New NON Ultra Processed Food Label to Help Make Better Food Choices

Launching in 2026, Non-UPF Verified is a new standard developed by the Non-GMO project to help identify food products that are made without extreme processing or synthetic additives.

What is ultra processed foods: 

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made primarily from substances extracted from foods or synthesized from other organic compounds, using multiple industrial processes like extrusion, molding, hydrogenation, and pre-frying. 

 These foods are designed to be highly convenient, shelf-stable, and hyper-palatable—engineered to trigger cravings and overconsumption through added sugars, fats, salt, artificial flavors, colors, emulsifiers, and other additives. 

Ultra-processed foods are not made in home kitchens, they typically contain no or very little whole food and are often marketed to look like fresh or natural products. 

Health Issues related to Ultra Processed foods:

UPFs can be linked to higher risks of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and mental health issues, largely due to their poor nutrient profile, high calorie density, and ability to disrupt natural appetite regulation. In the U.S., they make up over 50% of daily calorie intake, with even higher rates among children and teens.

Bringing Awareness to the Public:

Like the Non-GMO label, it educated the public to understand what GMO food is and how to avoid it, the new Non Ultra Processed label will bring awareness and education to the public to think about their choices.

With the HHS, Health & Human Services turning the food system literally on its head and advocating for real food over ultra processed, the public is learning that whole foods support both human and environmental health.

When food companies realize the consumer does not want ultra processed food, they will have to adapt their products to align with consumers desires for quality and transparency. The new label will help drive our food production away from unhealthy processes.

The ultimate health is to eat Real Organic Food! But when you do choose a store product, being aware if the product is ultra processed or not will help parents think about the ingredients and make healthier choices for their family.

Learn More at nonultraprocessed.org