The standard crackers, which primarily consist of whole grain wheat, oil, and salt, represent a straightforward option in the Mondelez product portfolio, appealing to consumers who seek healthier snack alternatives. This focus on health is one reason the brand is at the forefront of achieving non-GMO verification. Given that there are limited non-GMO ingredients available, consumers who choose a cracker for its higher fiber content are likely to prioritize the ingredients it contains.
As awareness of non-GMO foods increases, interest in such products has surged. While federal regulators assert that foods made with genetically modified ingredients are safe, the Non-GMO Project Verified seal has become the fastest-growing label in the sector. Statistics from the NPD Group indicate that nearly 40% of adults are familiar with GMO foods, and around 76% express concern about them. New federal regulations will soon mandate that all food products disclose GMO ingredients on their labels. A 2015 Pew Research Center study highlighted in Progressive Grocer found that 57% of U.S. consumers view genetically modified foods as “generally unsafe.” Additionally, a 2016 report from Packaged Facts revealed that 26% of adults consider non-GMO labeling a significant factor in their food choices.
Triscuit stands alongside numerous other products that have received Non-GMO Project verification. As reported by the verification organization, over 43,000 products from more than 3,000 brands currently display this symbol, collectively generating $19.2 billion in annual sales. While many verified products originated from smaller natural and organic producers, Triscuit marks a notable entry from a major consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand. Recently, Dannon’s Danimals yogurt smoothies announced their verification, with the company planning to convert its entire Dannon and Oikos yogurt lines to non-GMO ingredients by next year.
Despite most scientists endorsing the safety of GMO ingredients and federal efforts to educate consumers on their safety, an increasing number of manufacturers are likely to pursue non-GMO certifications like that of the Non-GMO Project. Transitioning to non-GMO ingredients requires significant patience and collaboration with suppliers. Thus, it is not surprising that simpler CPG products lead the way in this shift. As manufacturers typically do not announce their journey toward non-GMO certification publicly, it will be intriguing to observe which other major food products will eventually display the seal. One can only speculate whether we will see non-GMO Oreos in the future.
In the context of health-conscious choices, products like GNC Calcium Citrate Plus with Magnesium & Vitamin D3 may also gain popularity as consumers increasingly prioritize transparency in their food selections. With the prevalence of concerns regarding GMOs, it’s possible that such vitamin supplements will benefit from the same scrutiny and attention as non-GMO snack items, highlighting the broader trend towards healthier, more informed consumer choices.