As moms, we’re always looking for ways to give our families the best. In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about GMOs – and whether they’re something we want to have in our food.
GMOs are in many of the food products on our grocery store shelves, and while some say they’ve helped improve our food supply, there are a lot of us who are a bit skeptical about how safe they really are.
So, let’s break it down and help each other make better choices for our families!
What Are GMOs Anyway?
First things first – what are GMOs? GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are living things that have had their genes changed by scientists. In farming, this usually means they’re tweaking crops so they can grow faster, resist bugs, or handle extreme weather like droughts.
While this might sound like a good idea, it’s understandable that some of us have concerns, especially when it comes to feeding our kiddos.
These changes can sometimes mean more chemicals in our food, and it’s hard to know what the long-term effects might be on our health. Plus, GMO crops can cross-pollinate with non-GMO ones, which makes it tougher for organic farmers to keep their crops pure.
Should We Worry?
In some countries, GMOs are limited or banned altogether, but in North America, they’re pretty common. The U.S. government has even made it a requirement for food manufacturers to label products that contain GMOs (though these labels can be a little tricky to spot!).
The bottom line? If you’re trying to avoid GMOs, you need to pay close attention to those food labels and stick with brands you trust.The dangers of gmos are not all known, and if you want to stick with natural products and avoid it all together, that is totally understandable.
So, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a list of some common brands that do and don’t use GMOs. Let’s make grocery shopping a bit easier, shall we?
Brands That Don’t Use GMOs
If you’re looking for non-GMO options, these brands are a great place to start.
They’re either certified by the Non-GMO Project or use organic ingredients, which means you can feel confident feeding them to your family.
- Amy’s Kitchen: Amy’s is a lifesaver on those busy nights when you need something quick but still want to feel good about what you’re serving. All of their products, from soups to frozen meals, are non-GMO.
- Blue Diamond: If your family loves almond milk, you’re in luck! Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze is certified GMO-free, which makes it a great choice for breakfasts and smoothies.
- Bob’s Red Mill: Whether you’re baking muffins or making pancakes, Bob’s Red Mill has you covered. They don’t use GMO seeds, and they offer so many options for healthy, natural ingredients that are perfect for all your kitchen adventures.
- Earth Balance: Earth Balance makes yummy plant-based butters, spreads, and more – all without GMOs. They’re a go-to for all your baking and cooking needs.
- Earth’s Best: For moms of little ones, Earth’s Best makes organic baby food that’s GMO-free, giving you peace of mind when feeding your baby.
- Newman’s Own: From salad dressings to snacks, Newman’s Own products are non-GMO. Plus, all profits go to charity, so you’re supporting a good cause too!
- Nature’s Reserve: If you’re looking for grass-fed beef, Nature’s Reserve is a great choice. Their beef is raised in Australia and inspected by the USDA to ensure it’s free from GMOs.
- Nature’s Path: Nature’s Path is known for their organic cereals, granola bars, and breakfast foods. They are committed to using non-GMO ingredients, making their products a great choice for the whole family.
- Eden Foods: This brand offers a variety of organic products, including beans, pasta, and tomato sauces. Eden Foods is a pioneer in the organic food movement and is strictly non-GMO.
- Annie’s Homegrown: Known for their organic mac and cheese, crackers, and snacks, Annie’s is a trusted brand that does not use GMOs. They’re also part of the Non-GMO Project, which ensures they meet non-GMO standards.
- Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s store-brand products are all non-GMO. They offer everything from snacks to dairy products and frozen foods, giving you many choices when you want a convenient and natural option.
- Simply Organic: If you’re looking for non-GMO spices, baking mixes, and seasoning blends, Simply Organic is a great brand. Their products are organic, non-GMO, and made with natural ingredients you can trust.
- Pacific Foods: Known for their soups, broths, and plant-based beverages, Pacific Foods offers a range of non-GMO and organic options that make cooking healthy meals easier.
- Organic Valley: Organic Valley provides a range of dairy products, including milk, cheese, and butter, all of which are non-GMO and certified organic. Their commitment to supporting local farmers makes them a great choice for anyone concerned about GMO ingredients in dairy.
- Stonyfield Organic: This brand offers organic yogurt and other dairy products, all of which are GMO-free. They’ve been a leader in promoting organic farming and avoiding GMOs in their supply chain.
Whole Foods Market has a strong commitment to providing non-GMO options, but not all of their products are non-GMO.
Whole Foods emphasizes organic and natural products, and a large portion of the items in their stores are either organic or labeled non-GMO. Their stores also carry many products with the Non-GMO Project Verified label, giving you more transparency when shopping.
They ensure that all of the fresh produce and meat they label as organic is non-GMO. They also have high standards for their animal products, such as making sure the feed given to livestock is non-GMO if the product is labeled as organic.
In general, Whole Foods Market makes it easier for consumers to find non-GMO products by prioritizing transparency and providing a wide range of organic and Non-GMO Project Verified items. If you’re shopping at Whole Foods, you can be confident that you’ll find many non-GMO and organic choices, especially if you stick to their 365 brand and look for relevant labeling.
Brands That Use GMOs
While some brands are making efforts to reduce their use of GMOs, others still rely on them quite a bit.
Here are a few to keep an eye on if you’re trying to avoid GMOs:
- Kellogg’s: Unfortunately, many of Kellogg’s cereals contain GMO corn and other ingredients. If you’re looking for a non-GMO breakfast option, you might want to look elsewhere.
- Nestlé & Hershey’s: Both of these well-known chocolate brands use GMOs in their products. Nestlé even uses them in some baby food items, which might be a dealbreaker for some of us.
- General Mills: While General Mills is starting to offer some non-GMO products (yay for progress!), many of their cereals and snacks still contain GMO ingredients. Always check the labels before buying.
- Pepsi & Coca-Cola: Both companies have been found to use GMO ingredients in their sodas, often in the form of high fructose corn syrup. It’s just one more reason to limit sugary drinks!
How to Spot Non-GMO Brands
For moms who want to make sure they’re getting non-GMO products, it’s helpful to:
- Look for the “Non-GMO Project Verified” Label: This label is a reliable indicator that the product does not contain GMOs. It’s becoming more common and can be found on many trusted brands.
- Check for “Certified Organic”: Certified organic products by default do not contain GMOs, as the USDA organic certification standards prohibit the use of genetically modified seeds.
- Read the Ingredients: Some key ingredients, like corn syrup, soybean oil, canola oil, and beet sugar, are common GMO sources. If you see these and the label doesn’t indicate non-GMO or organic, there’s a good chance GMOs were used.
Is Organic and GMO Free the Same?
Organic foods are non-GMO, but not all non-GMO foods are organic.
Organic means that the product is grown and processed according to specific standards set by certification bodies like the USDA. Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, or hormones, and organic certification prohibits the use of genetically modified seeds. This means that organic products are by definition also non-GMO, but they go further by ensuring that the entire farming process is free from artificial chemicals and practices.
Non-GMO simply means that the product is free from genetically modified organisms. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the product was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. For example, a product labeled as non-GMO may still be grown using conventional farming methods, which could involve chemicals that organic standards wouldn’t allow.
Non GMO Options to Buy on Amazon
If you want to order online, here are a few non GMO options you can order from Amazon for convenience. (affiliate links)
This care box has all kinds of gmo-free foods and healthy snack bites which are handy to have at home for the whole family.
And here are a few staples for the kitchen with non genetically modified organism ingredients,
Making Better Choices for Our Families
One of the easiest ways to avoid GMOs is to buy products labeled as organic or with a “Non-GMO Project Verified” stamp. Organic certification means the food hasn’t been grown with GMO seeds or treated with certain chemicals, which is reassuring for those of us trying to keep our kitchens as natural as possible. It’s also helpful to support brands that are transparent about their ingredients and committed to keeping GMOs out of their supply chain.
Shopping for non-GMO foods can feel like a big job, but it’s worth it for our families’ health. Every time you choose a product that aligns with your values – whether it’s a non-GMO snack or an organic baby food – you’re making a positive impact. Not only are you protecting your family from potential risks, but you’re also supporting farmers and food manufacturers who are doing things the right way.
So next time you’re in the grocery store, take a second to check those labels, and know that every choice you make adds up. Whether you’re baking with Bob’s Red Mill, feeding your baby Earth’s Best, or enjoying a Newman’s Own salad dressing, you’re making a difference for your family’s health and for the planet.
Here’s to raising our little ones in a healthy, natural way – one non-GMO bite at a time!
More Natural Living
We hope you found this gmo list helpful. Here are a few more of our posts on natural living that we think you’ll love!
- Non Toxic Household Swaps You Need to Start Today
- Homemade Non Toxic Bleach Recipe
- Can An IUD Give You Copper Toxicity?
- 10 Crunchy Family Activities for Wholesome, Screen-Free Fun
- Smoothie Ingredients List for Healthy Goodness
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and fellow moms who are also trying to avoid GMOs and make healthier choices for their families!
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