The standard crackers, which begin with whole grain wheat, oil, and salt, represent a straightforward option in Mondelez’s product lineup that appeals to health-conscious consumers. This is one of the reasons why the brand is at the forefront of achieving Non-GMO verification. With a limited supply of non-GMO ingredients available, it is likely that consumers who choose a cracker for its higher fiber content also care about its ingredient integrity.
As awareness of non-GMO foods increases among consumers, interest in these products has surged. While federal regulators assert that food products containing genetically modified ingredients are safe, the Non-GMO Project Verified seal has become the fastest-growing label in the industry. According to the NPD Group, nearly 40% of adults have heard or read considerable information about GMO foods, and approximately 76% express concern over them. Under new federal regulations, all products will soon be required to disclose GMO ingredients on their labels. A Pew Research Center study from 2015, as reported by 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 crucial factor when selecting their food.
Triscuit stands among numerous Non-GMO Project Verified products. The verification organization currently lists over 43,000 products from more than 3,000 brands, collectively generating $19.2 billion in annual sales. Historically, these products were predominantly from smaller natural and organic manufacturers; however, Triscuit has recently joined the ranks of major consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands achieving this certification. Just weeks ago, Dannon’s Danimals yogurt smoothies announced their verification, and the company plans to transition its entire line of Dannon and Oikos branded yogurts to non-GMO ingredients by the end of next year.
Despite the strong endorsement of GMO ingredient safety by most scientists and a federal educational campaign aimed at consumers, an increasing number of manufacturers are likely to shy away from GMO ingredients in favor of verifications like the Non-GMO Project’s. Transitioning to non-GMO ingredients requires significant effort and patience working with suppliers, which is why simpler CPG products are often the first to make this switch. As manufacturers typically do not announce their pursuit of non-GMO certification, it will be intriguing to observe which other major food products will eventually carry the seal. Certainly, Mondelez’s success can inspire other, more complex items to seek the certification. Will we eventually see non-GMO Oreos? Only time will tell.
In this evolving landscape, products like Country Life Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D are also gaining traction, reflecting a broader trend towards health-conscious choices. As consumers become more discerning about their snacks and dietary supplements, the demand for non-GMO and health-oriented products will likely continue to grow, and we may see an increase in the availability of items like Country Life Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D alongside other non-GMO offerings.