What is KFactor 16 in MGO? A Comprehensive Guide

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

Manuka honey, hailed for its potent properties, is often labeled with confusing rating systems, including KFactor and MGO. The critical distinction is that while a high MGO number directly indicates a honey's potency, KFactor 16 simply denotes that the honey is monofloral, sourced primarily from the manuka plant.

Quick Summary

KFactor 16 is a brand-specific rating that guarantees a manuka honey meets standards for monofloral purity and processing. It does not measure the honey's antibacterial potency, which is quantified separately by its methylglyoxal (MGO) content. This article clarifies the differences between the two rating systems.

Key Points

KFactor is proprietary: KFactor is a grading system owned by the Wedderspoon brand and is not an industry-wide standard.
KFactor 16 means Monofloral: A KFactor 16 label signifies the honey is monofloral, meaning it's derived predominantly from manuka nectar.
KFactor does not measure potency: Unlike MGO or UMF, the KFactor rating does not quantify the honey's antibacterial strength.
MGO measures potency: The MGO rating directly measures the amount of methylglyoxal (mg/kg), the active compound responsible for manuka honey's therapeutic effects.
Choose based on need: For medicinal use, rely on MGO or UMF ratings; for general culinary use and origin assurance, KFactor is sufficient.
Check for authenticity: Independent grading systems like UMF provide greater assurance of authenticity and quality through comprehensive testing.

Demystifying Manuka Honey Grading Systems

For consumers, navigating the world of manuka honey can be confusing due to the variety of proprietary grading systems. Labels displaying KFactor and MGO can appear similar at first glance, but they measure and guarantee completely different aspects of the honey's quality. Understanding this key difference is essential for making an informed purchase, especially when seeking the honey's therapeutic benefits.

The Purpose Behind KFactor 16

KFactor is a trademarked grading system developed and used exclusively by the honey brand Wedderspoon. It was designed to certify the purity and origin of their honey according to five key factors: traceability, raw and unpasteurized status, non-GMO verification, New Zealand origin, and freedom from antibiotics, pesticides, and glyphosate. The number '16' in KFactor 16 is specifically used to classify the honey as 'Monofloral'. This means the honey comes wholly or mostly from the nectar of the manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) plant, guaranteeing a high percentage of manuka pollen. However, this rating does not provide any information regarding the honey's antibacterial activity.

The Significance of MGO Ratings

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the compound most directly responsible for manuka honey's unique and stable antibacterial properties. The MGO grading system quantifies the concentration of this compound in milligrams per kilogram of honey. Unlike the pollen-based KFactor system, the MGO rating is a direct, scientific measure of the honey's potency. The higher the number, the greater the concentration of methylglyoxal and the stronger the antibacterial effect. For example, a honey rated MGO 400+ contains at least 400mg of MGO per kg, indicating higher potency than an MGO 100+ honey. When consumers purchase manuka honey for its therapeutic qualities, the MGO rating is the most relevant metric to consider.

KFactor vs MGO: A Clear Comparison


Feature	KFactor (e.g., KFactor 16)	MGO Rating	UMF™ Rating
Developer/Standard	Proprietary to the Wedderspoon brand	Standardized scientific measurement	Independent association standard
Measurement Focus	Purity, traceability, raw status, and pollen content	Concentration of methylglyoxal	Broad suite of chemical markers (including MGO) and origin
Potency Indication	Does not measure antibacterial potency	Direct, quantitative measure of antibacterial potency	Combines MGO and other markers for potency assurance
Meaning of Number	Indicates a monofloral (KFactor 16) or multifloral (KFactor 12) source	Shows milligrams of MGO per kilogram (mg/kg)	Reflects a broader, independently verified quality and potency
Reliability for Potency	Unreliable; pollen count can be inaccurate	Reliable scientific metric	The industry's gold standard for authenticity and potency

Other Reliable Manuka Honey Ratings

Beyond the MGO system, the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) is another highly respected and independent grading system. Backed by the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA), this system is considered the gold standard for verifying manuka honey's quality and authenticity. A UMF™ rating assures that the honey meets a rigorous set of criteria by measuring four key signature compounds: Leptosperin, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), Methylglyoxal (MGO), and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).

UMF™ certification not only confirms the potency level but also verifies that the honey is genuine, fresh, and monofloral, meeting the high standards set by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The UMF™ mark provides a more comprehensive guarantee of quality than KFactor, which is why many consumers and experts prefer it for a product's therapeutic benefits. To check the authenticity of UMF™ certified honey, you can verify the license and batch number on the UMFHA website for peace of mind. For more detailed information on certification standards, the UMF Honey Association is an excellent resource: UMF Honey Association.

The Importance of Monofloral Designation

Whether a manuka honey is monofloral or multifloral is a critical distinction that affects its properties. Monofloral honey, like that represented by KFactor 16, comes predominantly from the nectar of the manuka bush, leading to higher and more consistent levels of beneficial compounds. In contrast, multifloral honey is a blend of nectars from various flower species, resulting in lower concentrations of key markers like MGO. While multifloral honey can be a delicious sweetener, a monofloral designation is necessary for those seeking the unique health benefits associated with manuka honey.

Considerations When Purchasing

When buying manuka honey, understanding the grading system on the label is crucial. If antibacterial potency is the goal, focusing on products with a clear MGO or UMF™ rating is the most reliable approach. While KFactor 16 indicates a honey's monofloral origin, it does not provide the same guarantee of potency. For therapeutic applications, higher MGO or UMF™ ratings are generally sought. For everyday culinary use, the specific potency might be less important, and a product with a KFactor or lower MGO rating could be a perfectly suitable and delicious option.

Conclusion

In summary, KFactor 16 is a proprietary grading system that focuses on confirming a honey's monofloral source and adherence to certain production standards. It is not an indicator of antibacterial strength. In contrast, the MGO rating is a standardized measure of the potent methylglyoxal compound responsible for manuka honey's medicinal properties. For consumers seeking verifiable potency and authenticity, focusing on MGO or the comprehensive UMF™ system is the most reliable path. Ultimately, knowing the difference empowers you to choose the right manuka honey for your specific needs.

Manuka Honey Rating Quick Facts

KFactor vs. MGO: KFactor rates purity and origin, while MGO directly measures antibacterial potency.
Proprietary vs. Standard: KFactor is a brand-specific rating, while MGO is a scientific standard used broadly across the industry.
Pollen Count: KFactor 16 indicates at least 75% manuka pollen, designating it as monofloral.
Potency: KFactor ratings provide no information on the honey's antibacterial strength, making MGO a more relevant measure for therapeutic use.
Gold Standard: The UMF™ system is often considered the most comprehensive and trustworthy standard, as it verifies authenticity, potency, and origin.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, KFactor 16 and MGO numbers are not comparable measurements. KFactor 16 indicates the honey is monofloral, while an MGO number indicates antibacterial potency. A high MGO number signifies stronger antibacterial effects, regardless of the KFactor rating.

Not necessarily. KFactor is a proprietary brand standard, whereas MGO is a scientific measurement. Authentic manuka honey from New Zealand is often verified by independent bodies like the UMF Honey Association, which tests for MGO and other markers to ensure quality and origin.

KFactor, particularly KFactor 16, is promoted as meeting or exceeding the MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) standard for monofloral manuka honey. However, it does not represent the full range of chemical markers measured by independent certifications like UMF.

While KFactor does not directly measure MGO, some brands have indicated that their KFactor 16 product is roughly similar to an MGO 100 honey. However, this is an estimate, not a verified measurement.

No, if you intend to use manuka honey for therapeutic purposes, you should not rely on the KFactor rating alone. The KFactor system does not measure the antibacterial activity crucial for such applications. Instead, look for a honey with a specified MGO or UMF™ rating.

Monofloral manuka honey comes primarily from the nectar of the manuka bush and typically has higher concentrations of MGO. Multifloral honey is made from a variety of nectars, including manuka, and has lower MGO levels. KFactor 16 designates monofloral honey.

The UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) rating is widely considered the most reliable, as it is an independent, scientifically validated system that measures a combination of key markers, including MGO, to ensure authenticity and potency.