10 Things to Know Before Buying Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is one of Australia’s most distinctive premium honey products, but choosing the right jar can be confusing. With different MGO ratings, origin claims, certifications and prices available, it helps to know what to look for before making a purchase.
Whether you are buying Manuka honey for everyday enjoyment or looking for a high-MGO option such as Manuka Honey MGO 850+, these ten points can help you understand the product and compare your options more confidently.
1. Understand What Manuka Honey Is
Australian Manuka honey is produced by bees collecting nectar from plants belonging to the Leptospermum genus. Australia has more than 80 native Leptospermum species growing across a variety of environments.
This floral source is what distinguishes Manuka honey from many conventional honeys made from other flowering plants.
2. Know What MGO Means
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound associated with the characteristic properties of Manuka honey.
MGO develops from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is naturally present in the nectar of some Leptospermum flowers. As the honey matures, DHA can convert into MGO.
The MGO number provides a measurable way to compare the concentration of this compound in different Manuka honey products.
3. Check the MGO Rating
If you are specifically looking for Manuka Honey MGO 850+, check that the product clearly states its MGO rating.
An MGO 850+ label indicates a high MGO category. The rating should be supported by appropriate laboratory testing rather than relying only on marketing terminology such as “active” or “premium.”
MGO is a concentration measurement, not a medical dosage or guarantee of a particular health outcome.
4. Check the Country of Origin
Not all Manuka honey comes from Australia.
If Australian origin is important to you, carefully check the country-of-origin information on the product label. The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) has established criteria specifically for identifying and authenticating Australian Manuka honey.
The association’s framework is based on honey produced in Australia from Leptospermum nectar.
5. Look for Independent Laboratory Testing
A stated MGO number is more meaningful when it has been independently verified.
The AMHA highlights independent laboratory testing and traceability as important parts of its quality approach. Its standards use scientific testing to establish MGO and DHA levels and help verify product identity.
When purchasing a premium Manuka honey, look for clear information about how the MGO rating was tested.
6. Understand Authenticity Marks
An authenticity mark can provide another useful reference when buying Australian Manuka honey.
The AMHA’s Mark of Authenticity is available for qualifying products that meet its criteria. According to the association, products carrying the Authentic mark must be produced in Australia and independently tested for at least 85 mg/kg MGO and 170 mg/kg DHA when packed.
Remember that an MGO rating and an authenticity certification are not necessarily the same thing. Check exactly what any logo or certification represents.
7. Don’t Judge Honey by Colour Alone
Manuka honey can naturally vary in colour, texture and flavour.
A darker colour does not automatically mean a higher MGO rating or better quality. Natural differences can occur because of floral source, region, season and other production conditions.
Instead of judging a jar by appearance alone, pay more attention to its MGO rating, origin, testing and authenticity information.
8. Consider the Flavour and Texture
Manuka honey often has a richer and more distinctive flavour than mild everyday honey. Depending on the harvest, it may have earthy, caramel-like, woody or robust notes.
Its texture can also change naturally. Honey may be smooth and thick when first purchased and may crystallise over time.
Crystallisation is a natural process and does not automatically mean the honey has spoiled.
9. Check the Nutrition Panel
Manuka honey is still honey, which means it naturally contains sugars and carbohydrates.
For example, a 10g serving listed for a high-MGO Australian Manuka honey product provides approximately 141 kJ of energy, 8.2g of carbohydrates and 8.2g of total sugars.
This is important when deciding how much honey fits into your overall diet.
A high MGO rating does not mean the honey is sugar-free or low in carbohydrates.
10. Think About How You Will Use It
Before buying, consider how you intend to enjoy the honey.
Manuka honey can be used in a variety of everyday foods and drinks, including:
- Toast
- Porridge
- Greek yoghurt
- Fresh fruit
- Smoothies
- Warm beverages
- Homemade recipes
A 250g jar, for example, can provide 25 servings when the serving size is 10g, making it a practical format for regular or occasional use.
Choosing the right MGO level can also depend on your personal preference, intended use and budget.
A Few Important Precautions
Although Manuka honey is a natural food, it should be consumed responsibly.
Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months of age because of the risk of infant botulism. Australian health guidance advises avoiding honey for babies younger than one year.
People monitoring sugar or carbohydrate intake should also consider honey as part of their overall diet. If you have a specific medical or dietary condition, professional advice can help determine what is appropriate for you.
Most importantly, an MGO rating is a product measurement, not a medical prescription.
Final Thoughts
Buying Manuka honey becomes much easier when you know what to check.
Before purchasing, look at the MGO rating, Australian origin, independent laboratory testing, authenticity information, nutrition panel and intended use. These details provide a more complete picture than price, colour or marketing claims alone.
For consumers specifically interested in Manuka Honey MGO 850+, the MGO rating provides a clear measurable characteristic associated with a high-MGO product. Australian Manuka honey’s connection to Leptospermum plants and the availability of scientific authenticity criteria provide additional information for shoppers.
Ultimately, the best purchase is one where you understand exactly what the label means, where the honey comes from and how its quality has been verified.