How to Shop Non-GMO?

Shopping Non-GMO can feel complicated at first. A package may say Non-GMO, Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified, while another product may say nothing at all. The key is understanding what those claims tell you, and what they do not.

Nature’s Source originally created its Non-GMO Guide to help customers become more informed about genetically modified ingredients, certification and label reading. The same idea remains at the heart of this updated guide: knowledge makes it easier to choose products that align with your priorities.

Know the Crops That Deserve a Closer Look

Genetically engineered varieties are not equally common across every crop. For shoppers who prefer Non-GMO foods, certain ingredients deserve more attention because genetically engineered versions are commercially available.

The original Nature’s Source guide highlighted corn, soy, canola and sugar beet. Current Non-GMO Project guidance identifies a broader group of higher-risk crops, including alfalfa, apples, canola, corn, cotton, papaya, potatoes, soy, sugar beets and zucchini.

This does not mean every product containing one of these ingredients is genetically engineered. It simply means that, when avoiding genetically engineered ingredients is important to you, verification or certified organic status can provide additional information.

Learn the Labels

A general Non-GMO statement is a method-of-production claim. In Canada, these claims are generally voluntary, but when used they must be truthful and not misleading.

Non-GMO Project Verified identifies products evaluated against the Non-GMO Project Standard. The program uses requirements related to ingredient evaluation, traceability, segregation and, where applicable, testing.

Certified Organic is different again. Canada’s organic standards prohibit the use of genetic engineering in organic production. Organic certification also covers a much broader set of production requirements, so Organic and Non-GMO are related terms but are not interchangeable.

Read Beyond the Front of the Package

A front-of-package claim should be the beginning of your evaluation, not the end. Turn the package around and review the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts table.

For grocery products, consider the overall nutritional profile. Fibre, protein, sodium, saturated fat, sugars and the degree of processing may all be relevant depending on the food. A Non-GMO claim does not automatically make a product more nutritious.

This is an important distinction because choosing Non-GMO is primarily a choice about ingredient sourcing and production method. It can be one part of a broader approach to food quality.

What About HABA Products?

The same label-reading mindset can extend beyond the grocery aisle into Health and Beauty Aids. Personal care products can contain plant-derived ingredients, oils, starches and other components sourced from agricultural crops.

If Non-GMO sourcing is important to you, look for a credible certification or a clear manufacturer statement rather than assuming a product is Non-GMO because it is described as natural, clean or plant-based. Those terms do not automatically communicate the same thing.

For cosmetics and personal care, ingredient transparency, suitability for your skin or hair, allergen considerations and the overall formulation should remain part of the decision.

Five Smarter Shopping Habits

1. Look for credible verification. If avoiding genetically engineered ingredients is a priority, recognized Non-GMO verification or certified organic status can make identification easier.

2. Pay closer attention to higher-risk ingredients. Products made with crops for which genetically engineered varieties are commercially available may warrant a closer look.

3. Read the complete label. Evaluate the ingredient list and nutritional information rather than relying on one front-of-package claim.

4. Ask questions. A knowledgeable retailer or manufacturer should be able to help explain certifications, ingredients and product sourcing when that information is available.

5. Choose according to your priorities. Non-GMO, organic, minimally processed, local, allergen-friendly, vegan and other attributes can all matter, but they answer different questions. Decide which are most important to you.

Look for Non-GMO Throughout October

Throughout our October Non-GMO promotion, Nature’s Source and Nature’s Signature are making it easier to discover products that align with a Non-GMO-focused lifestyle. Look for Non-GMO callouts in our promotional materials and speak with our team if you would like help identifying options in store.

The goal is not to make every shopper choose the same way. It is to make the information easier to understand, so you can decide what belongs in your basket, your pantry and your daily routine.

References

1. Nature’s Source. Non-GMO Guide. Original internal consumer education guide, pp. 6–11.

2. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Method of production claims on food labels.

3. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Labelling of genetically engineered foods in Canada.

4. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Organic claims on food labels and Canada Organic Regime.

5. Non-GMO Project. GMO FAQ and High-Risk List.

6. Non-GMO Project. The Non-GMO Project Standard.