Does Goya Have GMO? A Guide to Identifying Non-GMO Products

December 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Goya Foods offers a vast array of products, from beans to seasonings, but the question of whether Goya has GMO ingredients is common among consumers. While many of their products are explicitly labeled non-GMO or are certified organic, not the entire product line carries this assurance.

Quick Summary

Goya's product line includes both explicitly labeled non-GMO and organic items, as well as products whose GMO status is not specified. Consumers must examine individual product labels and packaging to confirm the absence of genetically modified ingredients.

Key Points

Not All Goya Products are Non-GMO: Goya does not make a company-wide claim about GMO-free status; it is determined on a product-by-product basis.
Check the Label: The only way to be certain is to look for specific 'Non-GMO' or 'USDA Organic' labeling on individual packages.
Organic = Non-GMO: Any Goya product certified as USDA Organic is, by regulation, free of genetically engineered ingredients.
Look for High-Risk Ingredients: Products containing ingredients like corn or soy are more likely to contain GMOs if not explicitly labeled otherwise.
Rely on Goya's Official Labels: For accurate information, trust only the 'Non-GMO' or 'USDA Organic' labels and information on Goya's official website, not third-party retail information.

Understanding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are plants or animals that have had their DNA altered in a way that does not occur naturally, such as through genetic engineering. Common GMO crops include corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets. Consumer concern about GMOs stems from various health, environmental, and ethical perspectives. As a result, many consumers actively seek out products labeled 'Non-GMO' or 'Organic' when shopping.

Goya's Approach to GMO Labeling

Goya Foods does not provide a single, company-wide declaration that all its products are non-GMO. Instead, Goya relies on product-specific labeling to communicate the absence of genetically modified ingredients. This means the GMO status depends entirely on the specific item you purchase. The easiest way for a consumer to confirm the status is to check the packaging for a clear 'Non-GMO' or 'USDA Organic' label.

Non-GMO and Organic Goya Products

Many of Goya's popular products are explicitly labeled as non-GMO, providing assurance to consumers. This includes a wide selection of their beans and some rice products. For instance, specific canned black and kidney beans are clearly marked 'Non-GMO' on the label. Additionally, Goya's organic line is a reliable choice for those avoiding GMOs. Under USDA regulations, all products certified organic must be free of genetically engineered ingredients.

Examples of known non-GMO Goya products:

GOYA® Dark Kidney Beans
GOYA® Black Beans, Low Sodium
GOYA® Organic Black Beans
GOYA® Organic Chick Peas
GOYA® Rice Flour
GOYA® Canilla® Extra Long Grain Rice

What About Unlabeled Products?

For products that do not carry a specific non-GMO or organic certification, the GMO status is not guaranteed. This is particularly relevant for products containing ingredients from high-risk GMO crops. While online conversations on retailers like Amazon have raised questions about ingredients like corn in certain Goya products, these are not authoritative sources, and Goya's official labeling is the most reliable indicator. If a product contains ingredients commonly derived from GMO crops and does not have a non-GMO label, it is safest to assume that the ingredients could be genetically modified.

How to Identify Non-GMO Goya Products

To ensure you are purchasing a non-GMO Goya item, follow these simple steps:

Look for Explicit Labeling: Check the front or back of the product packaging for a 'Non-GMO' stamp or statement.
Check for USDA Organic Certification: If the product carries the USDA Organic seal, it is inherently non-GMO.
Search the Goya Website: The Goya Foods website lists product details and often specifies non-GMO status for certain items.
Contact Customer Service: For products where the status is unclear, you can directly contact Goya Foods' customer service for clarification.

Comparison: Organic vs. Standard Goya Products


Feature	Organic Goya Products	Standard Goya Products
GMO Status	Certified free of genetically engineered ingredients.	Varies by product; some are labeled non-GMO, others are not.
Pesticide Use	Produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.	May be produced using conventional agricultural methods that include synthetic pesticides.
Cost	Generally higher price point due to organic certification and farming methods.	Typically lower cost than the organic counterparts.
Selection	A smaller, specific range of products, such as beans and olive oil.	The majority of the Goya product line, offering a broader variety.
Key Identifier	Bears the USDA Organic seal on packaging.	May have a specific 'Non-GMO' label or no GMO-related label at all.

Conclusion

While Goya Foods offers a wide range of products, the question of whether a specific item contains GMOs requires a closer look. The company handles GMO assurance on a product-by-product basis, not across its entire brand. Consumers can confidently purchase products labeled 'Non-GMO' or those carrying the 'USDA Organic' seal, as these are certified to be free of genetically engineered ingredients. For other products, especially those with high-risk ingredients like corn, checking the label is essential. By being a vigilant consumer and paying attention to product labeling, you can make informed choices about your food purchases from Goya. For a full list of their products, visit Goya Foods' official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all. Some specific rice products, like their Canilla Extra Long Grain Rice or organic varieties, are labeled non-GMO, but you should always check the individual package.

Many Goya beans are non-GMO. For example, specific canned black and kidney beans are explicitly labeled, and all organic beans are non-GMO. Check the label for confirmation.

A USDA Organic certification means the product was produced without genetically engineered ingredients, synthetic pesticides, or fertilizers.

Goya relies on its own 'Non-GMO' label or the USDA Organic seal for assurance on specific products. Widespread use of the Non-GMO Project seal across their entire line is not confirmed by search results.

The most reliable way is to look for an explicit 'Non-GMO' or 'USDA Organic' label directly on the product's packaging.

The GMO status varies by product. For items potentially containing ingredients like corn starch, it's best to check the label for a non-GMO assurance. Many basic seasonings are naturally low-risk for GMOs.

Goya does not have a company-wide policy covering all products. They certify and label individual products as 'Non-GMO' or 'Organic' where applicable, rather than making a blanket claim.