Understanding Bioengineered Ingredients in Chocolate
Bioengineered (BE) or genetically modified (GMO) ingredients can find their way into chocolate candy through several common additives, not the cacao itself. While cacao is not genetically modified, other ingredients in a candy bar, such as sugar, lecithin, and corn syrup, often are. The key to finding non-bioengineered chocolate lies in scrutinizing the ingredient list and looking for specific certifications.
Common Bioengineered Ingredients to Watch For
- Sugar: In the United States, a significant portion of sugar comes from genetically engineered sugar beets. To avoid this, seek chocolates made with 100% cane sugar, evaporated cane juice, or organic sugar.
- Soy Lecithin: This common emulsifier, which helps blend the fats and water in chocolate, is often derived from bioengineered soybeans. While highly refined soy lecithin may not contain detectable modified genetic material, some brands prefer to avoid it entirely or use alternatives like sunflower lecithin.
- Corn Syrup: A frequent ingredient in fillings and chewier chocolate candies, corn syrup is almost exclusively made from genetically engineered corn. Non-bioengineered chocolates will use alternative sweeteners or simpler, purer ingredients.
- Milk: For milk or white chocolate products, bioengineered ingredients can come from milk sourced from cows treated with the growth hormone rbGH. Looking for organic or certified rbGH-free milk is essential.
How to Find Non-Bioengineered Chocolate Candy
To confidently purchase chocolate that is not bioengineered, you can rely on official labels and a better understanding of ingredient sourcing.
The Power of Official Labels
- USDA Organic: A product with the USDA Organic seal guarantees that at least 95% of its ingredients are certified organic, which prohibits genetic engineering. This is one of the most reliable ways to ensure your chocolate is non-bioengineered.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: The butterfly seal from the Non-GMO Project indicates that the product has undergone independent testing to verify it is free of bioengineered ingredients. This certification provides strong assurance for consumers.
Prioritize Simple, Whole Ingredients
High-quality, non-bioengineered chocolate often has a very short ingredient list. The highest-quality products may only contain cacao beans, sugar, and maybe cocoa butter. Less is often more when it comes to avoiding unwanted additives. Look for chocolates that use natural sweeteners and emulsifiers like sunflower lecithin instead of soy.
Leading Brands Offering Non-Bioengineered Chocolate Candy
Many chocolate makers prioritize quality and consumer choice by producing non-bioengineered products. These brands often focus on sustainable, fair-trade, and high-quality ingredients.
A List of Non-GMO Brands
- Alter Eco: Known for organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade dark chocolate bars and truffles.
- Hu Kitchen: Offers organic, paleo, non-GMO chocolate bars made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Taza Chocolate: This brand makes organic, stone-ground chocolate that is also Non-GMO Project Verified.
- Guittard Chocolate: Several of their baking and bar products are Non-GMO Project Verified.
- Green & Black's Organic: Their chocolate bars are USDA Organic, which ensures they are non-bioengineered.
- Chocolove: Features a wide array of flavors, with many varieties certified Non-GMO Project Verified.
- Lindt & Sprüngli: The company explicitly states that none of their products in certain brands are made with GMO ingredients, including the core Lindt brand.
- Divine Chocolate: Their baking products are non-GMO and fair-trade certified.
- Montezuma's: An organic chocolate brand that is also GMO-free.
Comparison of Bioengineered vs. Non-Bioengineered Chocolate
| Feature | Bioengineered-Possible Chocolate | Non-Bioengineered Chocolate |
|---|---|---|
| Common Ingredients | High-fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin, sugar from GMO sugar beets, rbGH-treated milk | Organic sugar, evaporated cane juice, sunflower lecithin, clean milk sources |
| Labeling | May carry "Bioengineered Food" or have an electronic QR code disclosure | Carries "USDA Organic" seal or "Non-GMO Project Verified" butterfly |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Can include ingredients derived from crops grown with conventional farming practices that permit genetic engineering | Utilizes ingredients from farming practices that do not use genetic modification |
| Pesticide Use | Associated with crops that may have higher pesticide use, such as Roundup Ready crops | Prohibits the use of toxic pesticides in the cultivation of organic ingredients |
| Cost | Often more affordable due to large-scale, conventional agricultural practices | Typically higher priced due to certification costs and more intentional farming methods |
| Availability | Very widespread, found in most conventional grocery stores | Increasing in availability, found in health food stores, specialty shops, and online retailers |
Beyond the Label: Additional Considerations
Choosing non-bioengineered chocolate is about more than just avoiding genetic engineering. It's often linked to broader ethical and environmental concerns.
Ethical and Environmental Benefits
Many brands that produce non-bioengineered chocolate also focus on fair-trade practices, ethical labor, and environmental sustainability. Choosing these products supports smaller, more intentional farming operations and can help promote healthier ecosystems by reducing the use of harmful chemical pesticides.
Flavor and Quality
Without the presence of artificial flavors, fillers, and emulsifiers, many non-bioengineered and organic chocolates offer a purer, more refined flavor profile. The focus on high-quality ingredients, particularly the cacao bean itself, means that the chocolate's natural complexity is more pronounced.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Determining what chocolate candy is not bioengineered requires a keen eye for labels and ingredients. By prioritizing products with USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified seals, you can confidently select treats free of genetically engineered ingredients. Opting for brands like Alter Eco, Hu, and Taza not only ensures a non-bioengineered product but often supports more ethical and sustainable chocolate production. Ultimately, being an informed consumer empowers you to make choices that align with your health and environmental values. For more information on food labeling, the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service provides clear guidance on the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.
