Why Does Manuka Honey MGO 850+ Have a Higher Methylglyoxal Concentration?
Manuka honey is known for having naturally occurring compounds that distinguish it from many other types of honey. One of the most important is methylglyoxal (MGO), which is why Manuka honey is commonly labelled with ratings such as MGO 100+, MGO 550+, MGO 850+ and MGO 1200+.
But why does Manuka Honey MGO 850+ contain such a high concentration of methylglyoxal?
The answer begins with the flowers visited by honey bees and continues through nectar composition, honey maturation, harvesting and storage. Understanding these factors helps explain why some Manuka honey reaches much higher MGO levels than conventional honey.
What Is Methylglyoxal?
Methylglyoxal, commonly called MGO, is a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey.
According to the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA), MGO comes from another naturally occurring compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is present in the nectar of some Leptospermum plants. As Manuka honey matures, DHA can convert into MGO.
This natural chemical process is one of the key reasons Manuka honey can develop a much higher MGO concentration than many conventional honeys.
Why Is MGO Higher in Manuka Honey?
The primary reason is the floral source.
Australian Manuka honey comes from bees collecting nectar from Leptospermum plants. Australia has a wide diversity of native Leptospermum species, and research has shown that DHA production varies between species and regions.
Some Leptospermum plants produce nectar containing relatively high amounts of DHA. When bees collect this nectar and it becomes honey, the DHA can gradually convert into MGO during maturation.
This creates the foundation for high-MGO Manuka honey.
The Role of DHA
To understand why MGO 850+ occurs, it is helpful to look at DHA.
DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is naturally present in the nectar of certain Leptospermum flowers. According to the AMHA, DHA is the precursor from which MGO develops.
The amount of DHA available in the nectar can vary according to the particular Leptospermum species and growing region.
That means not every Manuka flower produces nectar with the same potential for high MGO honey.
When nectar naturally contains higher DHA levels, there can be greater potential for the finished honey to develop a higher MGO concentration.
Honey Maturation Converts DHA Into MGO
MGO is not simply present in large quantities the moment nectar enters the hive.
As Manuka honey matures, DHA gradually converts into MGO. Storage conditions and the passage of time influence this conversion process. Research into Australian and New Zealand Manuka honeys has identified MGO development as being influenced by storage, while DHA levels reflect the floral source.
This is why the final MGO concentration depends on more than the plant alone.
The flower provides the precursor, while the natural maturation of the honey contributes to the development of MGO.
What Does MGO 850+ Mean?
An MGO 850+ rating indicates a high concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey.
The MGO number is generally expressed as milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which is also equivalent to parts per million (ppm).
A “plus” rating indicates that the honey meets or exceeds the minimum MGO level represented by the grade. Australian Manuka honey labelling guidance explains that the “+” symbol can be used to identify a minimum MGO level in a batch.
So, MGO 850+ is not simply a marketing phrase. It refers to a measurable concentration of a naturally occurring compound.
Why Doesn’t Regular Honey Usually Have MGO 850+?
Regular honey can come from many floral sources, including eucalyptus, clover, citrus and wildflowers.
While honey naturally contains a variety of chemical compounds, high levels of MGO are particularly associated with certain Leptospermum honeys.
The combination of the right floral source and naturally high DHA levels gives Manuka honey the potential to develop significantly higher MGO concentrations.
The AMHA notes that MGO is present in higher concentrations in Manuka honey and is an important marker associated with its characteristic activity.
This is one of the key differences between high-MGO Manuka honey and ordinary honey.
Does Every Manuka Honey Reach MGO 850+?
No.
The MGO concentration of Manuka honey varies naturally. Not every Leptospermum species produces nectar with the same DHA concentration, and environmental and regional factors can also influence the resulting honey.
Research published on Australian and New Zealand Manuka honey has found substantial variation in MGO and DHA concentrations across different Leptospermum species and regions.
This helps explain why MGO 850+ is a specialised high-MGO category rather than a standard level found in every jar of Manuka honey.
Does Harvesting and Storage Matter?
Yes.
The production process can influence the characteristics of the finished honey. The nectar’s initial DHA content provides the starting point, while maturation and storage contribute to the conversion of DHA into MGO.
Because MGO development is affected by storage, producers need appropriate handling and quality-control processes when producing honey with a defined high-MGO rating. Research has specifically identified storage dependence in MGO development.
This is also why laboratory testing is important when a product is sold with a specific MGO rating.
How Is MGO 850+ Verified?
MGO concentration can be measured directly using laboratory analysis.
The AMHA identifies MGO as a central part of its Australian Manuka honey rating framework and states that MGO can be measured through HPLC testing.
Independent laboratory testing provides a way to verify the concentration represented by an MGO rating.
The AMHA’s Mark of Authenticity requires qualifying Australian Manuka honey to be produced in Australia and independently tested against defined MGO and DHA criteria.
Is Higher MGO Always Better?
A higher MGO number means a higher measured concentration of methylglyoxal. However, that does not mean every consumer needs the highest possible MGO rating.
MGO 850+ may appeal to people specifically looking for a high-MGO Manuka honey, while other consumers may prefer a lower rating based on taste, intended use or budget.
The MGO rating should therefore be viewed as a measurement, rather than a universal measure of which honey is best for every person.
It is also important to remember that MGO 850+ is not a medical dosage or a guarantee that consuming the honey will treat a particular health condition.
What Makes Australian MGO 850+ Special?
Australia’s diverse Leptospermum population provides a distinctive source for Manuka honey. Research has found differences between Australian Leptospermum species in the compounds associated with MGO production.
A high-MGO product such as MGO 850+ is therefore the result of several natural and production factors coming together:
Specific floral source: Certain Leptospermum plants produce nectar with higher DHA.
Natural conversion: DHA converts into MGO as the honey matures.
Regional and seasonal conditions: These can influence nectar composition and final MGO levels.
Careful handling and storage: These affect the development and preservation of MGO.
Laboratory testing: Testing verifies the MGO concentration represented by the product rating.
Final Thoughts
The reason Manuka Honey MGO 850+ has a higher methylglyoxal concentration begins with the flowers.
Certain Australian Leptospermum plants produce nectar naturally containing higher levels of DHA. During honey maturation, DHA converts into MGO, allowing the finished honey to develop a high concentration of methylglyoxal. Research also shows that MGO development is influenced by storage and varies between species and regions.
MGO 850+ therefore reflects the combined influence of botanical source, nectar composition, natural maturation and appropriate handling.
For consumers, the MGO rating provides a useful measurable characteristic when comparing Manuka honey. Checking the MGO level alongside Australian origin, independent laboratory testing and authenticity information can provide a clearer understanding of the product you are buying.
Ultimately, the high MGO concentration in MGO 850+ is not created by adding a special ingredient. It develops naturally from the chemistry of Leptospermum nectar and the maturation of genuine Manuka honey.