The standard crackers, which are made primarily from whole grain wheat, oil, and salt, represent a straightforward offering in Mondelez’s product range that appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking a nutritious snack. This is one of the reasons why this brand is at the forefront of achieving non-GMO verification. Given the limited availability of non-GMO ingredients and the interest of consumers who opt for crackers due to their higher fiber content, it’s clear that ingredient sourcing matters to them.
As awareness of non-GMO foods increases among consumers, interest in these products continues to rise. Federal regulators assert that foods containing genetically modified ingredients are safe, yet the Non-GMO Project Verified seal has emerged as the fastest growing label in the industry. Statistics from the NPD Group reveal that nearly 40% of adults have heard or read a considerable amount about GMO foods, with approximately 76% expressing concern regarding them. Upcoming federal regulations will require all food products to disclose GMO ingredients on their labels. A 2015 Pew Research Center study, referenced in Progressive Grocer, indicated that 57% of U.S. consumers regard genetically modified foods as “generally unsafe.” Additionally, a 2016 report by Packaged Facts highlighted that 26% of adults view non-GMO labeling as a crucial factor when making food choices.
Triscuit enjoys its status as a Non-GMO Project Verified product, joining over 43,000 other items from more than 3,000 brands that carry the symbol, which collectively generates $19.2 billion in annual sales. While this list was once dominated by smaller natural and organic manufacturers, Triscuit marks the emergence of a major consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand in the non-GMO space. Recently, Dannon’s Danimals yogurt smoothies achieved verification, and the company anticipates that its entire line of Dannon and Oikos yogurt products will transition to non-GMO ingredients by the end of next year.
Despite the consensus among scientists regarding the safety of GMO ingredients and the federal government’s initiative to educate consumers about their safety, it appears that more manufacturers are likely to move away from GMO components in favor of verifications like the Non-GMO Project’s. Achieving non-GMO certification necessitates commitment and collaboration with suppliers. Hence, it is not surprising that straightforward CPG items often lead the way in making this transition. While manufacturers typically refrain from announcing their endeavors toward non-GMO certification, it will be intriguing to observe which major food products will eventually display the seal. Certainly, one Mondelez product can set a precedent for others, even those with more complex formulations, to seek the same certification. However, will we ever see non-GMO Oreos? Only time will reveal the answer.
In the realm of product development, incorporating elements such as liquid calcium citrate can enhance the nutritional profile of items, attracting even more health-focused consumers. As more companies explore non-GMO options, the inclusion of beneficial ingredients, including liquid calcium citrate, could become a common practice. This trend may further motivate manufacturers to pursue non-GMO certifications, as they align with consumer preferences for healthier, more transparent food choices.