Everything to Know About GMOs
Whether you shop at the Co-op multiple times a week or you’re just an occasional visitor, at some point, you’ve probably seen a Non-GMO label on one of our products. Sometimes you’ll see it on the front of the package, and other times you might see it on the back next to the UPC code. And if it is Non-GMO Project verified, you’ll see a pretty memorable butterfly logo.
We thought we would take the time to talk about what GMOs are, some ways to avoid them while you’re shopping, and some Non-GMO products we carry in-store. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Co-op blog post without a recipe or two!
What Are GMOs?
Simply put, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are living things (in this case, crops) that have been genetically altered in some way. When it comes to food, GMO crops are oftentimes altered to be a more desirable size or shape. Or, in many cases, GMO crops are specifically designed to be resistant to common insects, weeds, and poor weather.
Genetically = Genes
Modified = Changed/Altered
Organisms = Living Things (In this case, fruits, vegetables, and other crops)
By keeping your eye our for non-GMO labels as you shop, you’ll know that what you’re feeding your family is natural and not genetically altered in any way. By avoiding GMOs, we’re supporting biodiversity in our farmlands and avoiding pesticides and toxic chemicals in our foods.
Helpful Ways To Avoid GMOs
The easiest way to know you’re avoiding GMOs in your food is to look for the Non-GMO Project Verified label. We carry approximately 1,800 Non-GMO verified products in our store! These products have been 3rd party verified by the Non-GMO Project and have met their strict guidelines to be considered a Non-GMO product.
Another important thing to remember is that organic is Non-GMO! Simple as that. Organic products, including those with a USDA Organic label, are also considered Non-GMO. According to the USDA:
“To meet the USDA organic regulations, farmers and processors must show they aren’t using GMOs and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances, such as GMOs, from farm to table.”
In summary, if you shop for organic foods and products with a Non-GMO Project verified label, you’re on a good path to avoid GMOs in your food.
Non-GMO Project Verified Products We Carry
With approximately 1,800 Non-GMO Project Verified products available in our store, we thought we’d mention a few brands that have the butterfly label on their packaging. Click any of the links below to see what specific items are Non-GMO Project Verified.
Annie Chun’s — Soup, ramen
Annie’s — Mac and cheese, salad dressing, snacks, etc.
Back to Nature — crackers, cookies, etc.
Blue Sky — Soda beverages
Bob’s Red Mill — Grains
Dr. Bronner’s — Castile soaps
Frontier Co-op — herbs, spices
Glee Gum — Glee gum
Hansen’s Soda — Soda
Nature’s Path — Cereal, granola, oatmeal, etc.
KIND — Breakfast bars, granola
King Arthur Flour — Flour
LARABAR — Energy bars
Late July — Chips, salsa
Lotus Foods — Ramen, rice
Maya Kaimal — Shelf-stable Indian sauces
Primal Kitchen — Salad dressing
Simply Organic — Herbs, spices
Sir Kensington’s — Dressing, condiments
Stash — Tea
Terra Chips — Chips
Traditional Medicinals — Tea
Non-GMO Recipes
What’s a better way to celebrate Non-GMO month than to cook some yummy food? Here are some of our favorite recipes from the Non-GMO project that you should try out at home!
Pumpkin Pie Truffles
Here’s a non-GMO dessert recipe full of fall flavors that the whole fam will love!
Made out of pumpkin puree and topped with chocolate, this simple, no-bake recipe is a great way to celebrate the season.
Fettuccine Alfredo with Shiitake Mushrooms
Not only is it Non-GMO month, but its most definitely mushroom season here in the Pacific Northwest.
So, why not dig in with this non-GMO fettuccine alfredo with shiitake mushrooms?
If you’re lucky enough to forage for Chanterelles, feel free to sub those in instead!
One-Skillet Sweet Potatoes with Kale, Sausage, & Walnuts
Sweet potatoes and winter kale are paired with sausage and crunchy walnuts to create this one-skillet meal.
This is an easy weeknight dinner that’s warm, cozy, and totally comforting for fall.
If you have any extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini in the fridge, toss those into the mix too!
Pumpkin Butter
Smooth, buttery, and definitely reminiscent of fall, this pumpkin butter can be used on everything from muffins to oatmeal.
This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and allergen friendly, making it a good option for a crowd of people with different dietary needs.
Make some of this pumpkin butter and put it in decorative mason jars for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
Paleo Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Wrapping food in bacon is always a good idea!
In this recipe shrimp, is tossed in a simple marinade before being wrapped up in bacon and cooked to perfection on the BBQ.
Enjoy these paleo treats as an appetizer to grilled steak or chicken.
Non-GMO Dog Treats
And finally, we’ll finish off with a little different recipe than we usually share… dog treats!
Made up of common pantry ingredients like whole wheat flour, peanut butter, and baking powder, these treats are easy to make and will have your dogs (literally) begging for more.
If your dog is older or has sensitive teeth/gums, remove your treats from the oven while they’re still soft in the middle.
Find the full recipe at Living Non-GMO
Additional Reading To Learn More About GMOs
Organic 101: Can GMOs Be Used in Organic Products? from the USDA
What is a GMO? from the Non-GMO Project
So, what’s a GMO? from Organic Valley
Understanding Low and High Risk from the Non-GMO Project
All photos courtesy of Living Non-GMO