The standard crackers, primarily made from whole grain wheat, oil, and salt, are a straightforward offering in the Mondelez portfolio, appealing to consumers in search of healthier snack options. For this reason, it’s not surprising that this brand is at the forefront of achieving non-GMO verification. There are relatively few non-GMO ingredients available, and consumers who choose crackers for their higher fiber content are likely to be mindful of their ingredients.
As awareness of non-GMO food grows among consumers, interest in these products has increased significantly. While federal regulators assert that foods containing genetically modified ingredients are safe, the Non-GMO Project Verified seal has become the fastest-growing label in the food industry. According to the NPD Group, nearly 40% of adults have heard or read a considerable amount about GMO foods, and around 76% express concerns regarding them. Federal law will soon mandate the disclosure of GMO ingredients on product labels. A 2015 Pew Research Center study, referenced in Progressive Grocer, revealed that 57% of U.S. consumers view genetically modified foods as “generally unsafe.” A 2016 Packaged Facts report indicated that 26% of adults regard non-GMO labeling as a significant factor when selecting foods.
Triscuit joins a prestigious lineup as a Non-GMO Project Verified product. The verification organization reports over 43,000 products from more than 3,000 brands currently bearing the seal, collectively generating $19.2 billion in annual sales. While these products were once predominantly from smaller natural and organic manufacturers, Triscuit is now the latest major CPG brand to achieve this verification. Recently, Dannon’s Danimals yogurt smoothies received their verification, and the company anticipates transitioning its entire range of Dannon and Oikos branded yogurts to non-GMO ingredients by the end of next year.
Despite most scientists advocating for the safety of GMO ingredients and the federal government launching educational initiatives to reassure consumers about their safety, it seems likely that more manufacturers will shift away from GMO ingredients and seek verifications like the Non-GMO Project’s, or whatever criteria will be necessary to comply with the new federal labeling regulations. Transitioning to non-GMO ingredients demands time and effort in collaboration with suppliers, making it understandable that simpler CPG products are often the first to make this change.
As manufacturers typically do not announce their journey toward non-GMO certification, it will be intriguing to see which other major food products adopt the seal in the future. One Mondelez product could indeed pave the way for more complex items to follow suit. However, will we eventually see non-GMO Oreos? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, consumers might wonder about the best time to take calcium citrate supplements, especially when considering the overall nutritional value of their snacks. As awareness of health-conscious choices expands, the integration of non-GMO labeling could be a pivotal factor in how consumers assess their food options, including when to focus on the best time to take calcium citrate for optimal absorption and health benefits.