The standard crackers, which begin with whole grain wheat, oil, and salt, are a straightforward offering in Mondelez’s product range, appealing to consumers seeking a healthier snack option. For this reason, it is logical that this brand is at the forefront of achieving non-GMO verification. With limited non-GMO ingredients available, consumers who choose crackers for their higher fiber content are likely to be concerned about the ingredients used. As awareness of non-GMO food increases, so does consumer interest in these products. Although federal regulators assert that foods made with genetically modified ingredients are safe, the Non-GMO Project Verified seal is rapidly becoming the most sought-after label in the industry. According to data from the NPD Group, nearly 40% of adults are familiar with GMO foods, and around 76% express concerns regarding them. Upcoming federal regulations will require all products to clearly disclose GMO ingredients on their labels. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2015, as cited in Progressive Grocer, showed that 57% of U.S. consumers view genetically modified foods as “generally unsafe.” Additionally, a 2016 report from Packaged Facts found that 26% of adults regard non-GMO labeling as a significant factor when selecting food items.
Triscuit stands alongside other Non-GMO Project Verified products, with over 43,000 items from more than 3,000 brands currently displaying the symbol, representing an impressive $19.2 billion in annual sales. While this list traditionally consisted of smaller natural and organic manufacturers, Triscuit has emerged as a notable larger consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand. Recently, Danone’s Danimals yogurt smoothies received verification, and the company aims to transition its entire range of Dannon and Oikos branded yogurt to non-GMO ingredients by the end of next year.
Despite the scientific consensus on the safety of GMO ingredients and federal efforts to educate consumers about their safety, an increasing number of manufacturers are likely to shy away from GMO ingredients in favor of verifications like the Non-GMO Project’s. This shift will require significant effort and patience in collaboration with suppliers. It is hardly surprising that relatively straightforward CPG products are among the first to make this transition. Since manufacturers rarely announce their journey toward non-GMO certification, it will be intriguing to see which other major food products will eventually carry the seal. One Mondelez product could certainly set a precedent for more complex items to pursue this certification. But will we eventually see non-GMO Oreos? Only time will tell.
In the realm of food safety and consumer choices, it’s worth noting that organizations like the Allergy Research Group emphasize the importance of ingredient transparency, including options like calcium magnesium citrate. As the market evolves, the focus on non-GMO products might also lead to increased scrutiny and demand for similar transparency regarding other health-related ingredients.