NOW Foods' Non-GMO Philosophy
NOW Foods has consistently upheld its belief that natural is better, and in their view, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not natural. The company's commitment to non-GMO practices is woven into its core values and manufacturing processes. While NOW aims for 100% of its products to contain only non-GMO ingredients, the reality is that ingredient sourcing can be complex. To address this, NOW employs a multi-pronged strategy that includes robust internal testing, supplier verification, and collaboration with third-party certifiers.
This commitment is most visible on their product packaging. NOW uses a proprietary "Non-GMO Assured" icon on products where they have stringent internal screening and supplier verification. Additionally, a large number of their products carry the independent, third-party Non-GMO Project Verified seal, which indicates an even higher level of verification and auditing.
The Two-Tiered Non-GMO Assurance System
NOW Foods employs two distinct levels of non-GMO assurance for their products, allowing consumers to understand the degree of verification for each item.
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NOW® Non-GMO Assured Products: These products meet NOW's stringent internal quality standards. The company works with its suppliers to confirm the non-GMO status of ingredients and performs testing when an audit trail is difficult to establish. This is especially true for highly processed ingredients derived from crops at high risk for GMO contamination, like corn and soy derivatives, as well as ingredients from animal sources where feed verification is complex.
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Non-GMO Project Verified Products: This certification is a more rigorous, independent third-party verification. Products bearing the Non-GMO Project seal have been verified by a separate organization through facility audits and documented evidence. This seal provides consumers with an extra layer of confidence that the product is non-GMO.
Identifying Non-GMO NOW Products
For consumers navigating the extensive product line, recognizing the non-GMO status of a specific item is straightforward. The key is to look for the distinct icons on the product's label and online product pages.
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Look for the Butterfly: The Non-GMO Project Verified seal, a blue butterfly, is the most recognizable symbol for third-party non-GMO assurance. If this seal is present, the product has undergone the Non-GMO Project's rigorous verification process.
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Check for the NOW® Non-GMO Assured Icon: For products verified through NOW's internal process, look for their proprietary icon. This indicates the company has taken comprehensive steps to screen for and ensure the absence of genetically modified ingredients according to their high standards.
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Read the Product Description: Both on NOW's official website and on reseller pages, the product description will often explicitly state its non-GMO status, detailing which ingredients are non-GMO or if the entire product is verified.
NOW Foods Non-GMO vs. The Competition
| Feature | NOW Foods | Generic Competitor | Non-GMO Project Verified Competitor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verification Method | Internal testing & 3rd-party verification | Often unverified or undisclosed | Strictly 3rd-party verification |
| Transparency | High; detailed commitment and product-specific info | Varies; often low or non-existent | High; public-facing verification standards |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Prioritizes non-GMO and organic whenever possible | Varies; may use cheapest ingredients available | Must meet strict non-GMO sourcing standards |
| Non-GMO Labeling | Dual system (Assured & Verified) for clarity | Often no specific label or unverifiable claims | Uses Non-GMO Project butterfly seal |
| Product Scope | Broad range, including foods, supplements, and more | Can be limited or inconsistent across lines | Varies widely by brand and product availability |
Challenges and Continuous Improvement
NOW acknowledges that achieving a 100% non-GMO product line is a complex challenge, primarily due to issues within the broader supply chain. Specific challenges include:
- Animal-Derived Ingredients: Verifying the non-GMO status of animal feed for ingredients like gelatin is often difficult.
- Processing Aids and Excipients: Some highly refined components used during manufacturing can be derived from high-risk GMO crops, making non-GMO documentation challenging.
- Yeasts and Probiotics: While the organisms themselves may be non-GMO, their growth media sometimes contains corn or soy derivatives that are difficult to verify.
Despite these hurdles, NOW Foods continuously works with its suppliers and tests its ingredients to move closer to its goal of a fully non-GMO product line. The company has made significant strides, particularly with its NOW Real Food® line, which is designed to be completely non-GMO. Their proactive approach to third-party quality certification demonstrates a deep commitment that goes beyond mere marketing.
Conclusion
So, is the NOW brand non-GMO? The answer is a qualified yes, with a high degree of assurance. The company is fundamentally committed to non-GMO practices, a core value since its founding in 1968. Through a combination of rigorous internal testing and independent, third-party Non-GMO Project Verification, NOW provides clear guidance on the non-GMO status of its products. While consumers should always check individual product labels for the specific non-GMO icon, they can have confidence that NOW Foods is a brand dedicated to transparency and quality in its non-GMO mission. Learn more about the Non-GMO Project here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every single NOW Foods product non-GMO?
No, not every single product is non-GMO, though a very high percentage are, and the company is committed to increasing this number. You must check the specific product label for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal or the NOW Non-GMO Assured icon.
What is the difference between Non-GMO Assured and Non-GMO Project Verified?
Non-GMO Assured refers to products verified by NOW's own stringent quality standards and testing, while Non-GMO Project Verified is an independent, third-party certification that involves facility audits and documented evidence.
Why aren't all NOW products Non-GMO Project Verified?
Some ingredients, particularly highly refined derivatives from high-risk crops, animal-derived ingredients, or certain probiotic growth media, can be difficult to fully verify to the Non-GMO Project's standards. NOW continues to work on resolving these supply chain challenges.
How can I tell if a NOW product has GMO ingredients?
You can't. The best way to know is to check the product's label for the official Non-GMO Project Verified seal or NOW's Non-GMO Assured icon. Products without either should not be assumed non-GMO without further verification.
Does NOW test for GMOs in its products?
Yes, NOW conducts its own testing on ingredients and finished products to screen for the presence of GMOs, especially for high-risk crops where audit trails may be incomplete.
Are NOW's organic products automatically non-GMO?
Generally, yes. The USDA Organic certification prohibits the use of GMOs. Many of NOW's organic products are also Non-GMO Project Verified for extra assurance, but the organic seal itself is a strong indicator.
Where can I find a list of NOW's Non-GMO Project Verified products?
NOW Foods' website has a dedicated section listing its Non-GMO Project Verified products, which is regularly updated. You can also browse products on their site using the non-GMO filter.
