What brands of food are not GMO?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

With growing consumer demand for transparency, a 2016 Green America report highlighted that several major food companies shifted to non-GMO ingredients. This change signals a market trend towards cleaner ingredients and helps answer the question of what brands of food are not GMO, offering shoppers more verified options to choose from.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines how to identify non-GMO brands by looking for specific labels like the USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified seals. It covers trusted brands across various food categories, identifies high-risk ingredients to watch for, and provides a comparative table to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Key Points

Look for Certifications: Prioritize the USDA Certified Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified seals for reliable non-GMO assurance.
Check High-Risk Ingredients: Be cautious with processed foods that contain derivatives of corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, and cottonseed unless certified non-GMO.
Understand Label Limitations: The "natural" label is unregulated and does not guarantee a product is free of GMOs.
Choose Certified Brands: Support companies like Amy's Kitchen, Organic Valley, Bob's Red Mill, and Eden Foods, which are known for their non-GMO commitment.
Explore Product Categories: Non-GMO options are available across all food categories, including pantry staples, dairy alternatives, snacks, and frozen meals.
Support Local and Organic: Buying local produce or USDA Certified Organic products is the most straightforward way to avoid GMOs.

Understanding Non-GMO and Organic Labels

To confidently answer the question "what brands of food are not GMO?", consumers must first understand the primary certifications used to indicate non-GMO status. The two most reliable labels are the Non-GMO Project Verified seal and the USDA Certified Organic label.

The Non-GMO Project Verified Seal

This voluntary third-party verification program ensures that a product has been produced in compliance with the Non-GMO Project's standard. The certification process involves traceability, segregation, and testing of ingredients. While highly rigorous, it's important to note that the Non-GMO Project standard allows for a small threshold of genetically modified material (up to 0.9%) to account for potential cross-contamination. The Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly logo is a reliable indicator for shoppers seeking to avoid GMOs.

The USDA Certified Organic Label

For those seeking the strictest assurance, the USDA Certified Organic label is the gold standard. Under USDA regulations, genetically modified organisms are a prohibited substance. This means any product bearing the certified organic seal cannot contain GMOs. The organic standard also prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and mandates that livestock be raised without growth hormones or antibiotics. This provides a broader guarantee of clean production practices beyond just non-GMO status.

A Guide to Brands That Are Not GMO

Across the supermarket, many brands have made a commitment to using non-GMO ingredients, with varying levels of certification. Here is a breakdown by category, highlighting some reputable brands known for their non-GMO commitment.

Pantry Staples & Grains

This category often includes high-risk ingredients like corn and soy, so careful brand selection is key. Brands known for their non-GMO grains and baking products include:

Bob's Red Mill: Offers a wide range of flours, oats, and grains, with many products proudly bearing the Non-GMO Project Verified label.
Eden Foods: Known for its organic and traditional foods, including beans and pasta, Eden Foods has been a long-time advocate for non-GMO products.
Lundberg Family Farms: Specializes in rice and rice products that are consistently Non-GMO Project Verified.
Nature's Path: A leading brand in organic breakfast foods like cereals and granola, all of which are non-GMO.

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives

Avoiding GMOs in dairy requires either choosing organic products or brands that use non-GMO feed for their cows. Plant-based alternatives also offer options:

Organic Valley: A farmer-owned cooperative, Organic Valley products are USDA Certified Organic and therefore non-GMO.
Califia Farms: Produces a variety of plant-based milks and creamers that are Non-GMO Project Verified.
Miyoko's Creamery: Offers plant-based butter and cheeses made with certified organic and non-GMO ingredients.

Frozen & Prepared Meals

Convenience foods can often contain hidden GMOs in preservatives or additives. However, some brands prioritize clean ingredients:

Amy's Kitchen: A well-known brand for frozen meals and canned soups, Amy's products are almost entirely organic and non-GMO.
Beyond Meat: This popular plant-based meat alternative uses non-GMO ingredients and is Non-GMO Project Verified.

Snacks

When craving a snack, there are many certified non-GMO options to choose from:

Annie's Homegrown: Offers a wide variety of snacks, including crackers, fruit snacks, and mac & cheese, with many organic and non-GMO options.
LesserEvil: A snack brand specializing in organic and non-GMO popcorn and puffs.
RIND Snacks: Creates dried fruit snacks from fruit peels to minimize food waste; their products are Non-GMO Project Verified.
SkinnyPop Popcorn: Provides a selection of pre-popped popcorn made with non-GMO popcorn kernels.

The Importance of Avoiding the "Big Five"

One proactive strategy for non-GMO shopping is to be aware of the most commonly genetically modified crops, often called the "Big Five": corn, soybeans, canola, sugar beets, and cottonseed. Processed foods frequently use derivatives from these crops, such as corn syrup, soy lecithin, or canola oil. By purchasing certified organic or Non-GMO Project Verified products, you can be sure these ingredients are not sourced from genetically modified crops.

Non-GMO Brands: A Comparison Table


Brand	Primary Category	Verification Status	Key Features
Amy's Kitchen	Frozen & Prepared Meals	USDA Organic	Wide range of organic, plant-based, and gluten-free options.
Beyond Meat	Plant-Based Meat	Non-GMO Project Verified	Meat alternatives made from non-GMO plant protein.
Organic Valley	Dairy	USDA Certified Organic	Farmer-owned cooperative with organic, grass-fed dairy products.
Bob's Red Mill	Pantry Staples	Non-GMO Project Verified	Extensive line of high-quality flours, cereals, and grains.
Annie's Homegrown	Snacks	USDA Organic / Non-GMO Verified	Snacks, crackers, and pasta made with organic or non-GMO ingredients.
Eden Foods	Pantry Staples	Non-GMO	Focuses on traditional, organic, and non-GMO canned foods and staples.

The Bottom Line: Your Non-GMO Shopping Strategy

Deciding what brands of food are not GMO is a process that involves paying close attention to product labeling and understanding what those labels guarantee. By prioritizing the USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified seals, you can navigate the grocery store with confidence. Making an effort to buy fresh, local produce and being mindful of the "Big Five" high-risk ingredients in processed foods are also effective strategies. While many brands offer non-GMO products, certifications remain the most reliable way to ensure you are purchasing a non-GMO item. Ultimately, a proactive approach to label-reading and supporting certified brands ensures your food choices align with your values. For further guidance on certified products, visit the Non-GMO Project's website.

For More Information, Visit The Non-GMO Project

For more detailed information on their standards and a comprehensive list of verified products, the Non-GMO Project is an invaluable resource for shoppers. Learn more about the verification process and find additional products at The Non-GMO Project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, USDA Certified Organic regulations prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms. Any food with the certified organic seal is also considered non-GMO, offering the strictest standard for avoiding GMOs.

The Non-GMO Project Verified label indicates that a product has been tested and complies with the Non-GMO Project Standard, which includes rigorous testing, traceability, and segregation provisions to ensure ingredients are not genetically engineered.

According to the Center for Food Safety, Trader Joe's states that all its store-brand products are non-GMO. While they conduct their own testing, they are not always Non-GMO Project Verified.

For fresh produce, it can be difficult to tell if it's genetically modified by appearance alone. The safest approach is to buy USDA Certified Organic produce. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are not GMO, with common exceptions including some varieties of corn, summer squash, and Hawaiian papaya.

According to Moms Into Fitness, national restaurant chains Panera and Chipotle offer non-GMO options and label some of their items. Many local restaurants may also offer non-GMO choices, so it is recommended to check their menus directly.

The term "natural" is not a regulated label in the U.S. and does not legally guarantee that a product is non-GMO or free from pesticides. It can be used in a misleading way, which is why relying on official certifications like organic or Non-GMO Project Verified is more reliable.

While genetically modified livestock is not widely approved for human consumption, conventional (non-organic) animals may be fed genetically engineered grains, such as corn and soy. To avoid this, choose certified organic meat and poultry, as organic standards prohibit the use of GMO feed.