The Overwhelmingly GMO Crops: Soybeans and Sugar Beets
While no single, unprocessed item on a typical dinner plate is 100% GMO, some staple US crops are overwhelmingly genetically modified. The most notable examples where cultivation percentages exceed 90% are soybeans and sugar beets. Nearly all conventional (non-organic) soy and sugar from beets in the US is sourced from genetically engineered varieties.
It's important to understand how these crops are used. They don't often appear as whole foods in the grocery store but are processed into countless ingredients that permeate the American food supply. Soy is used to make soy oil, lecithin, soy protein, and is a major component of animal feed. Sugar beets are the source of most granulated sugar in the US.
Other crops with high GMO prevalence, though sometimes slightly below the 90% mark depending on the source, include corn and canola. These are also primarily used for processed ingredients and animal feed.
Understanding the US GMO Food Supply
Genetically modified crops were developed largely to help farmers increase yields and manage pests or weeds more effectively. For instance, many crops are modified to be herbicide-tolerant, allowing farmers to spray to kill weeds without harming the crop. Others are engineered to be insect-resistant, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
The 'Big Eight' GMO Crops in the US
A small number of crops account for the vast majority of genetically modified ingredients on the market. These include:
- Soybeans: Primarily for oil, lecithin, and animal feed.
- Corn: Primarily for corn oil, corn syrup (high-fructose), cornstarch, and animal feed.
- Canola: For canola oil, a staple in many processed foods.
- Sugar Beets: A primary source for most processed sugar.
- Cotton: Primarily for cottonseed oil.
- Alfalfa: Almost entirely for animal feed.
- Papaya: Specifically the Hawaiian Rainbow papaya, engineered to resist the ringspot virus.
- Summer Squash: Certain varieties of yellow squash and zucchini are engineered to be virus-resistant.
Hidden Ingredients in Your Pantry
Because soybeans, corn, and sugar beets are so prevalent as processed ingredients, many everyday products contain GMO derivatives without being obvious. Examples include:
- Baked Goods: Breads, pastries, and crackers often contain soy lecithin, corn syrup, or sugar from sugar beets.
- Snack Foods: Chips, cereals, and candy bars can contain corn and soy derivatives.
- Frying Oils: Most vegetable oil blends contain canola, corn, or soybean oil.
- Meat and Dairy: Since GMO crops like corn and alfalfa are used for animal feed, GMOs can indirectly enter the food supply through these products.
GMO vs. Non-GMO: A Comparative Look
| Feature | GMO Crops (e.g., US Soybeans) | Non-GMO Crops (e.g., Organic Soybeans) |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence in US | Over 90% for certain crops like soy and sugar beets. | Smaller market share, often commanding a higher price point. |
| Primary Traits | Enhanced for agricultural performance, such as herbicide tolerance and insect resistance. | Developed through traditional selective breeding methods. |
| Safety Consensus | Widely considered safe by major health organizations based on available evidence, though research on long-term effects continues. | Not inherently safer; depends on farming practices, not just genetic makeup. |
| Regulation & Labeling | Regulated by USDA; food with intentionally modified genetic material must be labeled as 'Bioengineered' (BE). | Labeled as 'Non-GMO' (often third-party certified) or 'Organic' (which includes non-GMO). |
| Associated Concerns | Public debate often centers on potential long-term health effects, environmental impact, and the use of associated herbicides like glyphosate. | Potential for higher costs and less resistance to pests/weeds without chemical intervention. |
| Nutritional Profile | Generally considered nutritionally equivalent to non-GMO counterparts. | Can have slight variations in nutritional compounds depending on the variety and growing conditions. |
Making Informed Dietary Choices for Your Nutrition Diet
For consumers concerned about GMOs, several strategies can help navigate the food supply:
- Look for 'Bioengineered' Labels: Since 2022, the USDA requires labeling for products containing intentionally modified genetic material. This is a mandatory label, unlike the voluntary 'Non-GMO Project Verified' label. However, the rule has exceptions, such as for food from animals fed GMO crops.
- Choose Certified Organic: By definition, organic products cannot be genetically modified. This is one of the most reliable ways to avoid GMOs, though organic farming comes with its own set of standards and potential price differences.
- Prioritize Whole Foods: Unprocessed or minimally processed fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods are the easiest way to ensure a non-GMO diet. While some produce, like Hawaiian papaya, is commonly modified, many items are not.
- Check Ingredient Lists: Become familiar with the processed ingredients derived from major GMO crops. Look for corn syrup, cornstarch, soybean oil, soy lecithin, and granulated sugar.
- Educate Yourself: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides extensive resources for consumers on genetic engineering and food safety. Understanding New Plant Varieties offers helpful information.
Conclusion
For those questioning which food in the US is over 90% GMO, soybeans and sugar beets are the primary candidates. These crops are not typically consumed whole but as pervasive ingredients in processed foods and animal feed. While major health organizations generally deem currently available GMO foods as safe and nutritionally equivalent to their non-GMO counterparts, consumer interest and debate remain significant. A balanced nutrition diet that considers food sourcing, proper labeling, and prioritizing whole foods allows individuals to make choices that align with their personal preferences and concerns regarding GMO consumption.
