General Mills's Shift for Original Cheerios
For decades, original Cheerios in the iconic yellow box were a staple. While the main ingredient, whole grain oats, has never been a genetically modified crop, other minor ingredients used to require changes to meet consumer demands. Before 2014, original Cheerios contained small amounts of modified corn starch and sugar sourced from genetically modified sugar beets. Facing consumer pressure, General Mills decided to reformulate its famous cereal by sourcing non-bioengineered corn and using pure cane sugar. The company stated that although government-approved genetically engineered foods are safe, the change was in response to consumer feedback.
The Role of Activist Campaigns
This shift resulted from a sustained campaign by Green America, specifically their 'GMO Inside' initiative. The campaign mobilized consumers to contact General Mills via social media and email, demanding the removal of genetically modified ingredients. Activists targeted Cheerios because of its status and reputation as a healthy option, particularly for children, putting pressure on a major brand. The success of this campaign demonstrated the power of consumer demand in influencing corporate food production strategies.
The Ingredients That Were Bioengineered
Before 2014, the parts of original Cheerios that were bioengineered were not the famous oats but ingredients that provide texture and sweetness. These included:
- Modified Corn Starch: This thickening agent is derived from corn, a crop with a very high rate of genetic modification in the United States.
- Sugar: The sugar was sometimes sourced from genetically modified sugar beets. After the change, General Mills switched to pure cane sugar, which is not genetically modified.
- Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols): The vitamin E used as a preservative can also be a hidden bioengineered ingredient, as it is often derived from soy, corn, or cotton—all crops that are frequently genetically modified.
Original vs. Flavored Cheerios: A Comparison
While original Cheerios went non-bioengineered, other flavored varieties were not part of the initial change and often still contain bioengineered ingredients due to more complex recipes and sourcing.
| Feature | Original Cheerios (since 2014) | Flavored Cheerios (e.g., Honey Nut, Multi-Grain) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient (Oats) | Not genetically modified | Not genetically modified |
| Starch | Non-bioengineered corn starch | Can contain bioengineered corn starch |
| Sugar | Non-bioengineered pure cane sugar | May contain bioengineered sugar from beet sources or corn syrup |
| Vitamin E (Preservative) | Often non-bioengineered sourced | Can be sourced from genetically modified crops like soy or corn |
| Flavors & Syrups | None added | Frequently contains corn syrup or natural flavors with bioengineered ingredients |
Navigating Labels and Certifications
Consumers who want to avoid bioengineered ingredients must remain vigilant and read food labels carefully. The U.S. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires that most foods containing GMOs be labeled with text, a symbol, or a digital link. Companies may also voluntarily label products as "non-GMO" with certifications like the Non-GMO Project butterfly. However, the legal standard allows for "trace amounts" of bioengineered material due to the possibility of cross-contamination during manufacturing and shipping, even in non-GMO products. This means an official non-GMO label does not guarantee a complete absence of bioengineered material, though it signifies that the brand has taken measures to prevent it.
The Ever-Changing Food Landscape
As consumer preferences continue to evolve, food companies must adapt. The story of Cheerios illustrates how significant consumer campaigns can lead to real changes in a product's formulation. However, the food landscape is constantly in flux, and the prevalence of bioengineered ingredients in many processed foods, particularly flavored cereals, remains. The sourcing of corn and soy in North America, for instance, makes it challenging for manufacturers to reliably and cost-effectively switch all product lines to non-bioengineered ingredients. As such, staying informed and checking labels is the best course of action for conscious consumers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original, plain Cheerios are no longer made with bioengineered ingredients, following General Mills's change in 2014. The components that were previously bioengineered included corn starch and sugar from sugar beets, not the oats themselves. For other, flavored varieties of Cheerios, bioengineered ingredients like corn-based syrups, starches, and vitamin E derivatives may still be present. Consumers can determine if a specific box of Cheerios contains bioengineered material by checking the packaging for official labels and information.
