Smart Balance Transitions to Non-GMO Spread

BOULDER, Colo.—Smart Balance announced that it is transitioning its line of buttery spreads to non-GMO following an extensive revamp of ingredients sourcing and manufacturing processes.

Beginning this month, non-GMO Smart Balance® buttery spreads will be landing on some store shelves delivering the same creamy, buttery taste and nutritional benefits with no increase in price. A full retail conversion to non-GMO Smart Balance spreads is expected by early summer.

"Consumers are communicating strong desire for more transparency in their food ingredients, and that is leading to a growing demand for non-GMO products," said Stephen Hughes, chairman and CEO, of Boulder Brands, parent company to the Smart Balance Brand. "Consumers favor healthier, less processed foods with simpler ingredients. They think what we put in our food matters, and frankly, the same applies to what we leave out. We hear this echoed over and over by our consumers and we are committed to moving in this direction."

Non-GMO Smart Balance is made from expeller-pressed oils from non-GMO seeds. In addition, manufacturing facilities and production processes have been enhanced to reduce risk of contact with GMO-containing ingredients. The new product will bear a prominent "non-GMO" label and pledge.

Key to the conversion is the pledge that 100% of the ingredients sourced for the leading Smart Balance buttery spreads are non-GMO.

"Our move to non-GMO is another important step in the Boulder Brands commitment to provide innovative, more transparent, healthier food alternatives," Hughes said. "Our goal is to work closely with industry leading partners to identify the resources and time required to convert our entire Smart Balance product line to non-GMO. This is the start of a journey, and we're committed to seeing this through. We appreciate the trust consumers place in us to help enable more informed choices about the food they serve their families."