Is Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Real or Fake? A Guide to Authenticity

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to estimates, up to half of all Manuka-labeled honey sold globally may be fake, making authenticity a major concern for consumers. For those asking, 'Is Wedderspoon manuka honey real or fake?', the answer lies in understanding the industry standards and the brand's specific sourcing and testing practices.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to determine the authenticity of Wedderspoon Manuka honey by examining its KFactor rating, understanding New Zealand's MPI standards, and comparing it with other common grading systems like UMF and MGO. It covers what consumers need to look for on the label to ensure they purchase a genuine product.

Key Points

KFactor is Wedderspoon's Rating: Unlike other brands, Wedderspoon uses its own proprietary KFactor system (e.g., KFactor 12, 16) instead of the more widely known UMF or MGO ratings.
Meets NZ Government Standards: Wedderspoon's honey is guaranteed to meet or exceed the rigorous Manuka standard set by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Look for Authenticity Markers: To ensure authenticity, check the label for confirmation that it was "Packed in New Zealand" and for the presence of the FernMark seal.
Independent Verification: Wedderspoon products undergo third-party testing to ensure they meet quality and purity standards, including being free from glyphosate and antibiotics.
Not Associated with UMFHA: Wedderspoon is not a member of the UMF Honey Association and does not use the UMF rating system, which is a voluntary trade organization's mark.
Raw and Unpasteurized: The company's processing method involves raw, gentle creaming rather than high heat, preserving natural enzymes and beneficial compounds.
Past Lawsuit on Labeling: A voluntarily dismissed 2015 class-action lawsuit questioned Wedderspoon's activity ratings, highlighting consumer confusion over different grading systems.

The global market for Manuka honey is rife with imitation products, a fact that drives consumer skepticism about brands like Wedderspoon. Unlike many counterfeit operations, however, Wedderspoon asserts that its products are genuine New Zealand Manuka honey, backed by certifications and a commitment to transparency. The key to evaluating the claim lies in understanding the complex labeling and regulatory environment surrounding Manuka honey.

What is Wedderspoon's KFactor Rating?

Instead of using the more common UMF or MGO ratings, Wedderspoon employs its own proprietary KFactor system. This can be confusing for consumers accustomed to other metrics. The company explains that its KFactor methodology was developed to align with and go beyond the official New Zealand government standards.

KFactor 12: A multifloral Manuka honey, meaning it is sourced from a blend of nectar, with a guaranteed concentration of Manuka pollen. It is certified to meet or exceed the MPI standard for multifloral Manuka.
KFactor 16: A monofloral Manuka honey, which means it is predominantly from the Manuka flower. This rating indicates a higher concentration of Manuka pollen and meets or exceeds the more stringent MPI standard for monofloral Manuka honey.

Comparing Manuka Honey Grading Systems

One of the biggest sources of confusion is the existence of multiple rating systems, all claiming to measure Manuka honey's potency. Here is a comparison of the most common ones:


Feature	Wedderspoon KFactor	UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)	MGO (Methylglyoxal)
Rating System	Proprietary to Wedderspoon, based on MPI standards and pollen count.	Trademarked and independently certified by the UMFHA.	Measures the concentration of the MGO compound.
Key Focus	Focuses on Manuka pollen count and MPI markers for authenticity.	Certifies presence of four key markers, including MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and HMF.	Concentrates on the level of MGO, known for its antibacterial properties.
Independent Verification	Wedderspoon states that its products are third-party tested and comply with MPI standards.	Requires independent laboratory testing for UMFHA members.	Companies often display their own MGO test results, which may lack independent verification.
Inclusion of MGO	The MPI standards, which KFactor embraces, do not specifically test for MGO due to its potential instability.	Includes MGO as one of four key compounds measured.	Solely quantifies the MGO concentration.

How to Verify Wedderspoon's Authenticity

To ensure your Wedderspoon product is authentic, look for several markers on the packaging:

Packed in New Zealand: All genuine Manuka honey exported from New Zealand must be tested and packed within the country. This prevents adulteration with cheaper honeys overseas. Wedderspoon proudly states this on its products.
MPI Certification: Since 2018, all Manuka honey exported from New Zealand must meet the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) standard, which requires testing for five key markers. Wedderspoon products are guaranteed to meet or exceed this government-regulated standard.
The FernMark Seal: An additional stamp of authenticity, the FernMark license is a third-party verification that a product is genuinely from New Zealand. Wedderspoon's products often bear this mark.
Traceability: Reputable brands like Wedderspoon provide traceability from hive to home. This means you can often trace the honey back to the specific beekeeper and region where it was harvested.

Addressing Past Controversies

Some of the confusion and skepticism regarding Wedderspoon's authenticity stems from past issues within the broader Manuka honey industry and the brand's own history.

2015 Lawsuit: A class-action lawsuit was filed in 2015 alleging deceptive marketing over Wedderspoon's use of "16+" and "12+" ratings, which some consumers confused with the UMF system. This lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice, but it highlighted the consumer confusion surrounding different grading systems.
KFactor vs. UMF/MGO: Critics, like those mentioned in a Bon Appétit article, have pointed out that KFactor does not measure MGO, the compound often associated with Manuka's antibacterial strength, which can be misleading for consumers. However, Wedderspoon defends its KFactor system by stating it focuses on the holistic, synergistic qualities of the honey, rather than a single marker that can be unstable.

How Wedderspoon Ensures Quality

Wedderspoon ensures quality through practices like keeping the honey raw and unpasteurized to preserve natural enzymes, sourcing ethically from New Zealand, and certifying its products free from glyphosate, antibiotics, and pesticides. They also have Non-GMO Project Verified products.

Conclusion

Wedderspoon Manuka honey appears to be a legitimate, authentic product from New Zealand, despite using its own KFactor grading system. Consumers should verify authenticity by checking for the "Packed in New Zealand" label and the FernMark seal. While KFactor differs from UMF and MGO, adherence to the official MPI standard supports its authenticity claims. Understanding these details helps in making an informed choice. For more information, see {Link: Wedderspoon Canada https://wedderspoon.ca/pages/manuka-standards}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wedderspoon developed the KFactor system to focus on the holistic, synergistic qualities of Manuka honey and align with the New Zealand government's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) standards. It does not measure MGO specifically, as the company believes MGO can be unstable, and it views the UMF association as a voluntary trade organization.

Look for products that state they are 'Packed in New Zealand' and bear the FernMark seal, which verifies they originated from New Zealand and meet strict export standards. Wedderspoon provides traceability information from the hive to the consumer.

KFactor is a valid system that is certified to meet or exceed the standard set by the New Zealand government's MPI, which is the only government-regulated Manuka honey standard in the world. It is a reliable indicator of authenticity, though it differs from the more widely known MGO and UMF ratings.

In 2015, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Wedderspoon over its labeling practices. However, the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice, meaning it was dropped and cannot be re-filed. The legal action concerned consumer confusion about grading systems, not the honey's authenticity as a New Zealand product.

Yes, as a genuine Manuka honey, it naturally contains Methylglyoxal (MGO). However, the KFactor system does not use MGO as its primary metric, as Wedderspoon cites research that MGO levels can be unstable over time. Instead, it relies on markers deemed more reliable by the MPI, including Manuka pollen DNA.

KFactor 12 is a multifloral Manuka honey, meaning it comes from a blend of nectar sources. KFactor 16 is a monofloral Manuka honey, meaning it is predominantly from the Manuka flower and contains a higher concentration of Manuka pollen.

Many reputable brands exist, including those certified by the UMF Honey Association. What constitutes 'more reputable' often depends on individual preference for grading systems (KFactor, UMF, or MGO) and brand-specific ethical practices. Consumers should research and choose a brand that aligns with their desired certifications and standards.