Australian Manuka Honey MGO 850+: A Guide to Quality, Origin and Grading
Australian Manuka honey is increasingly recognised as a premium honey with distinctive characteristics and a measurable MGO rating. Among the higher-strength options available, Manuka Honey MGO 850+ is a popular choice for consumers who want a high-MGO Australian honey with a rich flavour and clearly defined grading.
But what does MGO 850+ actually mean? How is Australian Manuka honey graded, where does it come from, and what should you look for when choosing a quality product?
Understanding the relationship between MGO, origin, authenticity and laboratory testing can make it easier to compare Manuka honey products and choose one that meets your expectations.
What Is Australian Manuka Honey?
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 wide range of environments, from coastal areas to mountainous regions.
This natural diversity is one of the defining features of Australian Manuka honey. Depending on the floral source and harvesting conditions, different Manuka honeys can naturally vary in flavour, colour, texture and chemical composition.
Australian Manuka honey may be monofloral or multifloral. According to the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA), pure monofloral Manuka honey has at least 50% of its nectar derived from one floral source, while multifloral Manuka honey can contain nectar collected from Manuka and other floral sources.
What Does MGO 850+ Mean?
One of the most important terms to understand when buying Manuka honey is MGO.
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound associated with the distinctive activity of Manuka honey. MGO develops from another naturally occurring compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in the nectar of some Leptospermum flowers.
The MGO rating provides a measurable way to describe the concentration of methylglyoxal in honey.
Therefore, MGO 850+ indicates a high level of MGO, with the rating representing a minimum level associated with that grade.
The AMHA describes MGO as the centrepiece of its Australian Manuka honey rating system and notes that MGO can be directly measured through laboratory testing.
This is important because consumers can use the MGO number to compare products based on a measurable characteristic rather than relying only on terms such as “premium” or “high strength.”
Why Is MGO Important for Grading?
MGO is particularly useful because it provides an objective measurement.
The AMHA states that reliable MGO testing methods are used to indicate the strength of Manuka honey and that MGO can be directly measured using HPLC testing.
This means that when you see an MGO rating on a Manuka honey label, the number should ideally be supported by appropriate laboratory testing.
It is also important to understand that MGO is not a medical dosage. A higher MGO rating describes a higher concentration of methylglyoxal; it should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of a particular health outcome.
What Makes Australian MGO 850+ Different?
Several factors contribute to the appeal of Australian Manuka Honey MGO 850+.
High MGO Rating
MGO 850+ is considered a high-MGO category. It provides consumers with a clear measurement of methylglyoxal concentration and can be useful when comparing different Manuka honey strengths.
The Sunhighlands MGO 850+ range describes its honey as a high-strength Australian Manuka honey and states that its batches undergo laboratory testing to verify the stated MGO rating.
Australian Floral Origin
Australian Manuka honey has a unique botanical background because of the country’s extensive diversity of Leptospermum species.
The AMHA explains that authentic Australian Manuka honey is derived from nectar collected by bees from Leptospermum species. The association’s standards are designed to help distinguish genuine Australian Manuka honey from other honey products.
Distinctive Flavour
Manuka honey is known for a flavour profile that can be richer and more distinctive than conventional floral honey. High-MGO honey may have a robust, earthy or caramel-like character, although flavour naturally varies between batches and floral sources.
The Sunhighlands MGO 850+ product information describes the honey as having a rich and complex flavour and suggests culinary uses such as enjoying it directly, adding it to beverages or incorporating it into recipes.
How Is Australian Manuka Honey Authenticated?
When buying premium Manuka honey, the word “Manuka” on the label is only one part of the picture. Authenticity and traceability are also important.
The Australian Manuka Honey Association has established scientific criteria for defining authentic Australian Manuka honey. Its Mark of Authenticity requires qualifying products to be produced in Australia and independently tested against specified MGO and DHA requirements.
For products carrying the AMHA “Authentic” mark, the association specifies minimum levels of 85 mg/kg MGO and 170 mg/kg DHA when packed.
This demonstrates why laboratory testing is important when assessing Manuka honey quality.
The Role of Independent Laboratory Testing
A premium Manuka honey product should provide credible information about how its MGO rating has been established.
The AMHA highlights traceability throughout the supply chain and independent laboratory testing as important components of quality assurance. It notes that member suppliers maintain certificates of analysis from independent third-party laboratories for Manuka honey batches.
The Sunhighlands MGO 850+ page similarly states that its batches are tested in accredited Australian laboratories for MGO strength, purity, safety and consistency.
For consumers, this type of information can provide greater transparency when comparing products.
Does a Darker Colour Mean Better Manuka Honey?
Not necessarily.
Honey can naturally vary in colour depending on floral source, season and environmental conditions. A darker appearance should therefore not be used as the sole indicator of quality.
When comparing Manuka Honey MGO 850+ – 1 Jar of 250g, it is more useful to consider:
- MGO rating
- Australian origin
- Independent laboratory testing
- Authenticity verification
- Product traceability
- Ingredients and labelling
The Sunhighlands guidance also notes that colour alone is not a reliable measure of Manuka honey quality.
MGO 850+ vs Other Manuka Honey Grades
Manuka honey is available in a variety of MGO ratings, from lower-strength options through to very high-MGO products.
The primary difference between these ratings is the measured concentration of MGO. In general, a higher MGO number represents a higher concentration of methylglyoxal.
However, that does not mean that every consumer needs the highest available rating. The appropriate product depends on personal preferences, intended use and budget.
MGO 850+ may appeal to consumers who specifically want a high-MGO honey without automatically choosing the highest rating available.
How to Choose Quality MGO 850+ Manuka Honey
When shopping for Australian Manuka Honey MGO 850+, consider the following checklist:
1. Check the MGO Rating
Make sure the product clearly states its MGO rating and understand that MGO measures methylglyoxal concentration.
2. Confirm Australian Origin
If Australian Manuka honey is important to you, check the product’s country-of-origin information.
3. Look for Independent Testing
Independent laboratory testing provides useful verification of the stated MGO level.
4. Check Authenticity Information
Look for recognised authenticity marks or transparent information about how the honey is verified.
5. Read the Product Label
Check the ingredients, nutrition information, serving information and storage instructions before purchasing.
6. Consider Traceability
A transparent supply chain can provide greater confidence about where the honey was harvested and processed.
How Can You Enjoy MGO 850+ Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey MGO 850+ can be enjoyed in several everyday ways.
You can take it directly from a spoon or add it to foods such as:
- Toast
- Porridge
- Greek yoghurt
- Fresh fruit
- Breakfast bowls
- Smoothies
It can also be used in recipes or stirred into a warm beverage.
The distinctive flavour of high-MGO Manuka honey means that only a small amount may be enough to add noticeable sweetness and character to a meal.
As with all honey, it is important to remember that it is naturally high in sugars and should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Honey should also not be given to children under 12 months of age because of the risk of infant botulism.
Why Choose Australian Manuka Honey MGO 850+?
For consumers interested in premium Australian honey, MGO 850+ provides a clearly defined high-MGO rating combined with the distinctive characteristics associated with Australian Leptospermum honey.
The Manuka Honey MGO 850+ range states that its honey is sourced from North East New South Wales and undergoes laboratory testing for its stated MGO strength.
When choosing a product, however, it is useful to look beyond a single number. Origin, authenticity, laboratory testing, traceability and transparent labelling all contribute to a better understanding of the honey you are buying.
Final Thoughts
Australian Manuka Honey MGO 850+ combines a high measurable MGO rating with the distinctive characteristics of Australian Manuka honey.
Understanding the grading system makes it easier to compare products. MGO tells you about the concentration of methylglyoxal, while information about origin, laboratory testing and authenticity helps you assess the broader quality and provenance of the honey.
For Australian consumers, looking for transparent labelling, credible testing and clear information about where the honey comes from can make the buying process much simpler.
Ultimately, quality Manuka honey is about more than a high number on a jar. MGO rating, Australian origin, authenticity and traceability all work together to tell the story behind the product—and help consumers make a more informed choice.