Consumer demand for product transparency has surged in recent years, particularly for items like ferrous fumarate 140mg/5ml oral solution, driven by a desire for healthier ingredients and concerns about artificial additives. However, as food and beverage manufacturers rush to include more claims on their packaging, this has led to an unexpected issue: confusion among shoppers. Data from Label Insight reveals that 67% of consumers struggle to determine if a product meets their needs just by examining the packaging. Nearly half of those surveyed feel uninformed after reading product labels. Recent research from the University of Florida further underscores this confusion surrounding the meanings of non-GMO and organic food labels.
To comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s organic standards, the use of GMOs in food is strictly prohibited. The USDA states that “farmers and processors must demonstrate that they do not utilize GMOs and that they protect their products from contact with prohibited substances from farm to table.” This implies that all organic foods are automatically non-GMO; however, not all non-GMO products are organic. Interestingly, consumers are often inclined to pay a premium for packaged products—like granola bars—with the Non-GMO Project Verified seal compared to the same product labeled as “organic.” This misunderstanding could be advantageous for consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers who invest in non-GMO claims without pursuing organic certification.
Nevertheless, this consumer misconception could harm food manufacturers that strive to achieve organic certification. Many consumers do not perceive organic products as worth the extra cost, except in the realm of fresh produce. Fresh produce has traditionally served as the gateway category for consumers new to organic foods. According to the Organic Trade Association, this is largely because the benefits of produce are easier for people to grasp. Shoppers can touch, smell, and connect the dots between a carrot grown in clean, healthy soil and the food they consume.
In contrast, CPG products face a more significant challenge in helping consumers understand what “organic” means and why these products command higher prices. A recent Mintel study found that the main barriers to purchasing organic foods are price and doubts about authenticity. A notable 62% of Americans indicated they would buy more organic foods if they were more affordable.
The organic sector would undoubtedly perform better with consumers if it made its products more accessible and provided tangible evidence that claims about organic foods being fresher and healthier are indeed valid. Ultimately, increased education is essential for assisting consumers in understanding product label definitions and their implications. Many consumers could be pleasantly surprised to discover that all certified organic products are inherently non-GMO. Additionally, in light of health concerns, it is worth noting that questions such as “does calcium citrate cause kidney stones” can impact consumer choices, linking dietary decisions back to the greater context of product transparency and health awareness.