Sparkling water brand Spindrift and frozen food maker Amy’s Kitchen are leading the way in promoting transparency in food processing. They recently became the first brands to earn a certification under the Non-GMO Project’s Non-UPF Verified program. This program helps consumers identify products that steer clear of ultraprocessed ingredients.
The Non-UPF Verified Standard isn’t about just reading ingredient lists. It focuses on how food is processed. Megan Westgate, the CEO of the Non-GMO Project, explains that our current methods often rely too heavily on what we can see on the label. Yet, research shows that the way food is processed is just as important.
As people become more skeptical of complicated ingredient lists, this certification arrives at a timely moment. The growing “Make America Healthy Again” movement is pushing for stricter regulations on ultraprocessed foods, likening them to tobacco and alcohol.
Definitions of ultraprocessed foods vary widely. The FDA is still working on an official definition, while some states, like California, have already implemented their own standards. For instance, California’s law defines ultraprocessed foods as having at least one additive or high levels of saturated fat or added sugars.
In the absence of uniform guidelines, third-party verifiers have stepped in. The Non-UPF Program uses the Nova Classification System, which categorizes foods based on their processing level. Their Non-UPF Verified Standard recognizes certain processing, like grinding or freezing, as acceptable. What they don’t accept are industrial methods that change a food’s structure or chemical makeup. They also ban non-nutritive sweeteners and limit refined sugars.
Current shopping practices can be confusing. Westgate notes that consumers often have to guess about what constitutes ultraprocessed food based on ingredient lists or health claims. The Non-UPF Verified program evaluates the unseen aspects of food, such as manufacturing methods and ingredient specifications.
Consumer trust in independent certifications is rising. According to internal research by the Non-GMO Project, 72% of shoppers now favor independent labels over company marketing. Interestingly, nearly two-thirds said a Non-UPF Verified label would motivate them to buy a product.
Both Spindrift and Amy’s Kitchen find the certification fills a gap in trust. Spindrift has certified its entire range of products, while Amy’s Kitchen will reveal its verified items later this year.
Paul Schiefer, Amy’s Kitchen’s president, believes that as interest in ultraprocessed foods grows, the Non-UPF Verified program provides a clearer, research-based framework for consumers to understand their choices.
To explore more about ultraprocessed foods, you can consult The Non-GMO Project for insights on food certifications and health implications.
