#United States #Petaluma, California #Amy's Kitchen #Non-UPF Verified #Non-GMO Project

Amy's Kitchen Joins Non-UPF Verified™ Program

In an impressive move towards enhancing food transparency, Amy's Kitchen, a family-owned pioneer in organic prepared foods, has joined the Non-UPF Verified™ program. This program, initiated by the Non-GMO Project, aims to create a clearer framework regarding food processing, ensuring that consumers have a comprehensive understanding of what they are eating.

Launched as a third-party certification effort, the Non-UPF Verified program assists in identifying products that steer clear of ultraprocessing characteristics, which include engineered additives and industrial procedures that undermine food integrity. As one of the initial pilot participants, Amy's Kitchen contributes valuable insights from its nearly four-decade history of producing and manufacturing food on a larger scale.

Paul Schiefer, President of Amy's Kitchen, stated, "For nearly four decades, we have believed that how food is made matters just as much as what goes into it. Participating in the Non-UPF Verified pilot reflects our commitment to prioritizing thoughtful processing and transparency over shortcuts. As consumers grow more interested and concerned about ultraprocessed foods, this program provides a science-based foundation to understand what consumers are truly eating."

Recent research by the Food Integrity Collective highlights a significant concern among shoppers, with 68% actively trying to minimize their consumption of ultraprocessed foods. However, the same research also indicates that 70% of these consumers find it challenging to identify these products in the market. The Non-UPF Verified program aims to bridge this gap by establishing a clear, scientifically-supported standard that evaluates both the formulation and processing methods of food products through independent verification.

Upcoming announcements will reveal which Amy's Kitchen products will be the first to receive the Non-UPF Verified designation later this year, showcasing their dedication to enhancing food transparency.

Megan Westgate, CEO and Founder of the Non-GMO Project, emphasized the value of this initiative, stating, "The conversation surrounding ultraprocessed foods has evolved faster than the tools available for helping consumers make informed choices. Our Non-UPF Verified program aims to clarify and substantiate that conversation by establishing a stringent and transparent standard for food processing. Early participants like Amy's Kitchen are crucial in ensuring the program is both practical and meaningful, grounded in real food production practices."

Since its inception in 1987, Amy's Kitchen has operated on the belief that convenience and quality can coexist. This philosophy underpins the company's approach to ingredient sourcing, cooking methods, and manufacturing decisions, all of which contribute to the increased transparency and trust within the food industry.

To learn more about the Non-UPF Verified program, visit www.nonultraprocessed.org and to discover more about Amy's Kitchen, visit www.amys.com and follow them on Instagram @amyskitchen.

About Amy's Kitchen

Amy's Kitchen is dedicated to making delicious, organic prepared foods easy and accessible for everyone. As a Certified B Corporation®, the company prides itself on using high-quality, meticulously sourced organic ingredients, enabling consumers to enjoy tasty meals that align with their health-conscious lifestyles. With over 150 varieties of organic frozen and packaged foods available across the U.S. and more than 11 countries, Amy's Kitchen continues to be at the forefront of the organic food movement.

About Non-UPF Verified and the Non-GMO Project

The Non-UPF Verified certification is part of the Non-GMO Project, a nonprofit organization committed to creating a retail food system that promotes health and well-being for both consumers and the planet. The project, founded in 2007, remains dedicated to providing reliable information and products that support informed consumer choices.