Non-UPF Verified program hits 300 products as demand for transparency rises

The expansion follows a national shift toward stricter scrutiny of food processing, highlighted by a recent segment on NBC’s TODAY. Megan Westgate, CEO of the Non-GMO Project—the organization behind the certification—notes that the rapid adoption reflects a consumer base eager to look past ingredient lists. The program requires that at least 70% of a product's ingredients meet strict standards for minimal or moderate processing, while actively restricting methods associated with ultraprocessed goods.

To bridge the gap between shoppers and manufacturers, the project has launched a mobile app for iOS and Android. Users can scan barcodes to check a product's status or request verification for items that have not yet been certified. This data-driven feedback loop allows consumers to signal their preferences directly to brands. Currently, 41 additional companies are seeking certification, signaling sustained growth as the conversation around food processing moves from niche research into the legislative arena, including California's proposed AB 2244.