In recent years, consumer demand for product transparency has surged, primarily due to an increased interest in healthier ingredients and a growing concern over artificial additives. However, as food and beverage manufacturers rush to incorporate more claims on their packaging, an unexpected issue has arisen: confusion among shoppers. Data from Label Insight reveals that 67% of consumers find it difficult to determine whether a product meets their needs just by examining its packaging, with nearly half feeling uninformed after reading the labels. Recent research from the University of Florida further underscores the 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 products is strictly prohibited. The USDA stipulates that “farmers and processors must demonstrate that they are not using GMOs and that they are safeguarding their products from contact with prohibited substances throughout the supply chain.” This means that all organic foods are, by definition, non-GMO. However, it’s important to note that not all non-GMO products are organic.
Interestingly, consumers are often willing to pay a premium for packaged items—such as granola bars—that carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, even when the same product is labeled as “organic.” This misunderstanding could potentially advantage consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers who invest in non-GMO certifications without going through the organic certification process. Conversely, this consumer confusion could harm food producers who are dedicated to achieving organic certification, as many shoppers do not perceive the added value—except in the fresh produce sector.
Fresh produce has traditionally served as the gateway for consumers exploring organic options. The Organic Trade Association highlights that the benefits of organic produce are often the most straightforward for consumers to grasp. Shoppers can directly engage with fruits and vegetables, forming a tangible connection between a carrot grown in clean, healthy soil and its place on their plate. In contrast, CPG products face a more significant challenge in helping consumers comprehend the significance of “organic” and justifying their higher prices.
A recent Mintel study revealed that the primary barriers to purchasing organic foods are price and skepticism regarding their authenticity. Approximately 62% of Americans stated they would buy more organic products if they were more affordable. The organic sector could undoubtedly enhance its appeal to consumers by making organic options, such as those fortified with calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg, more accessible and demonstrating that claims of organic products being fresher and healthier are substantiated.
In summary, there is a clear need for increased education to help consumers decipher product label definitions and their true meanings. Many shoppers might be pleasantly surprised to discover that all certified organic products are also non-GMO, and those looking for organic options could benefit from understanding the value of products enhanced with calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg, further reinforcing the connection between health and transparency in food labels.