The Scientists Behind the Sweet Science of Manuka Honey
Scientists Dr. Michael Clearwater & Dr. Megan Grainger
Meet the Minds Behind MGO
When it comes to Manuka honey, the magic is more than just taste; it’s science. And behind that science are two brilliant researchers from the University of Waikato in New Zealand: scientists, Dr. Megan Grainger, Senior Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry, and Dr. Michael Clearwater, Associate Professor in Plant Biology.
They’ve spent nearly two decades decoding what makes Manuka so special, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your wellness routine. Spoiler alert, it’s the MGO!
Our team recently had the chance to sit down with Dr. Grainger and Dr. Clearwater to learn more about their research firsthand, an incredible opportunity that deepened our connection to the science behind MGO.
It Starts with the Flowers
Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the native New Zealand Leptospermum scoparium plant. Under the microscope, the flowers are busy little factories, producing a compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the nectar. When bees collect that nectar and turn it into honey, DHA naturally transforms into methylglyoxal (MGO), the powerhouse compound behind Manuka’s antibacterial strength.
“MGO is where the magic in Manuka happens,” says scientist, Dr. Grainger.
“And it’s only found in Manuka honey.”
2300+ Reasons to Love It
Manuka honey contains more than 2,300 compounds, compared to just 90 in common clover honey. These include antioxidants, enzymes, and polyphenols that support everything from immune health to skin repair.
“It just keeps giving,” says Dr. Grainger.
“It’s antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiviral, and there’s still so much to learn.”
Science Meets Wellness
Testing for authentic Manuka is a strict process. Before a jar earns the title “New Zealand Manuka Honey,” scientists test for four unique compounds and trace DNA from the Manuka tree to confirm its origin. This ensures every spoonful delivers what nature, and science, intended.
And the MGO number on the jar? That tells you how much methylglyoxal is in it.
-
MGO 50+ = great for daily wellness
-
MGO 850+ or 1100+ = ideal for seasonal sniffles and first-aid kits
Not Just a Sweet Treat
Dr. Clearwater’s research highlights the way Manuka trees grow and produce nectar under different environmental conditions, helping refine how and when bees gather the most potent nectar.
"Every jar of Manuka honey reflects the health of the plant it came from. That’s what makes it so unique, and why it can’t be replicated anywhere else,” says scientist, Dr. Mike Clearwater, Associate Professor of Plant Biology.
Manuka honey is now used in hospitals worldwide for wound care, burns, and even in veterinary medicine. But at home? It’s as simple as adding a spoonful to tea or taking it straight.
Final Thought
Next time you dip into your jar of Wedderspoon Manuka, know this: behind the sweetness is a scientific legacy, rooted in nature, nurtured by bees, and brought to life by people who genuinely love what they do.
