There are two main rating systems to help customers know Manuka honey. UMF™ is one of the most widely used grading systems as it’s an advanced grading system including methylglyoxal and additional testing of authenticity markers of the Manuka Honey. MGO (or MG) only measures methylglyoxal in the Manuka Honey.
In terms of measuring methylglyoxal, the UMF and MGO rating systems can be roughly converted using the UMF – MGO chart below:
UMF Rating and MGO Rating
What are different grades of mānuka honey for?
Low grades ( UMF 5 and UMF 10) are Table Grade mānuka honey. These honeys are good for people who are looking for a natural sweetener that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Mid grades (UMF 10 to UMF 15) are called Therapeutic Grade. Manuka honey with a UMF rating 10+ or higher is considered therapeutically active.
Any honeys from UMF15 to UMF20 are Antibacterial Grade and useful for skin therapy. UMF20 to UMF25 is a Superior Antibacterial Grade, for very bad wounds.