MGO 70 vs 250 vs 940: What Strength Manuka Honey Should You Buy?

Quick answer

Choose MGO 70 for everyday enjoyment and general wellness, MGO 250+ when you want a bit more support for immunity or recovery, and MGO 500+ (like 840 MGO) for targeted, higher-potency needs. The higher the MGO, the more potent the honey, but your choice should match your goals and budget.

If you've looked at Manuka honey before, you've seen numbers like MGO 70, MGO 250, or MGO 940. These numbers refer to methylglyoxal content, the naturally occurring compound that gives Manuka honey its special antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO, the more potent the honey. But what does that actually mean for you?

This guide will help you compare MGO 70 vs 250 vs 940, explain when each strength makes sense, and give you simple rules to pick the right jar for your needs.

What Does MGO Really Mean?

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a compound found in high levels in Manuka honey. It's responsible for the honey's antibacterial activity. Think of MGO as a measure of potency: a higher number means a stronger antibacterial effect. For example, an MGO 70 honey has a methylglyoxal content of 70 mg/kg, while MGO 940 has 940 mg/kg.

While higher MGO numbers offer more potent antibacterial properties, they also come with a higher price tag. For everyday use, many people find that lower MGO strengths (like 70 or 140) are perfectly sufficient. For targeted benefits like immune support or wound care, higher strengths may be worth the investment.

MGO 70: The Everyday Starter

MGO 70 is considered a low-strength Manuka honey. It's gentle on the palate and affordable, making it a great entry point if you're new to Manuka honey. Its mild flavour works well in tea, smoothies, or simply by the spoonful. If you're looking for daily wellness support without a strong taste or high cost, MGO 70 is a sensible choice.

Our 70 MGO Manuka Honey 500g is our best-selling Manuka honey in the UK, recommended for everyday use. Customers enjoy it in warm drinks or straight off the spoon. It's also a good option for kids who like a mild honey. However, if you need a higher potency for specific health reasons, you'll want to go up in MGO.

MGO 250: A Balanced Step Up

While this article focuses on 70 vs 250 vs 940, note that the closest product in our range to 250 is the 140 MGO Manuka Honey 500g - Monofloral. The numbers aren't the only thing that matters; the grade does too. Monofloral honey comes primarily from Manuka flowers, which generally means higher levels of the beneficial compounds. For a moderate strength, MGO 250 is often preferred by those who want a bit more support for immunity or digestion without going to the strongest levels.

If you're looking for a middle ground, our 140 MGO Manuka Honey is a popular pick. It's stronger than 70 but still gentle enough for daily use. If you're comparing, know that a 250 MGO (if available) would sit between 140 and 840 in our range.

MGO 940: High Potency for Targeted Use

MGO 940 is a high-strength Manuka honey, typically used for short-term immune support, soothing sore throats, or when you want maximum antibacterial benefits. In our range, the closest product is the 840 MGO Manuka Honey 500g - Monofloral. This high-potency honey is not for daily casual use; it's for when you need a potent boost.

If you're dealing with a cold or a persistent sore throat, a high-MGO honey can be more effective than a low-strength one. But it's also more expensive, so you'll want to reserve it for when you really need it. A little goes a long way—a teaspoon a day is often enough.

Decision Rules: How to Choose Your MGO

• Rule 1: Match MGO to your reason: For daily enjoyment, general wellness, and a mild taste, choose MGO 70. For occasional immune support or a sore throat, choose MGO 140-250. For targeted, high-potency needs, go for MGO 500+ (like 840). Your health goal drives the MGO number, not the other way around.
• Rule 2: Consider your budget: Higher MGO honey costs more. MGO 70 is wallet-friendly, while MGO 840 is a premium investment. If you use honey daily, a lower MGO is sustainable; save high MGO for short-term needs. Think of high MGO as a targeted treatment, not an everyday staple.
• Rule 3: Taste matters: Higher MGO honey often has a stronger, more medicinal taste. If you're adding honey to tea or smoothies, a lower MGO like 70 blends in easily. If you don't mind a bold flavour, high MGO is fine. Choose a strength you'll actually enjoy using.

Product Facts at a Glance

• 70 MGO Manuka Honey 500g: Our best-selling Manuka honey in the UK – perfect for everyday use. Recommended by TV's Dr Hilary Jones. This is a low-strength honey that's great for daily eating, in warm drinks, or smoothies. It's affordable and ideal for beginners.
• 140 MGO Manuka Honey 500g - Monofloral: Monofloral honey, meaning it comes primarily from Manuka flowers, offering a higher concentration of beneficial compounds. If you want a step up from 70, this gives you more potency without the price of a 500+ MGO. Use it for daily wellness with a bit more support.
• 840 MGO Manuka Honey 500g - Monofloral: High MGO content for potent antibacterial properties. This is your go-to for targeted use, like boosting immunity during cold season or soothing a sore throat. It's the most potent in this comparison.

Who Should Choose Which?

Best for

• MGO 70: Daily users, kids, or anyone new to Manuka honey who wants a mild, affordable option.
• MGO 140-250: Those wanting moderate support for immunity or digestion without going to the strongest levels.
• MGO 500+: Anyone with targeted needs like soothing a sore throat, maximum immune boost, or short-term high-potency use.

Not for

• MGO 70 is not ideal if you need high antibacterial potency for medicinal purposes.
• MGO 840 is overkill (and over budget) if you just want a daily drizzle in your tea.

In the end, choosing between MGO 70, 250, and 940 comes down to your personal health goals, taste preference, and budget. Start with a lower MGO for daily enjoyment, and step up when you need more punch. For a balanced option, consider the 140 MGO monofloral honey, and for high potency, the 840 MGO is a solid choice. No matter what you pick, you're getting genuine Manuka honey benefits.