Manuka honey is one of the most searched honeys in the UAE, and one of the most confusing to buy. One jar says MGO 263+, another says UMF 15+, a third has no number at all, and the prices are very different. This guide explains what the numbers mean so you can choose with confidence.
What is Manuka honey?
Manuka honey comes from bees that forage on the flowers of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which grows in New Zealand. The bush flowers for only a few weeks a year, so supply is limited.
Manuka has a character all its own: thick and creamy, with an earthy, herbal and slightly bitter taste. It is very different from Gulf favourites like Sidr.
What does MGO mean?
MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a natural compound found in Manuka honey. The MGO number on the jar is the amount measured in the honey, in milligrams per kilogram. MGO 263+ means at least 263 mg of methylglyoxal per kilo.
A higher number means more MGO. It also usually means a higher price, because higher grades are rarer.
What does UMF mean?
UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor. It is a grading system run by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand. A UMF grade checks several markers, including MGO, to confirm the honey is genuine Manuka and to rate its grade. UMF is a licensed trademark, so only licensed producers can use it.
MGO vs UMF: how the grades compare
The two scales describe the same honey in different ways. These are the standard published equivalents:
| UMF grade | Equivalent MGO (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
| UMF 10+ | MGO 263+ |
| UMF 15+ | MGO 514+ |
| UMF 20+ | MGO 829+ |
So if one shop lists "UMF 15+" and another lists "MGO 514+", you are comparing the same grade.
Which Manuka grade should you choose?
Think about how you will use it:
- Everyday use (on toast, in yoghurt, in a warm drink): a lower grade such as MGO 263+ is a sensible starting point.
- A special jar or a gift: a higher grade such as MGO 514+ or MGO 829+.
How to read a Manuka label
Before you buy Manuka honey in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, check:
- A grade number (MGO or UMF). Manuka with no grade is hard to compare.
- Origin. Look for "Product of New Zealand".
- Ingredients. It should say 100% Manuka honey, nothing added.
- Weight. Compare price per gram, not per jar. Jars range from 250g to 500g.
Buy Manuka honey in the UAE
Balqees offers New Zealand Manuka honey in clearly graded 250g jars: MGO 263+, MGO 514+ and MGO 829+, delivered across the UAE.
Curious how Manuka compares with Yemeni Sidr? Read Sidr honey vs Manuka.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MGO and UMF?
MGO is a single measurement of methylglyoxal. UMF is a broader grade from the UMF Honey Association that includes MGO and other markers. UMF 10+ is about the same as MGO 263+.
Which Manuka honey is best?
The best grade depends on how you will use it. MGO 263+ suits everyday use; higher grades are rarer and cost more.
Why is Manuka honey expensive in the UAE?
The Manuka bush flowers for only a few weeks a year in New Zealand, higher grades are rarer, and the honey is imported. Grade is the biggest driver of price.
Does Manuka honey crystallise?
Yes, it can. It is naturally thick and creamy. Store it at room temperature with the lid closed.
Browse the Balqees Manuka range and compare grades.
