What foods are made with GMO ingredients?

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it is very likely you are eating foods and food products that are made with GMO ingredients. Understanding what foods are made with GMO ingredients helps consumers make informed decisions about their purchases, from fresh produce to processed goods found on store shelves.

Quick Summary

This guide details the primary crops that are genetically modified, how they are used to create common processed food ingredients, and which fresh products may be bioengineered. It also explains current labeling requirements for these foods.

Key Points

Prevalence in Processed Foods: Ingredients derived from GMO crops like corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets are in many processed products, including snacks, cereals, and sodas.
Labeled Bioengineered Products: The USDA requires products containing detectable GMO material to carry a circular "bioengineered" (BE) label or text disclosure.
Whole Produce Options: Some fresh fruits and vegetables sold in the produce section are genetically modified, including specific varieties of papaya, apples, and potatoes.
Identifying Non-GMO Products: Look for the "USDA Certified Organic" label or the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal to ensure a product is free of GMOs.
Refined Ingredients May Be Exempt: Highly refined ingredients like corn oil and sugar may not require a "bioengineered" label if the modified genetic material is undetectable, but may voluntarily disclose it.
Beyond Human Food: Most GMO crops, such as alfalfa and corn, are used primarily for animal feed, impacting conventionally raised meat and dairy products.

Common GMO Crops and How They Are Used

While the list of bioengineered foods is relatively short, they are used to produce a wide array of ingredients found in countless products. In the United States, a handful of crops are grown predominantly from genetically engineered seeds, leading to their widespread presence in the food supply.

Corn

Well over 90% of corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. While much of it is used for livestock feed, it also becomes a staple ingredient in human food products.

Processed Ingredients from GMO Corn:

Cornstarch and modified food starch (thickeners in soups and sauces)
High-fructose corn syrup (sweetener in sodas and juices)
Corn oil (used for frying and in dressings)
Corn meal and corn flour (used in chips, cereals, and baked goods)

Soybeans

Soybeans are the second largest GMO crop in the U.S., with over 94% of the crop being genetically modified. Like corn, a large portion is used for animal feed, but soy derivatives are prevalent in processed foods.

Processed Ingredients from GMO Soybeans:

Soybean oil (found in mayonnaise, dressings, and snack foods)
Soy lecithin (an emulsifier in chocolates, candies, and baked goods)
Soy protein (used in protein shakes, veggie burgers, and infant formula)
Tofu and edamame (unless organic, are likely GMO)

Canola

An estimated 95% of canola grown in the U.S. is genetically engineered. This crop is primarily used to produce canola oil, a cooking oil found in many processed foods.

Sugar Beets

More than half of the granulated sugar sold in U.S. supermarkets is made from GMO sugar beets, which are engineered for herbicide resistance. Products listing "sugar" on the label, without specifying "cane sugar," are likely derived from GMO sugar beets.

Bioengineered Fruits and Vegetables

While most GMOs are processed into ingredients, a few genetically engineered fruits and vegetables are sold whole in produce sections.

Papaya: The 'Rainbow' papaya, resistant to the ringspot virus, saved Hawaii's papaya industry.
Apples: Certain 'Arctic®' apple varieties are engineered to resist browning when sliced, which helps reduce food waste.
Potatoes: Some potato varieties are modified to resist bruising and produce less acrylamide when cooked at high temperatures.
Summer Squash: Some summer squash and zucchini are resistant to certain viruses.
Pink Pineapple: A genetically modified pink-fleshed pineapple, enhanced with lycopene, has been approved for sale.

How to Identify Bioengineered Foods with Labeling

Since January 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has required food manufacturers to label products containing bioengineered ingredients. This standard uses the term "bioengineered" (BE) and often includes a symbol or a QR code linking to more information.

Understanding the Bioengineered (BE) Label

A circular green and white symbol indicating a "bioengineered" food.
The phrases "contains a bioengineered food ingredient" or "genetically engineered" written on the package.
Voluntary disclosure for products where the modified DNA is not detectable, such as refined oils and sugars, using phrases like "derived from bioengineering".

For consumers seeking to avoid GMOs, the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal is another key indicator. Additionally, any product with a "USDA Certified Organic" label is prohibited from using GMOs.

Bioengineered and Non-Bioengineered Labeling: A Comparison


Feature	Bioengineered (BE) Label	Non-GMO Project Verified	USDA Certified Organic
Regulation	Required by USDA for products containing detectable BE DNA, with some exceptions.	Voluntary third-party verification, stricter standards.	Federally regulated standard; prohibits GMOs.
Symbol	A circular green and white 'BE' symbol.	A butterfly logo with 'Non-GMO Project Verified' text.	Green and white circular seal with 'USDA Organic' text.
Scope	Applies only to food with detectable modified genetic material.	Covers products free of genetically modified ingredients down to trace amounts (<0.9%).	Prohibits GMOs and defines requirements for farming practices, including pesticides.
Traceability	Based on the final product's detectable genetic material.	Requires testing and auditing to ensure compliance throughout production.	Requires strict record-keeping and practices throughout the supply chain.

Conclusion

Foods made with GMO ingredients are widespread, appearing both as whole produce like apples and papaya, and as common additives in processed items like snacks, cereals, and baked goods. Common GMO crops include corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets, which are processed into oils, sweeteners, and starches that end up in a vast number of products. Since 2022, the USDA's "bioengineered" label, alongside voluntary third-party seals like the Non-GMO Project Verified and the certified organic label, helps consumers identify products containing GMOs or their derivatives. Understanding these common sources and how to interpret food labels empowers consumers to make choices that align with their preferences and dietary needs.

For more detailed information on specific bioengineered foods, consult the USDA's List of Bioengineered Foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corn is the most common GMO crop used in processed foods, with derivatives like cornstarch, corn syrup, and corn oil found in many products.

No, not all foods are required to be labeled. Some exemptions include products from very small companies, restaurant foods, and highly refined ingredients where the genetic material is no longer detectable.

Common fresh produce that may be genetically modified includes specific varieties of papaya (especially Hawaiian), apples that resist browning, certain potatoes, and some summer squash.

To avoid GMO ingredients, look for products labeled with the 'USDA Certified Organic' seal or the 'Non-GMO Project Verified' butterfly logo. You can also prioritize whole, unprocessed foods and be mindful of ingredients like corn syrup, soy lecithin, and canola oil.

No, meat, dairy, and eggs from animals that have eaten GMO feed are not considered GMO products and are not subject to the USDA's bioengineered labeling standard.

The 'bioengineered' (BE) label signifies that the food product contains detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain lab techniques and could not be created through conventional breeding.

Yes, some diet sodas may use aspartame, which is made with genetically engineered bacteria, and yogurts often contain sweeteners derived from GMO sugar beets or corn.