Manuka honey has become one of the most trusted natural remedies in the world. Whether you use it to boost immunity, soothe a sore throat, or simply enjoy it as a natural sweetener, manuka honey is packed with benefits. But with so many brands and labels on the market, it’s easy to get confused—especially when you see terms like 100 MGO manuka or UMF on the jar.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what 100 MGO manuka honey is, what it’s best used for, and how to choose from the top manuka honey brands. Whether you're new to manuka honey or looking to make a more informed choice, this guide will help you pick a quality jar with confidence.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is made by bees that collect nectar from the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. What makes it unique is its naturally high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO)—a compound that gives manuka honey its powerful antibacterial and healing properties.
Unlike regular honey, manuka honey is commonly used for more than just sweetening food. It’s often used to:
Soothe sore throats and colds
Support the immune system
Help with digestion
Promote skin healing
Act as a natural antimicrobial agent
But not all manuka honey has the same strength. That’s where MGO ratings come in.
What Does 100 MGO Manuka Mean?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, the active compound in manuka honey. The MGO number tells you how much of this compound is present in the honey, measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). So, 100 MGO manuka means the honey contains 100 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram.
This is considered a mild to moderate strength manuka honey—great for everyday use and general wellness.
Here’s a simple breakdown of MGO levels and their typical uses:
MGO Level | Strength | Common Uses |
MGO 100+ | Mild | General wellness, daily immune support |
MGO 250+ | Moderate | Cold relief, minor skin irritations |
MGO 400+ | Strong | Digestive support, sore throats |
MGO 550+ and up | Very Strong | Wound healing, skin conditions, infections |
If you're just starting with manuka honey, 100 MGO manuka is a great place to begin. It offers benefits without the high cost of medical-grade options.
What to Look for in the Top Manuka Honey Brands
With hundreds of brands on the market, it’s important to know how to choose a good one. The top manuka honey brands share a few things in common:
1. Clear MGO or UMF Ratings
The most trustworthy brands always show an official MGO (or UMF) rating on the label. This proves the honey has been tested and verified.
2. Sourcing Transparency
The best brands source their honey from certified regions in New Zealand or Australia, where the manuka plant grows naturally.
3. Raw and Unpasteurized Honey
Top brands avoid overheating or over-processing the honey. Raw honey retains more of its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients.
4. Independent Lab Testing
Look for brands that provide lab reports or traceability tools that allow you to verify the honey’s quality and authenticity.
5 Top Manuka Honey Brands to Try
Here are five reliable brands that offer 100 MGO manuka honey or similar options, with a strong reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.
1. Comvita
Comvita is one of the oldest and most well-known manuka honey producers in New Zealand. Their honey is UMF-certified and available worldwide.
Offers UMF 5+ (roughly MGO 100) for daily health
Trusted by doctors and clinics
Sustainably sourced with transparent testing
Perfect for those looking for reliable quality from a long-standing brand.
2. Manuka Health
Manuka Health is known for its clear MGO labeling and high production standards.
Offers a wide range of MGO levels, including 100 MGO manuka
Lab-tested and traceable
Affordable and widely available
Great for everyday users who want a balance of quality and value.
3. New Zealand Honey Co.
This brand focuses on premium, raw, unpasteurized manuka honey and offers high transparency in labeling and sourcing.
Available in strengths starting at MGO 100+
Non-GMO and sustainably harvested
Eye-catching packaging and informative product guides
Ideal for first-time buyers who want to feel confident about what they’re buying.
4. Wedderspoon
Wedderspoon uses a KFactor rating rather than MGO or UMF, but it still provides a quality product suitable for daily wellness.
Raw and unpasteurized
Popular in the U.S. and Canada
Good for general health, not medical use
Wedderspoon is a great entry-level brand if you're just exploring manuka honey.
5. Sunhighland (Emerging Australian Brand)
Sunhighland is a newer name but quickly gaining attention for its high-quality 100 MGO manuka honey sourced from Australian manuka forests.
100% Australian-sourced
Independently lab-tested
Ethically harvested and affordably priced
Perfect for those who want to support Australian producers and get excellent value.
Benefits of Using 100 MGO Manuka Honey
If you’re not sure whether 100 MGO is strong enough, here are some key benefits:
1. Immune Support
Taking a teaspoon daily can help support your immune system naturally, especially during cold and flu season.
2. Soothing for Sore Throats
Mild sore throat or cough? 100 MGO honey can help coat the throat and fight bacteria.
3. Digestive Health
Taking it before meals can support gut balance and help reduce bloating or discomfort.
4. Natural Sweetener
It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar, with added enzymes and antioxidants.
5. Everyday Wellness
Even in small doses, manuka honey can help improve overall well-being.
How to Use 100 MGO Manuka Honey
There are lots of easy ways to enjoy 100 MGO manuka honey every day:
By the spoonful: 1 teaspoon in the morning for wellness
In tea: Stir into warm herbal tea (avoid boiling water)
In smoothies: Add to your favorite blend for sweetness and nutrients
On toast or oatmeal: A natural, healthy start to the day
As a skin treatment: Apply a thin layer to minor irritations or dry spots
How to Store It
To preserve freshness and potency:
Store in a cool, dry place (no fridge needed)
Keep the lid sealed tightly
Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat
Use clean utensils to scoop it out
Manuka honey has a long shelf life—often 2 to 5 years.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to start using manuka honey for daily health benefits, 100 MGO manuka is a perfect place to begin. It’s affordable, effective, and easy to incorporate into your routine.
When choosing a brand, stick with the top manuka honey brands that prioritize quality, sourcing, and clear labeling. Whether you prefer New Zealand legends like Comvita and Manuka Health or want to support rising Australian brands like Sunhighland, you have plenty of great options.
With a little knowledge, you can enjoy all the benefits of manuka honey—naturally and confidently.