Is Domino Sugar Genetically Modified?

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 90% of sugar beets grown in the U.S. are genetically modified, which raises questions for consumers about the ingredients in their pantry. Is Domino Sugar genetically modified? The answer depends on the product.

Quick Summary

This article examines whether Domino Sugar is genetically modified by looking at the company's sourcing of cane and beet sugar. The GMO statuses of Domino products and how to identify non-GMO options are clarified.

Key Points

Source matters: Domino Sugar's GMO status depends on its source crop, either non-GMO sugarcane or, potentially, GMO sugar beets.
Look for the seal: The Non-GMO Project Verified seal indicates that a product has met standards for avoiding genetically modified ingredients.
Be cautious with powdered sugar: Some of Domino's powdered sugar products may contain cornstarch that is not certified non-GMO, so check for verification.
Cane sugar is safe: All commercially grown sugarcane is currently non-GMO, making Domino's pure cane sugar a reliable choice for avoiding genetically modified ingredients.
Organic is a guarantee: Domino's Organic Raw Cane Sugar is certified organic and therefore non-GMO.
Refining removes DNA: The refining process removes all genetic material, making the final sucrose chemically identical to cane sugar.
Don't rely on just the name: Different products under the Domino brand have different sourcing and certifications, so always read the label carefully.

The Core Difference: Cane vs. Beet Sugar

To understand the genetic modification status of Domino Sugar, the difference between sugarcane and sugar beets is important. Both plants produce sucrose, the compound that is refined into table sugar, but they have distinct agricultural practices and GMO statuses.

Sugarcane: The Non-GMO Standard

Sugarcane, a tropical grass, is the source for many of Domino's products. Commercially grown sugarcane in the U.S. is not genetically modified. Any Domino product labeled as 'pure cane sugar,' 'golden sugar,' or 'organic raw cane sugar' is not genetically modified. The company states many of its cane sugar products have been Non-GMO Project Verified. Cane sugar products are a reliable choice for consumers seeking to avoid GMOs.

Sugar Beets: The GMO-Prone Crop

A significant portion of sugar beets grown in the U.S. are genetically modified. These 'Roundup Ready' sugar beets are engineered to withstand herbicide applications. Refined sugar from either source is chemically identical, and the refining process removes all traces of the original DNA. As a result, the Bioengineered Food labeling law does not require disclosure on products containing sugar derived from GMO beets. Domino mainly uses cane sugar, but its confectioner's powdered sugars may contain cornstarch from GMO corn, and the company has stated it could not make claims regarding the GMO status of its powdered sugar products. It is important to check for specific certifications.

Navigating Domino's Products and Labeling

Domino offers a range of products, and their GMO status can differ based on the source and added ingredients. Paying close attention to the labeling is essential.

Pure Cane Sugar: These products are exclusively sourced from non-GMO sugarcane. Domino's Premium Pure Cane Granulated Sugar is Non-GMO Project Verified.
Golden Sugar: Domino Golden Sugar is also Non-GMO Project Verified. It retains more molasses from the sugarcane.
Organic Raw Cane Sugar: Products labeled 'organic' are, by definition, non-GMO, according to USDA regulations. Domino's Organic Raw Cane Sugar is explicitly Non-GMO Project Verified.
Powdered Sugar and Specialties: These products, which contain additives like cornstarch, historically did not have a certified non-GMO status. Consumers should look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on the packaging.

GMO Cane vs. GMO Beet: Refined Sugar Comparison


Feature	Cane Sugar (Refined)	Beet Sugar (Refined)
Source Crop	Sugarcane (non-GMO)	Sugar Beet (mostly GMO in U.S.)
Final Product	Chemically identical to beet sugar (sucrose)	Chemically identical to cane sugar (sucrose)
Labeling	Can be labeled non-GMO with verification	Often unlabeled for GMOs due to refining process
Taste Profile	May have a slightly more complex flavor with caramel notes	Generally has a more neutral flavor
Vegan Status	Some white cane sugar may be refined with bone char	Always vegan-friendly, as it's not processed with bone char

What is the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal?

The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is a reliable tool for consumers. To earn this label, a product must meet strict standards for GMO avoidance, including rigorous testing and ongoing audits. Domino has committed to having many of its products verified by the Non-GMO Project, providing transparency for consumers who prioritize non-GMO products. This seal is the most effective way to be sure of a product's non-GMO status when the source is not immediately clear.

Conclusion

While a portion of the sugar industry relies on genetically modified sugar beets, most of Domino's offerings are made from pure, non-GMO sugarcane. Consumers concerned about GMOs should choose products labeled "Pure Cane Sugar," "Organic," or carrying the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal. This is important for products like powdered sugar, where additives may have a different sourcing protocol. By understanding the origins and reading product labels carefully, shoppers can make an informed decision and confidently choose non-GMO products from Domino Sugar.

What to look for on labels when buying Domino Sugar products:

Pure Cane Sugar: These products are derived from sugarcane, which is not genetically modified.
Non-GMO Project Verified: Look for this seal on the packaging for assurance that the product meets high standards for GMO avoidance.
Ingredients List: Check for additives like cornstarch, which may be sourced from GMO crops unless specifically certified otherwise.
Organic Certification: USDA Organic certification prohibits the use of GMOs, ensuring a non-GMO product.
Product Type: Specialty products, like some powdered sugars, may have different GMO statuses than basic granulated sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some Domino Sugar products, particularly those labeled "Pure Cane Sugar," "Organic Raw Cane Sugar," or with the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal, do not contain GMOs. However, some specialty products that contain other additives, such as cornstarch in powdered sugar, may have ingredients that are not certified non-GMO unless the Non-GMO Project Verified seal is present.

Yes, all commercially produced sugarcane in the United States is considered non-GMO. Therefore, any product made exclusively from pure cane sugar, including Domino's pure cane offerings, is non-GMO.

Yes, most sugar beets grown in the U.S. are genetically modified to be resistant to herbicides. The refining process removes all genetic material from the final sucrose molecule.

The easiest way to confirm a Domino Sugar product is non-GMO is to look for the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal on the packaging. Alternatively, choose products labeled "Pure Cane Sugar" or "Organic," as these are sourced from non-GMO crops.

Yes, Domino offers several certified non-GMO products. These include Domino Golden Sugar, Organic Raw Cane Sugar, and many of their core granulated, dark brown, and light brown sugars, which carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal.

No, the refining process for sugar from GMO beets removes all genetic material, including the proteins and DNA. The resulting sucrose molecule is chemically identical to that from non-GMO sugarcane.

Domino's standard powdered sugar, which contains cornstarch to prevent caking, was not certified non-GMO in the past. However, Domino has been refreshing its packaging to include the Non-GMO Project seal on many of its powdered sugar products, so it is best to check the specific package for the certification.