Understanding Honey Ratings: What TA & MGO Really Mean
Not all honey offers the same level of functional benefits. While pure honey is naturally nourishing, certain varieties are known for their enhanced antibacterial activity, supporting everyday wellness, immune resilience, and skin care.
This is where TA (Total Activity) and MGO (Methylglyoxal) ratings come into play.
These ratings are designed to help you understand the potency, quality, and intended use of medicinal-grade honey—so you can choose a honey that aligns with your needs, whether for daily wellbeing or more targeted support.
What Is MGO? (And What Does an MGO Rating Mean?)
MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in certain types of honey — most notably Manuka honey.
This compound is responsible for Manuka honey’s well-known antibacterial properties. An MGO rating indicates the concentration of Methylglyoxal present in the honey, measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), and provides a clear, measurable indicator of its antibacterial strength.
The higher the MGO rating, the stronger the antibacterial activity.
What Is Total Activity (TA)? (And What Does a TA Rating Mean?)
TA, or Total Activity, measures a honey’s overall antibacterial effectiveness.
Rather than focusing on a single compound, TA reflects the combined antimicrobial action of both peroxide activity (PA) and non-peroxide activity (NPA) naturally present in honey. This provides a broader, more complete picture of how effectively a honey can inhibit or combat bacteria.
In simple terms, a TA rating represents a honey’s antimicrobial strength — or how effective it is at fighting bacteria.
The higher the TA rating, the stronger the antibacterial activity.
TA offers a whole-of-honey perspective, making it especially useful for understanding the medicinal potency of honeys where multiple natural elements work together.
Why MGO Matters
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MGO levels are directly linked to antibacterial potency
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Higher MGO values indicate stronger antibacterial activity
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MGO is primarily used as a grading system for Manuka honey
This makes MGO an important reference point for those seeking honeys with a more focused medicinal profile.
Understanding MGO Levels
MGO ratings are shown as numerical values (such as MGO 100+ or MGO 550+), representing the amount of Methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey.
As a general guide:
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Lower MGO levels are well-suited for gentle, everyday wellness support
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Higher MGO levels offer more intensive antibacterial, immune, and skin-support benefits
Because of this, MGO-rated honeys are often chosen for targeted use, while still being enjoyed as a natural, minimally processed food.
TA & Australian Eucalyptus Honeys
TA ratings are most commonly used for Australian Eucalyptus honeys, including:
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Marri
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Blackbutt
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Desert Mallee
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Other active Australian floral varieties
These honeys rely less on Methylglyoxal and more on hydrogen peroxide–based activity, which delivers strong antibacterial effects through a different — yet equally effective — natural mechanism.
As with all honey ratings, a higher TA value indicates greater antibacterial and medicinal strength.
UMF/MGO vs. TA: What’s the Difference?
While UMF/MGO and TA are all used to assess honey quality and antibacterial activity, they do so in distinct ways, each highlighting a different aspect of how honey works.
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MGO focuses on the concentration of a single antibacterial compound, most commonly associated with Manuka honey.
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TA measures overall antibacterial performance, capturing the combined effect of naturally occurring elements within the honey.
- UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor) evaluates Manuka honey using a comprehensive grading system, measuring MGO alongside key authenticity markers such as dihydroxyacetone and leptosperin to verify strength, purity, and origin.
Neither system is superior — they simply reflect different honey types and different paths to potency, helping you choose the honey best suited to your wellness needs.
See comparison table below:
| Total Activity | Equivalent UMF | Equivalent MGO | Strength Rating |
| TA10+ | UMF 10+ | MGO 263 | Mild |
| TA20+ | UMF 20+ | MGO 829 | Strong |
| TA30+ | UMF 30+ | MGO 1000+ | Very Strong |
| TA40+ | UMF40+ | MGO 1250+ | Super |
| TA50+ | UMF50+ | MGO 1500+ | Extreme |
TA & MGO: A Simple Comparison
MGO
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Measures the level of Methylglyoxal
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Commonly used to grade Manuka honey
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Indicates targeted antibacterial potency
TA
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Measures overall antibacterial activity
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Used for Australian Eucalyptus honeys
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Reflects a broader, whole-of-honey effect
Neither rating is “better” than the other — they simply offer different ways to help you choose the honey that best supports your wellness goals.
Choosing the Right Honey for Your Needs
Whether honey is part of your daily routine or used for more specific support, TA and MGO ratings provide helpful guidance.
Everyday Wellness Support
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Lower to mid-range TA or MGO
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Suitable for regular, daily enjoyment
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Supports general wellbeing and immune balance
Targeted Immune or Skin Support
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Higher TA or MGO ratings
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Greater antibacterial activity
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Well-suited for periods of increased immune or skin support
Understanding these ratings allows you to choose honey with confidence — knowing exactly what you’re getting, and why it matters.
Why Testing Matters
Medicinal honey is only as reliable as the testing behind it.
At The Honey Colony, every honey is:
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Independently tested
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Verified for purity and authenticity
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Assessed for antibacterial and medicinal strength
This commitment ensures transparency, consistency, and trust in every jar.
Accredited Laboratory Testing
Our honeys are tested by accredited laboratories, ensuring rigorous quality standards are met across every batch.
This testing confirms:
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Accurate TA or MGO ratings
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Genuine bioactive properties
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Consistent quality and performance
It’s how we ensure what’s on the label truly reflects what’s inside.
Real Results
The PDFs in this section are official lab reports that show how our honey has been tested by independent laboratories. These reports confirm important details such as the honey’s antibacterial strength (TA level), the batch tested, and the date of testing. In short, they prove that the activity rating shown on the label is backed by real laboratory results — not estimates or marketing claims.
You’ll also see certificates that confirm the honey is pure and safe, including proof that it is GMO-free, pesticide-free, and raw (not overly processed or adulterated). While the reports may look technical, the key takeaway is simple: every batch has been carefully tested to ensure it’s authentic, clean, and exactly what we say it is — so you can enjoy your honey with confidence.
Proof of Pesticide Free/GMO Free Scottish Heather + Blossom
*All of our honey is tested using independent testing facilities such as Quality Service International (QSI), Analytica Laboratories and Chem Centre.
In Summary: Why TA & MGO Ratings Matter
TA and MGO ratings take the guesswork out of choosing honey.
They offer clarity, transparency, and confidence — helping you match the right honey to your lifestyle, wellness routine, and personal needs.
Whether you’re drawn to Manuka honey graded by MGO or Australian Eucalyptus honeys measured by TA, both reflect honey at its most powerful — naturally active, carefully tested, and clearly labelled to support your wellbeing.