As consumers become more health-conscious, they are increasingly scrutinizing the ingredients in bakery products, seeking items that exclude grains, sugar, dairy, GMOs, animal products, additives, preservatives, and artificial colours. Recent data from Innova Market Insights reveals that over half of recent bakery launches emphasize “free from” claims, particularly in baking ingredients, mixes, and savoury biscuits/crackers.
In 2022, sugar-reduction claims were featured in 14% of bakery launches, marking a rise from 11% in 2018. The most common “free from” attributes cited by Innova include no additives or preservatives, GMO-free, and gluten-free. Looking ahead, Innova anticipates bakery developers will focus on eliminating multiple undesirable ingredients simultaneously, such as additives, GMOs, added sugars, and emphasizing vegan or plant-based formulations. Expectations also point towards an increase in high-protein, low-carb offerings utilizing complete protein sources like pea and chickpea.
For bakery brands already USDA-Certified Organic, this certification serves as a cornerstone for numerous “free from” claims. CIRANDA, a prominent North American provider of certified organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade food ingredients, highlights that USDA-Certified Organic certification addresses key consumer concerns about food content. Joe Rouleau, head of sustainability at CIRANDA, emphasizes the rigorous standards of the USDA-Certified Organic label, which ensures products are consistently produced without GMOs, harmful pesticides, chemical preservatives, or antibiotics. This certification is enforced by federal regulations, bolstered by third-party inspections, and guarantees traceability from farm to consumer.
Environmental and Health Safeguards
USDA Certified Organic stands out as the sole federal certification ensuring that production and processing are devoid of synthetic growth hormones, artificial flavours, colours, sewage sludge, and irradiation. Beyond safeguarding consumer health, this label plays a critical role in protecting rural and urban communities from exposure to persistent synthetic pesticides in the environment.
Studies, such as those published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, underscore concerns over synthetic glyphosate, widely used in conventional agriculture but prohibited in organic farming due to its potential long-term health impacts. Research indicates childhood exposure to synthetic glyphosate correlates with increased risks of metabolic and liver disorders in adulthood.
Legislative and Regulatory Landscape
Recent legislative efforts in some states have aimed to ban synthetic food dyes from bakery items and other foods certified organic, citing studies linking these additives to adverse behavioural effects in children. Moreover, while conventional products may utilize over 3,000 food processing aids and additives, USDA-Certified Organic products adhere to strict limits, with only 100 approved options.
For more detailed information on “free from” ingredients and organic farming practices, visit the USDA’s official website dedicated to organic topics.