Feastables' Official Stance on GMOs
When examining the ingredients in Feastables chocolate, the official company line is clear. The brand's website and marketing materials consistently state that their products are made with non-GMO ingredients. This is part of the brand's larger strategy to position itself as a higher-quality, cleaner alternative to traditional candy bars, appealing to a health-conscious audience.
Several online reviews and product descriptions also confirm the non-GMO claim. The company prides itself on using simple, natural ingredients, and avoids artificial additives and industrial components in its recipes. This transparency is a key selling point, providing consumers with confidence about what they are eating.
The Difference Between Non-GMO and Organic
While Feastables actively promotes its non-GMO status, it is important to distinguish this from an organic certification. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), in its food scores for Feastables, notes that the products are not certified organic.
What do these terms mean?
- Non-GMO: This means the product is made without genetically modified ingredients. There are no regulations dictating how the crops must be farmed to earn this status, only that no genetic engineering was used.
- Organic: This is a much stricter, and more expensive, certification. USDA organic standards, for example, require that products be produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and be free of genetically engineered ingredients.
Feastables' use of non-GMO ingredients, rather than pursuing full organic certification, allows the company to maintain a certain quality standard while potentially keeping costs lower for consumers. For some chocolate bar varieties, like the Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate, Feastables has promoted using organic cacao, but this doesn't apply to the entire product line or constitute full organic certification.
A Closer Look at Feastables' Ethical Sourcing
Beyond just the GMO issue, Feastables also emphasizes its ethical sourcing practices, which is a major concern for many chocolate consumers due to a history of child labor in the cocoa industry. Feastables addresses this head-on, stating that its cocoa is 100% Fairtrade certified.
This commitment to Fairtrade is detailed on the company's website, where it outlines its three pillars for ethical sourcing:
- Paying Farmers a Living Income: Feastables pays cocoa farmers the Living Income Reference Price, which is often higher than the market price, ensuring a sustainable livelihood.
- Sourcing from Certified Cooperatives: The company exclusively works with Fairtrade certified cocoa cooperatives.
- Preventing Child Labor: Feastables partners with farms that actively implement Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation Systems (CLMRS).
In early 2024, Feastables further solidified this commitment by joining Tony's Open Chain, a partnership designed to set new standards for ethical cocoa sourcing. This demonstrates a serious effort to move beyond surface-level claims.
Ingredient Breakdown: What's in a Feastables Bar?
Feastables prides itself on its simple ingredient list. For example, a basic milk chocolate bar typically contains:
- Sugar
- Unsweetened Chocolate
- Cocoa Butter
- Whole Milk Powder (for milk varieties)
- Soy Lecithin (as an emulsifier)
- Natural Vanilla Extract
These simple ingredients, free from artificial flavors or fillers, support the non-GMO narrative. For comparison, many mass-produced chocolates contain a much longer list of additives, preservatives, and less premium ingredients.
Comparison: Feastables vs. Conventional Chocolate
| Feature | Feastables (Modern) | Conventional Chocolate (Mass Market) |
|---|---|---|
| GMO Status | Non-GMO ingredients | Often includes GMO-derived ingredients like corn syrup or soy lecithin from conventional sources. |
| Ingredient Simplicity | Minimal, simple, and natural ingredients | Can contain numerous additives, artificial flavors, and preservatives. |
| Ethical Sourcing | 100% Fairtrade cocoa, committed to a living income for farmers | Varies widely; many large companies face criticism regarding ethical sourcing and child labor. |
| Saturated Fat | High saturated fat content, typical of chocolate | High saturated fat content is also typical. |
| Allergen Information | Not produced in an allergen-free facility; may contain peanuts, tree nuts, etc. | Also varies; cross-contamination is a common issue for many brands. |
A History of Scrutiny and Commitment
Despite the positive positioning on non-GMO and ethical sourcing, Feastables has not been without its share of public scrutiny. A YouTuber named Ahnestly, for example, raised questions about potential child labor in the cocoa supply chain, though MrBeast and the brand have since doubled down on their commitment to Fairtrade and ethical sourcing.
There have also been product-specific issues, such as a recall in New Zealand for an undeclared peanut allergen, and controversies surrounding the associated "Lunchly" product line over reports of mold. These issues highlight the challenges and complexities of operating a large food brand, even with the best intentions for ingredient sourcing. The brand's proactive response to these challenges, however, underscores its commitment to maintaining its reputation for quality.
Conclusion: Navigating the Ingredients of Feastables
In conclusion, the claim that Feastables are non-GMO is supported by the company's official statements and ingredient philosophy. The brand emphasizes simple, natural ingredients and has made significant commitments to ethical sourcing by using 100% Fairtrade certified cocoa. Consumers can verify ingredient information on the packaging and rely on the brand's documented ethical sourcing initiatives. While it is important to understand the distinctions between non-GMO and organic products, Feastables offers a transparent option for those prioritizing simpler, ethically-sourced ingredients in their chocolate. For more information on their sourcing policies, you can visit their official website.
