Consumer demand for transparency in products has surged in recent years, primarily fueled by a growing interest in healthier ingredients and concerns about artificial additives. However, as food and beverage manufacturers rush to enhance their product packaging with more claims, an unexpected issue has arisen: shopper confusion. According to data from Label Insight, 67% of consumers find it difficult to determine if a product meets their needs just by looking at its packaging. Nearly half of consumers report feeling uninformed after reading a product label. Recent findings from the University of Florida further highlight 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 prohibited. The USDA defines this by stating that “farmers and processors must demonstrate they are not using GMOs and that they are safeguarding their products from contact with prohibited substances from farm to table.” This means that all organic foods are inherently non-GMO. Conversely, not all non-GMO products are classified as organic.
Interestingly, consumers are often willing to pay a premium for packaged products, such as granola bars, that carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal compared to the same products labeled as “organic.” This misconception could benefit consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers investing in non-GMO products without pursuing organic certification. However, this misunderstanding may negatively impact food producers who are striving to achieve organic certification. Many consumers may not see the added value of organic products—except in the fresh produce category.
Fresh produce has traditionally been the gateway for consumers new to organic foods, as the benefits in the produce aisle are often the easiest to grasp. The Organic Trade Association notes that shoppers can physically engage with fruits and vegetables, making it easier to connect the dots between a carrot grown in healthy soil and its consumption. In contrast, CPG products face greater challenges in helping consumers understand the meaning of “organic” and why these products justify higher prices. A recent Mintel study revealed that the primary barriers to purchasing organic foods are price and doubts about authenticity, with 62% of Americans stating they would buy more organic items if they were more affordable.
To improve the organic sector’s appeal, it is essential to make products more accessible and find effective ways to demonstrate that claims about organic foods being fresher and healthier are substantiated. Ultimately, the need for greater consumer education about product label definitions and their actual meanings is evident. Many people might be pleasantly surprised to discover that all certified organic products are also non-GMO.
In this context, it’s also worth noting the question: can you take calcium citrate with magnesium? This inquiry reflects the broader consumer interest in understanding how various supplements and ingredients interact, highlighting the importance of clear labeling and education in all areas of health and wellness.