Manuka honey has become a popular choice for Australians looking for a premium, naturally produced honey with a distinctive flavour and measurable MGO content. Among the different grades available, Manuka Honey MGO 850+ represents a high-MGO option for consumers who want a more concentrated Manuka honey.
However, choosing the right product is about more than simply finding the highest number on the label. When buying Manuka Honey MGO 850+ in Australia, consumers should consider the MGO rating, Australian origin, authenticity, laboratory testing, labelling, storage and overall product quality.
Whether you are buying Manuka honey for everyday enjoyment or looking for a premium addition to your pantry, knowing what to check can make the purchasing process much easier.
What Does MGO 850+ Mean?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound associated with the distinctive characteristics of Manuka honey.
The MGO rating provides a measurable indication of the amount of methylglyoxal present in the honey. An MGO 850+ rating indicates a minimum MGO level represented by that rating.
This makes MGO useful when comparing Manuka honey products because consumers can look at a specific measurement rather than relying only on descriptions such as “premium”, “strong” or “high grade.”
The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) identifies MGO as a central component of its Australian Manuka honey rating system. Its authenticity criteria also use MGO and DHA testing when assessing Australian Manuka honey.
1. Check the MGO Rating
The first thing to look for when buying Manuka Honey MGO 850+ is a clearly stated MGO rating.
A product labelled MGO 850+ should provide consumers with a clear indication of its MGO level. This is particularly useful when comparing different products, as MGO numbers allow shoppers to distinguish between lower- and higher-MGO options.
The Sunhighlands MGO 850+ product, for example, is specifically labelled MGO 850+ and identifies MGO as the natural compound used to describe the honey’s strength.
Remember that MGO is a measurement of a particular compound in the honey. It should not automatically be interpreted as a medical dosage or as a guarantee of a particular health outcome.
2. Look for Australian Origin
If you specifically want Australian Manuka honey, check the product’s country-of-origin information.
Australia is home to numerous native Leptospermum species, which are associated with Australian Manuka honey production. The Australian Manuka Honey Association has established criteria intended to identify authentic Australian Manuka honey.
According to the AMHA, its Mark of Authenticity is used for honey that meets its criteria for authentic Australian Manuka honey. Products carrying the mark must be pure, natural Manuka honey produced entirely in Australia and independently tested against specified MGO and DHA requirements.
This makes origin an important consideration when comparing Manuka honey products sold in Australia.
3. Check for Independent Laboratory Testing
A high MGO number is useful, but consumers should also consider how that number has been verified.
Independent laboratory testing can provide additional confidence that the stated MGO concentration accurately represents the product.
The AMHA’s authenticity framework includes independent laboratory testing for relevant chemical markers.
The Sunhighlands MGO 850+ product page also states that the product is independently laboratory tested for its MGO rating, purity and quality.
When shopping online, look for brands that clearly explain their testing and quality-control processes instead of relying solely on marketing language.
4. Don’t Choose Honey Based on Colour Alone
A common assumption is that darker honey must automatically be better or stronger. That is not necessarily the case.
The colour, texture and flavour of honey can naturally vary depending on floral sources, environmental conditions and seasonal factors.
For Manuka honey, a measurable MGO rating and credible testing provide more useful information about the product than colour alone.
So, when comparing MGO 850+ products, don’t judge quality simply by whether one jar looks darker than another.
5. Consider the Ingredients
When buying premium Manuka honey, check the ingredient list.
If you want pure Manuka honey, look for a product that clearly identifies honey as its ingredient and avoids unnecessary additives.
The referenced Sunhighlands MGO 850+ product is described as pure Australian Manuka honey and states that it is made without unnecessary additives.
Reading the ingredient and product information is particularly important when purchasing online, where product descriptions can sometimes contain broad marketing claims.
6. Check the Nutrition Information
Manuka honey is still honey, which means it naturally contains sugars and carbohydrates.
For example, the Sunhighlands MGO 850+ product lists a recommended serving size of 10 g and provides 8.2 g of carbohydrate and 8.2 g of total sugars per 10 g serving.
This is worth considering if you are monitoring your overall sugar intake.
A higher MGO rating does not mean that the honey contains less sugar. MGO describes the concentration of methylglyoxal, not the honey’s carbohydrate content.
7. Think About How You Plan to Use It
Before buying MGO 850+ Manuka honey, consider how you intend to enjoy it.
Its rich and distinctive flavour makes it suitable for a variety of everyday uses. You can enjoy it directly from a spoon or add it to foods such as:
- Toast
- Porridge
- Greek yoghurt
- Fruit
- Smoothies
- Breakfast bowls
It can also be incorporated into warm drinks or used in recipes where a stronger honey flavour is desirable.
The Sunhighlands product page specifically describes its MGO 850+ honey as suitable for everyday routines and culinary uses, including adding it to oats, toast and yoghurt.
8. Pay Attention to Storage Instructions
Proper storage can help maintain the quality of honey.
Manuka honey should generally be kept in a cool, dry location and protected from moisture. Refrigeration is not normally necessary for honey, unless the product’s specific storage instructions state otherwise.
It is also normal for honey to crystallise over time. Crystallisation does not necessarily mean that honey has spoiled.
When purchasing a jar, check the manufacturer’s storage recommendations and keep the container properly sealed after opening.
9. Don’t Assume the Highest MGO Is Always Necessary
Manuka honey is available in many MGO levels, from lower ratings to very high-MGO products.
While MGO 850+ is a high-strength category, choosing a honey should depend on your personal preferences, intended use and budget.
A higher MGO number means a higher measured concentration of MGO; it does not automatically mean that every consumer needs that particular rating.
For someone who enjoys Manuka honey as a premium food, factors such as flavour, origin, authenticity, testing and price may be just as relevant as the MGO number.
10. Be Careful With Health Claims
Manuka honey is often marketed using terms related to immunity, digestion, antimicrobial activity and general wellness. However, consumers should distinguish between the natural properties of honey and claims about treating or preventing medical conditions.
The MGO rating describes the concentration of methylglyoxal. It should not be treated as a prescription, medical dosage or guarantee that the product will treat a particular illness.
If you are considering Manuka honey for a specific medical purpose, speak with a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying solely on product marketing.
What Makes a Good MGO 850+ Product?
When comparing Manuka Honey MGO 850+ in Australia, it can help to use a simple checklist:
✔ Clearly stated MGO rating
Look for an identifiable MGO 850+ rating.
✔ Australian origin
Check that the product’s origin matches what you are looking for.
✔ Independent testing
Look for credible information about laboratory testing and verification.
✔ Transparent labelling
The product should clearly communicate its ingredients, nutrition information and relevant product details.
✔ Authenticity information
Where applicable, look for recognised Australian Manuka honey authenticity verification.
✔ Appropriate storage
Choose products with clear storage instructions and store them correctly after purchase.
✔ Suitable serving information
Consider the product’s serving size and natural sugar content as part of your overall diet.
Why Consider Manuka Honey MGO 850+?
For Australian consumers who want a premium Manuka honey with a clearly defined high-MGO rating, MGO 850+ offers a measurable way to identify a concentrated Manuka honey product.
The referenced Sunhighlands product is a 250 g Australian Manuka honey labelled MGO 850+ and described as independently tested, with culinary uses including enjoying it directly or adding it to breakfast foods and drinks.
The important point is to look beyond the number. A quality purchasing decision should consider MGO concentration alongside origin, authenticity, testing, ingredients, labelling and how the honey fits into your everyday routine.
Final Thoughts
Buying Manuka Honey MGO 850+ in Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by checking the MGO rating, then look at where the honey comes from, how its quality has been verified and what information the manufacturer provides.
Independent testing and recognised authenticity standards can provide useful reassurance, while transparent labelling helps you understand exactly what you are purchasing. The AMHA Mark of Authenticity is one example of an Australian framework designed to identify authentic Australian Manuka honey through defined criteria and independent testing.
Most importantly, don’t choose a jar based solely on a large number or attractive marketing claims. Look at the complete picture.
With its distinctive flavour and high MGO rating, Australian Manuka Honey MGO 850+ can be an appealing premium honey for consumers who value measurable MGO content and Australian origin. Taking a few minutes to check the label, testing information and product details can help ensure that the honey you choose matches your expectations.