General Mills' Decision to Remove GMOs from Original Cheerios
In early 2014, cereal giant General Mills announced it would no longer use genetically modified ingredients in its popular Original Cheerios cereal. This decision came after significant pressure from consumer groups and activists, although the company publicly stated it was a move to please customers. This change was specifically for the iconic yellow-box Original Cheerios and was possible because the primary ingredient, oats, is not a genetically modified crop. The only significant change required was sourcing non-GMO pure cane sugar and non-GMO cornstarch to replace potentially genetically modified beet sugar and cornstarch.
The Difference Between Original and Other Cheerios Flavors
It is crucial for consumers to understand that General Mills' non-GMO reformulation did not extend to its other Cheerios varieties at the time of the announcement. This distinction is because other flavors, such as Honey Nut Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, and Multi Grain Cheerios, often contain higher quantities of ingredients like corn, sugar, and soy derivatives, which are widely sourced from genetically engineered crops in the United States. While the company has made commitments over time to transparent labeling, consumers interested in avoiding GMOs should carefully check the packaging of each specific Cheerios product they purchase.
Understanding the 'Non-GMO' Label
When a product like Original Cheerios is labeled as "Not Made With Genetically Modified Ingredients," it indicates that the company has actively sourced non-GMO versions of its ingredients. However, as mentioned on some packaging, this does not guarantee zero presence of GMO material. Trace amounts might be present due to potential cross-contamination during handling, transportation, or manufacturing. This is an important distinction to grasp, as it differs from the more stringent standards of products certified by the Non-GMO Project, which involves independent, third-party verification.
Key ingredients to consider in cereals
- Oats: The core ingredient of Cheerios, oats are not a GMO crop. This makes it a straightforward ingredient for achieving non-GMO status.
- Sugar: While sugar from cane is non-GMO, sugar from beets is often genetically modified. Companies seeking to go non-GMO must switch their sourcing to pure cane sugar.
- Corn Starch: The majority of corn grown in the US is genetically modified, so this ingredient must be specifically sourced from non-GMO corn.
- Soy-based Ingredients: Ingredients like soy lecithin or Vitamin E derived from soy could potentially come from GMO sources, and would need non-GMO alternatives.
GMO Labeling and Consumer Transparency
In recent years, the landscape of GMO labeling has evolved. In 2016, the United States passed a national standard for disclosing bioengineered ingredients. This federal law preempted state-specific labeling efforts and requires food manufacturers to use a standardized disclosure, which can be a text label, symbol, or electronic link. For a company like General Mills, this means labeling many of its other products that contain genetically engineered ingredients, even as it maintains the non-GMO status for Original Cheerios.
General Mills' broader GMO stance
Despite reformulating Original Cheerios, General Mills has historically maintained that government-approved genetically engineered foods are safe. The company's decision for Original Cheerios was largely a marketing and consumer relations move, as it publicly denied that external pressure was the primary driver. For other products where corn, soy, or beet sugar are primary ingredients, the company has cited the difficulty and cost of reliably moving to non-GM ingredients due to their widespread use in the food supply.
How to Check if Your Cereal is Non-GMO
For consumers wary of GMOs, reading the ingredient list and looking for specific labels is the most effective strategy. While Original Cheerios is a reliable choice for avoiding GMO ingredients, checking every box is wise due to potential changes in sourcing. For other brands, searching for the Non-GMO Project Verified label is the most straightforward method, as it indicates a product has gone through a rigorous verification process.
| Feature | Original Cheerios (US) | Other Cheerios Flavors (e.g., Honey Nut) |
|---|---|---|
| GMO Status | Not made with genetically modified ingredients | May contain genetically modified ingredients |
| Key Ingredient(s) | Oats (naturally non-GMO) | Oats plus other ingredients (corn, soy) |
| Cornstarch Source | Non-GMO cornstarch | Potentially from genetically engineered corn |
| Sugar Source | Non-GMO pure cane sugar | Potentially from genetically engineered sugar beets |
| Manufacturing Note | May contain trace amounts of GMO material due to cross-contact | Contains or may contain GMO ingredients |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question of "Do Cheerios have GMOs in them?" has a nuanced answer. The iconic Original Cheerios in the yellow box have been produced without genetically modified ingredients since 2014, a notable change prompted by consumer feedback. However, this non-GMO status does not apply to the entire Cheerios product line, with many other popular flavors continuing to contain genetically engineered components derived from crops like corn and sugar beets. Consumers prioritizing a non-GMO diet should always read labels carefully, understanding the distinction between a manufacturer's claims and third-party verification, and remember that Original Cheerios remains a viable option for those seeking a widely available non-GMO cereal choice.
