If you've ever stood in a health food aisle, or scrolled an online store at midnight, wondering which Australian Manuka honey to choose, you're in good company. The shelves are full of impressive - sounding MGO numbers, and the price difference between a jar of MGO 30+ and MGO 900+ can be significant. So what actually matters?
The honest answer: the best Australian Manuka honey is the one that match es what you're using it for. In this guide, we'll walk you through what each MGO strength is genuinely good for - from everyday cooking and family wellness, right through to wound care and serious immune support. By the end, you'll know exactly which jar b elongs in your kitchen and medicine cabinet.
⚡ Quick Answer: The best Australian Manuka honey depends on what you need it for. MGO 30+ and MGO 100+ are ideal for everyday wellness and cooking. MGO 500+ suits targeted health support like digestive health an d immunity. MGO 900+ is the strongest option, best suited to wound care, oral health, and serious immune support. Whatever you choose, look for honey that has been independently tested for its MGO level and is 100% Australian - sourced.
What is MGO and why does it matter?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its unique antibacterial properties. Regular honey contains very little of it, but Manuka honey, made by bees foraging on Leptospermum (the Manuka plant), can contain concentrations many times higher.
The number on the label (e.g. MGO 500+) tells you the minimum amount of methylglyoxal in the jar, measured in milligrams per kilogram of honey. The higher the number, the greater the antibacterial potency. Cruc ially, this number should be independently verified by an accredited laboratory, not just self - certified by the producer. That's the difference between a number that means something and one that doesn't.
Why Australian Manuka honey?
Manuka honey is produce d in both Australia and New Zealand, both from bees foraging on Leptospermum plants. Australian varieties, though, have some genuinely exciting qualities worth knowing about. Research from the University of the Sunshine Coast found that Australian Manuka h oney can contain up to nearly three times the leptosperin levels of New Zealand Manuka, a compound linked to both the authentication and health benefits of the honey. Australia is also home to over 80 Leptospermum species, making it one of the world's rich est sources of this remarkable plant.
At Simply Honey, all our Manuka honey is 100% Australian, sourced directly from our network of trusted beekeepers across the country. It's never heat - treated or pasteurised (both of which destroy MGO), and every batch is independently tested so you always know exactly what's in the jar.
MGO 30+: The Everyday Pantry Staple
Best for: everyday cooking, sweetening drinks, family use
Think of MGO 30+ as your everyday honey with a bonus. It has all the rich, golden taste of a quality table honey, with a gentle level of Manuka activity that makes it a worthy swap for the whole family. Drizzle it on toast, stir it into your morning tea, mix it into salad dressings, or spread it over porridge. Wherever you'd normally reach for ho ney, MGO 30+ fits right in.
While MGO 30+ won't deliver the more targeted therapeutic effects of higher grades, one to two tablespoons a day can support digestion and help maintain energy levels. It's also a great starting point if you're new to Manuka hon ey and want to experience the flavour before exploring higher strengths.
MGO 100+: Daily Wellness and Winter Immunity
Best for: everyday immunity, winter wellness, digestive support
MGO 100+ is the sweet spot for people who want to make Manuka honey a genuine part of their wellness routine. It has enough antibacterial activity to provide meaningful daily support for your immune system and digestive health, while still being mild enough in flavour to enjoy every day — stirred into warm drinks, blended in to smoothies, or eaten straight from the spoon.
This is our recommendation for accessible winter wellness. Taking one to two tablespoons a day through the cooler months can help keep your immune system topped up. It's also a great option for children over 12 months who need a little extra support, without the more intense, earthy flavour of higher - grade Manuka.
MGO 500+: Targeted Health Support
Best for: digestive health, immune boost, minor wounds and infections
Once you move into MGO 500+ territory, you're into genuinely medicinal - strength honey. This is where Manuka honey really earns its reputation. With high antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, MGO 500+ is a strong choice for anyone dealing with ongoing digestive issues, recurring colds or i nfections, or minor wounds and skin concerns.
For internal use, take it straight from the jar. One to three teaspoons daily allows the honey to be quickly absorbed without being diluted. For minor cuts, scrapes, or localised skin irritation, a small amount applied directly to the area creates an antibacterial environment that supports healing.
Most people notice a difference within a few days of consistent use. As with any health concern, if you're dealing with an infection or serious illness, please seek a dvice from a medical professional.
MGO 900+: High - Potency Therapeutic Use
Best for: wound care, oral health, sore throats, serious immune support
MGO 900+ is the highest - strength Manuka honey in the Simply Honey range, and it's the choice when you need max imum antibacterial potency. Its applications are wide but targeted: wound care (including burns, ulcers, and skin infections), oral health (gingivitis, mouth ulcers, sore gums), sore throats, and immune support during illness.
One of the most remarkable th ings about high - grade Manuka honey is what research has shown about its antibacterial activity: bacteria (including some that have developed resistance to modern antibiotics) cannot develop resistance to Manuka honey's MGO activity. That's a significant st atement, and it's backed by peer - reviewed science.
MGO 900+ also contains prebiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome, making it useful for anyone managing digestive conditions or recovering from illness. Take one to three teaspoons daily, straight fr om the jar, for no longer than two weeks at a stretch unless advised by your healthcare provider.
Note: raw honey is not recommended for infants under 12 months.
How to know your Australian Manuka honey is genuine
With so many Manuka honey products on the market, it's worth knowing what to look for. The best Australian Manuka honey brands share a few things in common:
- An MGO rating on the label — this confirms the minimum methylglyoxal content has been independently verified.
- Independent laboratory testing — every batch tested by an accredited lab, not self - certified by the producer.
- 100% Australian origin — some blended products mix honey from multiple sources; if provenance matters to you, confirm it.
- Not heat - treated — heat destroys both DHA (the MGO precurs or) and MGO itself; look for raw or only gently filtered honey
At Simply Honey, every jar in our Manuka range ticks all four of these boxes. We're a 100% Australian, family - owned business, our honey is sourced from Australian beekeepers, independently test ed for accurate MGO levels, and never heat - treated. What you see on the label is exactly what's in the jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MGO strength is best for everyday use?
MGO 30+ or MGO 100+ are ideal for everyday use. MGO 30+ works beautifully as a table honey replacement for the whole family. MGO 100+ provides a little more antibacterial activity and is well - suited to daily immunity and digestive support — particularly through winter.
What is the best Australian Manuka honey for sore throats?
For sore throats, we recommend MGO 500+ or MGO 900+. The higher potency provides stronger antibacterial support. Take it straight from the spoon rather than dissolving it in hot water, which can reduce its effectiveness. Let it coat the throat slowly for best results.
Is a higher MGO always better?
It depends on your purpose. Higher MGO honey has greater therapeutic potency, but if you're looking for a delicious daily honey, MGO 30+ or 100+ will serve you well without the cost of a higher - grade jar. Match the s trength to what you actually need it for.
Can I use Manuka honey for wound care?
Yes. Manuka honey has been widely researched for wound care applications. For topical use on wounds, burns, or skin infections, MGO 500+ or MGO 900+ is recommended due to their higher antibacterial potency. Always seek medical advice for serious wounds or infections.
How should I store my Manuka honey?
Store your Manuka honey in a cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat. Prolonged exposure to heat can destroy DHA and MGO, reducing the honey's potency. There's no need to refrigerate it, room temperature in a dark pantry is perfect.
Ready to find your perfect strength?
Choosing the best Australian Manuka honey doesn't have to be complicated. Start with what you need it for: everyday sweetness and family use (MGO 30+), daily wellness through the year (MGO 100+), targeted immune or digestive support (MGO 500+), or high - potency therapeutic use (MGO 900+).
Whatever your starting point, the most important thing is that your honey has been independently tested, is 100% Australian, and is never heat - treated. That's the Simply Honey promise.