Seed Oil-Free Isn’t the Finish Line—It’s the Starting Point

The Seed Oil Free Alliance’s launch of the world’s first Seed Oil Free Certified™ program is a fantastic step toward ingredient transparency and healthier eating, and it’s encouraging to see major brands like Vita Coco, Daily Crunch, and Artisan Tropic taking action. A recent survey by FoodInsight highlighted that 28% of Americans actively avoid seed oils, and companies are responding in kind. The certification process is validated by leading public health experts, ensuring that the products meet rigorous standards for consumer health and transparency.

Still, a key question remains: how affordable will these certified products be? Price often drives consumer choices, and healthier shouldn’t have to mean pricier - though it generally is.

While choosing Seed Oil Free Certified™ brands is a major win for American shoppers who want to avoid these specific ingredients, the reality is that seed oils aren’t the only ingredients we should monitor.

American consumers also face hidden additives like petroleum-based dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1) and preservatives like BHT and BHA, many of which are banned or heavily restricted in the UK, Japan, and other countries. It’s crucial that consumers know exactly what’s in their food, beyond just seed oils, to make truly informed decisions.

That’s where food tech and apps like WISEcode™ can help fill the gap. Even if a product isn’t Seed Oil Free Certified™, WISEcode™ gives shoppers instant access to accurate, up-to-date information about what ingredients are hiding in their groceries.

Download the WISEcode™ app today

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Introduction to the Movement

The seed oil free movement is gaining momentum, with a growing number of consumers seeking to avoid refined seed oils in their diets. In response, the Seed Oil Free Alliance has launched a certification program to help consumers identify products that meet strict standards for seed oil-free ingredients. This movement is driven by the desire for healthier, more transparent food options, and is supported by a growing body of research highlighting the potential health risks associated with consuming high amounts of seed oils. With the Seed Oil Free Certification program, consumers can trust that certified products have undergone rigorous testing and auditing to ensure they are free from harmful seed oils.

Benefits of Certification

The Seed Oil Free Certification offers numerous benefits for consumers, food brands, and restaurants. For consumers, the certification provides transparency and confidence in their purchasing decisions, allowing them to make informed choices about the products they buy. For food brands and restaurants, the certification offers a competitive advantage, demonstrating their commitment to using high-quality, seed oil-free ingredients. Additionally, the certification process helps to ensure that products are free from hidden seed oils, providing an added layer of protection for consumers. By choosing Seed Oil Free Certified products, consumers can reduce their intake of harmful seed oils and make space for more nutrient-rich foods in their diets.

Pioneering Brands

Several pioneering brands have already adopted the Seed Oil Free Certification, demonstrating their commitment to using high-quality, seed oil-free ingredients. These brands, such as Vita Coco, Daily Crunch, and Artisan Tropic, are leading the way in the movement towards healthier, more transparent food options. By partnering with the Seed Oil Free Alliance, these brands are able to provide their customers with assurance that their products meet strict standards for seed oil-free ingredients. Other brands, such as Every Body Eat, have also earned the Seed Oil Free Certified seal, reflecting their commitment to transparency and clean-label innovation.

Resources and Support

The Seed Oil Free Alliance provides a range of resources and support to help food brands and restaurants navigate the certification process. This includes access to expert advisors, laboratory testing, and auditing services. Additionally, the Alliance offers a range of marketing materials and tools to help certified brands promote their products and reach new customers. For consumers, the Alliance provides a simple online product finder, allowing them to easily search for Seed Oil Free Certified products. By providing these resources and support, the Seed Oil Free Alliance is helping to advance the availability of seed oil-free food options and promote a healthier, more transparent food system.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Seed Oil Free Certification program is an important step towards creating a healthier, more transparent food system. By providing a trusted and recognizable mark for consumers, the program is helping to drive demand for seed oil-free products and promote the use of high-quality, seed oil-free ingredients. As the movement continues to grow, we can expect to see more food brands and restaurants adopting the Seed Oil Free Certification, and more consumers seeking out certified products. With the support of the Seed Oil Free Alliance, the future of food looks brighter, with a growing range of seed oil-free options available to consumers. By choosing Seed Oil Free Certified products, consumers can trust that they are making a positive choice for their health and wellbeing, and supporting a more sustainable and transparent food system.