“Rising Demand for Non-GMO Snacks: Triscuit and Mondelez Lead the Way”

The standard crackers—made from whole grain wheat, oil, and salt—are a straightforward offering in Mondelez’s product range, appealing to consumers seeking healthier snack options. This alignment with consumer preferences supports the brand’s leadership in achieving non-GMO verification. Given the limited availability of non-GMO ingredients, it’s likely that consumers who choose crackers for their higher fiber content are also concerned about their ingredient quality.

As awareness of non-GMO foods increases among consumers, interest in these products has surged. While federal regulators assert that foods containing genetically modified ingredients are safe, the Non-GMO Project Verified seal has emerged as the fastest-growing label in the industry. Research from the NPD Group indicates that nearly 40% of adults are well-informed about GMO foods, with around 76% expressing concerns regarding them. Under new federal regulations, all products will soon need to disclose GMO ingredients on their labels. A 2015 study by the Pew Research Center noted 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 to be a significant factor in their food choices.

Triscuit joins a growing list of products that are Non-GMO Project Verified. As reported by the verification organization, there are over 43,000 products from more than 3,000 brands currently bearing this symbol, collectively accounting for $19.2 billion in annual sales. While this list previously featured mostly smaller natural and organic manufacturers, Triscuit is now one of the notable consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands to receive this verification. Just weeks ago, Dannon’s Danimals yogurt smoothies achieved the same status, and the company anticipates that its entire line of Dannon and Oikos yogurts will transition to non-GMO ingredients by the end of the next year.

Despite many scientists advocating for the safety of GMO ingredients and the federal government launching educational campaigns to reassure consumers, an increasing number of manufacturers are likely to pivot away from GMO components toward verifications like the Non-GMO Project. Making the transition to non-GMO ingredients, including ferrous calcium citrate & folic acid tablets, requires patience and collaboration with suppliers. It’s no surprise that simpler CPG products are among the first to adopt this change. As manufacturers typically do not publicize their journey toward non-GMO certification, it will be intriguing to see which other major food products acquire the seal in the future. A single Mondelez product could indeed inspire more complex items to pursue this verification. However, the question remains: will we eventually see non-GMO Oreos? Only time will tell.