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Non-UPF Verified Hits 300 Products Amid Growing Demand for Food Processing Transparency

On September 18, 2026, the Non-UPF Verified program achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 300 verified products from 23 brands. This development underscores the increasing consumer demand for transparency and information regarding food processing methods. Originating from the Non-GMO Project, this initiative aims to provide clearer insights into how food is made, empowered by a newly launched mobile application that allows consumers to engage with food brands directly.

Growing Interest in Food Transparency

Since its launch on January 21, 2026, this program has witnessed rapid growth as more consumers express interest in understanding not just what is in their food but also how it is processed. Following a feature on the NBC TODAY show, where Megan Westgate, CEO of the Non-GMO Project, and Michelle Lorge, president of Simple Mills, discussed ultraprocessed foods, it has become evident that consumers are not just satisfied with ingredient lists. They want more substantial information.

Westgate remarked, “When we initiated Non-UPF Verified, there was a palpable demand for deeper insights into food production. Surpassing 300 verified products in a few short months indicates that brands are responding to this demand with more transparency.” This sentiment is shared by other stakeholders in the food industry who are beginning to acknowledge the importance of informing consumers about the complexities of food processing.

The Non-UPF Verified App

One of the major advances of this initiative is the Non-UPF Verified app, designed to enhance consumer engagement with food brands. By scanning a product's barcode, users can find out if the item is verified, learn about the processing it underwent, and even request verification from brands that are currently unverified. This app fosters a participatory environment, enabling consumers to express their preferences directly to food manufacturers.

“The aim is not just to influence shopping habits but to create a platform for consumers to actively participate in their food choices,” said Westgate. Each scan not only educates consumers but also serves as a feedback mechanism to food brands regarding public demand for transparency.

Independent Verification and Its Importance

The Non-UPF Verified program leverages nearly 20 years of experience in independent food verification established by the Non-GMO Project. This new certification program employs a strict standard focused specifically on evaluating how food is processed. It assesses both the ingredients in a product and the specific methods used in its creation.

To achieve verification, a product must contain at least 70% of ingredients that comply with the guidelines for minimal or moderate processing; additionally, it restricts or outright prohibits certain ingredients and processing techniques commonly associated with ultraprocessed foods. Current verified products include items from well-known brands like Amy's Kitchen, Simple Mills, Spindrift, and Chomps, across 15 categories encompassing various food and beverage offerings.

A National Dialogue on Food Processing

The program's emergence coincides with a broader discussion about ultraprocessed foods, marked by legislative efforts in states like California where lawmakers are considering criteria for a state-administered Non-Ultraprocessed Certified program. While the state initiative aims to use product ingredient data and nutritional profiles for evaluation, Non-UPF Verified goes further by scrutinizing the actual processing methods that result in these products.

This nuanced approach seeks to illuminate aspects of food production that often remain obscured from consumers' sight. “Our goal is to elevate the conversation about food processing and enhance transparency for consumers,” says Westgate. This proactive stance can significantly influence public policy and raise awareness among consumers, industry officials, and policymakers alike.

Engaging with Non-UPF Verified Products

Consumers interested in exploring verified products can visit nonultraprocessed.org to access resources and tools. The Non-UPF Verified app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices, offering users a seamless way to engage with the program. Brands eager to pursue verification can also learn more through official platforms.

By encouraging informed participation, the Non-UPF Verified initiative aims to contribute to a food system that prioritizes integrity and nurtures both individuals and the planet. This commitment to fostering a transparent dialogue about food processing is indeed a step towards dietary empowerment for consumers.