enjoy mānuka honey and want a stronger honey on hand, especially during winter and flu season. It still works well for regular use while offering a more premium strength than 100+.
550+ MGO
Best for flu season, stronger support, and gifting
Our 550+ MGO mānuka honey is a premium higher strength option. Many customers choose this level when they want a more concentrated honey to keep on hand during flu season or when they feel they need something stronger.
It also makes a beautiful gift. If you are looking for a premium New Zealand honey that feels thoughtful, high quality, and genuinely special, 550+ is a great choice.
940+ MGO / 21 UMF
Best for our highest strength offering and more targeted use
This season, our highest strength mānuka honey is 940+ MGO / 21 UMF, available in a smaller 250g pot.
This is our most powerful option and is best suited to customers who know they want a very high strength mānuka honey. It is often chosen by those looking for the highest potency in our range for more targeted use, premium personal use, or to keep on hand as a specialist product.
Because it is such a high strength product, the smaller pot size makes it ideal for customers who want something concentrated and special.
Which Waitahanui mānuka honey should you buy?
Here is a simple way to think about it.
Choose 100+ MGO if you want
An everyday wellbeing honey for regular use in the pantry.
Choose 350+ MGO if you want
A stronger everyday option or something to keep on hand during winter and flu season.
Choose 550+ MGO if you want
A premium higher strength honey for flu season, stronger support, or a beautiful gift.
Choose 940+ MGO / 21 UMF if you want
Our highest strength mānuka honey in a concentrated 250g pot for more premium or targeted use.
Why customers like having different strengths at home
Not everyone needs the same mānuka honey strength all the time. That is why many customers like having a simple way to choose based on how they plan to use it.
A lower grade such as 100+ is ideal for daily use and general wellbeing. Mid range strengths like 350+ and 550+ are popular when people want a stronger honey through winter. Higher grades like 940+ are typically chosen by customers who specifically want the highest strength available in the range.
This makes mānuka honey feel much more practical. Rather than wondering which jar is best, you can choose based on what suits your lifestyle and what you want it for.
The Waitahanui difference
At Waitahanui Apiaries, our honey reflects more than just a number on the jar. It reflects our commitment to producing certified organic raw honey with care, integrity, and respect for the land, the bees, and the people who choose our products.
We believe quality begins long before the honey is poured. It is found in the way the bees are cared for, the standards we uphold, and the pride we take in offering honey that feels genuine from hive to jar.
That is what sits behind every Waitahanui product, whether you choose 100+ MGO for everyday wellbeing or 940+ MGO / 21 UMF as our highest strength offering this season.
Find the right mānuka honey for your needs
Choosing mānuka honey should feel practical, not confusing.
Once you understand what MGO means and how each strength may fit into everyday life, it becomes much easier to decide what to buy. Whether you want an everyday wellbeing honey, something stronger for flu season, or a premium gift, there is a Waitahanui jar to match.
Explore the Waitahanui Apiaries mānuka honey collection and find the one that is right for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MGO and UMF?
MGO measures the level of methylglyoxal in the honey, while UMF is a broader grading system used to verify and measure key signature compounds in genuine mānuka honey. Both are used to indicate strength and quality.
Is higher MGO always better?
Not necessarily. The best choice depends on how you want to use the honey. Many people are very happy with 100+ as an everyday wellbeing honey, while others prefer a higher strength option for seasonal use or gifting.
Can I enjoy mānuka honey every day?
Yes, many people enjoy mānuka honey daily as part of their routine. A lower or mid strength option is often ideal for this.
Why is the 940+ MGO sold in a smaller pot?
Because it is a very high strength honey, it is offered in a smaller 250g jar for customers who want a concentrated premium option.