News + Updates

New GMO Alert: More GMOs in Meat Alternatives
August 16, 2022 - homepage feature, News

A New Plant-Based Meat Analog – This Time with Synbio Bovine Blood Proteins The Non-GMO Project closely monitors all food and ingredient products made using synbio (also known as precision fermentation) and has done so for a number of years. We are now seeing these products making their way into the food supply chain. Since its introduction in 2016, the Impossible™ Burger from Impossible™ Foods has had the distinction of being the only plant-based meat analog that includes a synb... Read more

Non-GMO Project Data Drop – August, 2022
August 3, 2022 - Blog

The connection between human and planetary health is top of mind for many people. However, curiosity remains high around issues like soil health and regenerative food systems. Companies like ours play a pivotal role in building a sustainable supply chain — and sharing our commitment to a healthier planet with our customers. Regenerative agriculture's reputation is growing! 57% of consumers are aware of the term — a 10-point increase from 20191. While 17% of shoppers repor... Read more

New GMO Alert: First GMO wheat to be introduced commercially
July 20, 2022 - homepage feature, News

Bioceres GM HB4 Wheat Gains Traction Worldwide Wheat is a grain fundamental to global health and food security across the world. Our breads, pastas, and other wheat-based foods take up a major portion on our plates, providing an estimated 20% of calories globally. Other principal crops such as corn and soy, which are mostly GMO, are fed to livestock -- not directly to us. Traditionally, consumer acceptance of GMO wheat has been low because we eat wheat at the dinner table. However, with ... Read more

Program Rules and Procedures
July 7, 2022 - Blog, homepage feature, News, Uncategorized

The Non-GMO Project is releasing the Program Rules and Procedures to increase transparency in the Product Verification Program (PVP) for all stakeholders. This overarching document outlines the PVP's rules and requirements, including procedures specific to different phases of the Participant's life cycle in the program. Version 1.0 of Rules and Procedures is now available on our website and has an effective date of September 1, 2022. If you have any questions, please reach out to verificat... Read more

Non-GMO Project Data Drop – July, 2022
July 7, 2022 - Blog

Shoppers are keeping cool this summer, driving $464M in sales* of frozen treats. How does the subcategory break down? Plant-based ice creams held the largest share with 30% of sales, while traditional ice cream and sorbet saw 14%. Frozen fruit was also very popular, at 24% of sales. Freezer-section pies and desserts held 16%, tied with novelty items such as separately packaged ice cream sandwiches, juice bars and fudge sticks. Shoppers seem to be seeking out novelty — th... Read more

New GMO Alert: Animal-Free Dairy Products to Watch Out For
June 16, 2022 - homepage feature, News

Recently, animal-free dairy proteins have entered the marketplace as ingredients in a variety of food products, including milk, ice cream, and cake mix. To date, these products have featured Perfect Day’s synbio animal-free whey proteins. However, Perfect Day is not the only company developing these synbio proteins, which are produced using genetically modified microorganisms in a process often referred to as precision fermentation. It’s important to note that all products of new gen... Read more

Non-GMO Project Data Drop – June, 2022
June 1, 2022 - Blog

A third of all shoppers who are aware of the Butterfly label seek it out in the dairy aisle. (Linkage 2020) Nearly half of all North American shoppers view lab-grown proteins and cell-cultured meat and dairy negatively. (Linkage 2021) 60% of shoppers doubt lab-grown food can be as safe, healthy and nutritious as food grown on a farm. (Linkage 2021) ... Read more

Non-GMO Project Stands with Straus Family Creamery, Other Dairy Farmers, as Synbio Milk Accelerates
May 25, 2022 - Blog, homepage feature, News

GMO “Animal-Free” Dairy Threatens Non-GMO, Organic Producers Bellingham, Wash. – May 25, 2022 – During June Dairy Month, the Non-GMO Project joins American dairy farmers in calling out synthetic dairy, which is quietly appearing in grocery store coolers throughout North America. In recent years, “animal-free” dairy proteins have found their way into everything from ice cream to cream cheese to snack bars, but many shoppers, food manufacturers and retailers are unaware that thes... Read more

Bell’s Reines is now Non-GMO Project Verified!
May 25, 2022 - Blog, homepage feature, News

Dulcet Scintilla, a food industry game changer, and a pioneer of clean high-quality ingredients has obtained the Non-GMO Project Verified certification for its Bell’s Reines full line of miniature soft cookies. Dulcet Scintilla’s brand Bell’s Reines cookies are made without artificial preservatives or artificial flavors since creation in 2019. Dulcet Scintilla wants to support its customers in feeling comfortable, safe, and healthy while enjoying delicious treats. This certification c... Read more

New GMO Alert: Betterland Foods
May 17, 2022 - homepage feature, News

Betterland Foods™ – Food that is better for whom? Animal-free food alternatives continue to enter the marketplace with great fanfare. Many of these products are created using synthetic biology, also known as synbio, a technique that involves the genetic engineering of microorganisms to create novel ingredients that an unmodified microorganism could never produce – such as dairy or whey proteins. It’s important to note that all products of new genetic engineering techniques, includ... Read more

Non-GMO Project Data Drop – May, 2022
May 6, 2022 - Blog

Watch for synbio ingredients! Why? Because customers are still shopping for non-GMO choices that exclude synbio. 65% of shoppers worry about the long-term impact of genetically engineered foods on our collective health. 60% of shoppers react negatively to the term synbio, which is why GMO companies are rebranding and using a host of other names such as “precision fermentation” to appeal to shoppers and make GMOs sound more natural. 230+ = The number of companies usi... Read more

New GMO Alert: Recombinetics Heat-Tolerant GE Cow
April 14, 2022 - homepage feature, News

Is a GE heat-tolerant cow a good thing? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that a genetically engineered (GE) cow poses a low risk and does not raise any safety concerns, making it safe for human consumption. The angus cow (Bos taurus) has been engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 to be more heat-tolerant based on genetic differences identified in other breeds that are either naturally more heat-tolerant or have been cross-bred over time to be better able to thrive in wa... Read more

Non-GMO Project Data Drop – April, 2022
April 6, 2022 - Blog

Who recognizes the Butterfly? Millions! 54% of North American consumers recognize the Non-GMO Project verification mark.1 Of those consumers: More than half say the Butterfly is important to them when making purchasing decisions. 88% are willing to pay a premium (up to 15%) for Verified products. 6-8% of those consumers are willing to pay a premium for Non-GMO Project Verified products over self-made claims.2 Non-GMO Project Verified + USDA Organic = The "Clean-lab... Read more

New GMO Alert: Climate Hero Super Cake Mix
March 16, 2022 - homepage feature, News

Let them eat cake? It’s vegan— but it’s also GMO Perfect Day and its affiliate the Urgent Company are exploring new avenues for Perfect Day’s genetically engineered (GE), animal-free dairy and whey proteins. Late last year, the Urgent Company released a new dessert under its Brave Robot brand: the Climate Hero Super Cake mix. The new offering is a vegan cake mix made with Perfect Day’s animal-free whey proteins as an egg substitute. The product is marketed to consumers... Read more

Natural Products Expo West 2022: March 8-12 in Anaheim, CA
February 28, 2022 - Blog

Each spring, over 80,000 attendees descend upon Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center for the largest trade show of its kind. Influencers and innovators from around the world network, talk shop, and showcase the hottest trends pushing the envelope in the natural and organic food space. The Non-GMO Project team will be back again this March with the latest news on the GMO landscape, answering your questions about product verification. With nearly half of all consumers act... Read more

Non-GMO Project Data Drop – February, 2022
February 28, 2022 - Blog

Who looks for the Butterfly? Millions! Shoppers prefer the Butterfly — 2 out of 3 consumers are more likely to buy products with the Non-GMO Project Verification mark. Showcase your non-GMO commitment — North American consumers say they seek out certifications when shopping more than 30% of the time. This is even more true for shoppers who prefer natural products: They spend up to half their time looking for certifications. Linkage Research September 2021... Read more