Manuka honey is widely praised for its antibacterial properties, healing benefits, and natural sweetness. Used for everything from sore throats to skincare and digestion, it has become a staple in many homes. But with dozens of brands and labels on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the right one.
One label you’ll often see is MGO 100 manuka honey—but what does it mean? And how do you choose from among the top manuka honey brands to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product?
This article breaks it all down in simple terms. We’ll explain what MGO ratings are, what MGO 100 is used for, and which brands stand out in the market today.
What Makes Manuka Honey Special?
Before diving into brands and labels, let’s look at what sets manuka honey apart.
Manuka honey is made by bees that pollinate the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. What gives manuka honey its healing power is a naturally occurring compound called methylglyoxal (MGO).
MGO is responsible for manuka honey’s strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Unlike regular honey, manuka can be used not just for sweetening food, but also for wellness purposes like:
- Soothing sore throats and coughs
- Supporting digestive health
- Treating wounds and burns
- Promoting healthy skin
What Does MGO 100 Manuka Honey Mean?
When you see a jar labeled MGO 100, it means the honey contains 100 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram. This is considered a low to moderate strength manuka honey—ideal for general wellness and everyday use.
Here's a quick guide to MGO levels:
MGO Level | Strength | Typical Use |
MGO 100+ | Mild | General health, daily immune support |
MGO 250+ | Moderate | Immune boost, throat relief |
MGO 400+ | Strong | Skin care, digestion, sore throat |
MGO 550+ and up | Very strong | Wound healing, infection, medical use |
So, MGO 100 manuka honey is a good entry point if you're looking to enjoy the health benefits of manuka honey without the higher price tag of stronger variants.
How to Choose Among the Top Manuka Honey Brands
Not all manuka honey is created equal. The top manuka honey brands stand out for their quality, transparency, and trustworthiness. Here’s what to look for when picking a brand:
1. Certified MGO or UMF Ratings
Top brands will clearly label the MGO or UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating. This ensures the honey has been tested and verified by independent labs.
2. Country of Origin
Authentic manuka honey comes from New Zealand or Australia. If a brand can’t trace its source, it may be a blend or imitation.
3. Raw and Unpasteurized
Raw manuka honey keeps more of its natural enzymes and antioxidants. Avoid products that are heavily processed or overly filtered.
4. Independent Lab Testing
Reputable brands will often include batch numbers and lab test details to verify MGO content and purity.
5 Top Manuka Honey Brands to Consider
Here are five trusted brands that are known for their commitment to quality and are often recommended when looking for MGO 100 manuka honey or higher.
1. Comvita
One of the oldest and most respected names in the manuka honey industry, Comvita offers a wide range of certified UMF honey, including MGO 100 options.
Why it’s top rated:
- UMF-certified with rigorous quality checks
- Available worldwide
- Clear labeling and traceable sourcing
Comvita is ideal for those looking for consistent quality and medically trusted products.
2. Manuka Health
Another leader in the industry, Manuka Health clearly labels its honey by MGO level and offers reliable MGO 100+ jars for daily use.
Strengths:
- Lab-tested and MGO-certified
- Sustainable sourcing
- Wide selection of MGO levels
Manuka Health is a great brand for beginners who want an effective, trusted option without confusion.
3. New Zealand Honey Co.
This brand is known for its premium-quality raw manuka honey. While they offer high-grade MGO 800+ jars, they also provide accessible MGO 100 manuka honey for wellness routines.
Why choose them:
- Vibrant packaging and clear grading
- Raw, non-GMO, and sustainably harvested
- Transparent production process
Perfect for those who value clean, natural food products and care about sourcing.
4. Wedderspoon
A more widely available brand, especially in the U.S. and Canada, Wedderspoon uses a “KFactor” system instead of MGO or UMF but still offers great quality.
Highlights:
- Raw, unpasteurized honey
- Great for daily use and gentle support
- Accessible pricing
Wedderspoon is a good choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly introduction to manuka honey.
5. Sunhighland (Emerging Australian Brand)
As Australian manuka honey gains popularity, Sunhighland has emerged as a trusted source of high-quality manuka. Their MGO 100 manuka honey is perfect for everyday wellness and immune support.
Why it stands out:
- MGO-certified honey sourced from Australian manuka bushland
- Ethical and sustainable beekeeping practices
- Transparent labeling and batch testing
Sunhighland is ideal if you want to support a rising Australian brand offering strong quality without the premium pricing of some global brands.
Benefits of MGO 100 Manuka Honey
If you’re wondering whether MGO 100 is worth it, the answer is yes—for general health maintenance and preventive care.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Supports daily immunity
- Soothes mild sore throats and coughs
- Acts as a natural antioxidant
- Promotes gentle digestive support
- Provides an alternative to refined sugar
MGO 100 is also a great entry-level option if you’re just getting started with manuka honey or want to include it in your family’s health routine.
How to Use Manuka Honey
Here are a few simple and effective ways to use your MGO 100 manuka honey:
- Take 1 teaspoon daily for general wellness
- Stir into warm (not hot) water with lemon
- Mix into oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies
- Apply to minor cuts or dry skin for gentle healing
- Use as a pre-breakfast energy boost
Remember not to overheat manuka honey—it may reduce its effectiveness.
Storage Tips
To keep your manuka honey fresh and effective:
- Store in a cool, dry place (avoid direct sunlight)
- Keep the lid sealed tightly
- Use a clean, dry spoon each time
- No need to refrigerate
Manuka honey has a long shelf life—often 2 to 5 years when stored correctly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing from the top manuka honey brands doesn’t have to be complicated. Look for trusted names with certified MGO ratings, clear sourcing, and a commitment to quality. Whether you go for a big name like Comvita or an emerging favorite like Sunhighland, make sure the jar fits your needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective product to support your health, MGO 100 manuka honey is an excellent starting point. It offers real benefits without the cost of higher MGO grades and is perfect for daily wellness, digestion, and immune support.
In the world of natural health, manuka honey continues to shine—and with the right brand and rating, it can easily become one of your favorite go-to remedies.
