What Is TA Rating in Honey? How It Compares to MGO and UMF

If you’ve ever picked up a jar of Western Australian honey and noticed a number with the letters “TA” on the label, you might have wondered what it means. At South West Honey, we’re passionate about helping you understand exactly what’s in your jar — and why TA-rated honey from Western Australia is some of the most powerful, natural honey in the world.

Let’s break it down.

What Does TA Mean on a Honey Jar?

TA stands for Total Activity.
The TA rating measures the antimicrobial strength of honey, based on its ability to inhibit bacterial growth. This includes both:

  • Peroxide activity – which occurs naturally in most honeys and helps fight bacteria

  • Non-peroxide activity – which is more stable and often found in medicinal-grade honeys like Jarrah honey

TA is measured using laboratory tests and is expressed as a number — for example, TA 10+, TA 20+, etc. The higher the number, the stronger the antimicrobial power.

At South West Honey, we independently lab-test our premium raw honey to guarantee the TA level on every jar. Our Jarrah honey, for instance, is renowned for its naturally high TA ratings and non-peroxide activity.

How TA Compares to MGO and UMF

If you're familiar with Manuka honey, you’ve probably seen terms like MGO and UMF. While all three — TA, MGO, and UMF — measure antibacterial properties, they do so in different ways.

Why We Use TA Ratings in Western Australian Honey

Western Australia is home to some of the most potent honey varieties in the world — including Jarrah honey, Marri honey, and other native monoflorals. These honeys often have naturally high levels of non-peroxide activity, which is measured using the TA scale.

At South West Honey, we believe the TA rating provides a clearer picture of the total antimicrobial strength of our honey — not just one compound. It’s an important part of what makes organic honey from Western Australia so special.

Choosing the Right Honey: TA vs MGO vs UMF

All three systems — TA, MGO, and UMF — are valid, but they reflect different origins and testing standards:

  • TA-rated honeys are ideal for customers who want broad-spectrum antibacterial benefits and are looking to support Australian honey producers.

  • MGO/UMF honeys are used mostly for Manuka honey from New Zealand, which contains high levels of a specific compound (MGO).

If you're buying honey in Perth or looking for natural honey online, we recommend choosing a trusted Western Australian honey supplier like South West Honey. Our TA-rated Jarrah honey is independently tested, sustainably harvested, and packed right here in WA.

Shop South West Honey: TA-Tested, Naturally Powerful

Whether you’re looking for TA 20+ Jarrah honey for its healing benefits or a delicious everyday premium raw honey, our range celebrates the best of WA honey. Every jar is:

  • 100% Western Australian

  • Cold-extracted and unfiltered

  • Independently TA-tested

  • Sustainably produced

Browse our full range online or get in touch to learn more about what makes South West Honey a trusted name in honey from Western Australia.

Honey for HealthRyan BrandSouth West HoneyTA, MGO, UMF