NSF Launches Certification Services for the Non-UPF Verified Program
    NSF Launches Certification Services for the Non-UPF Verified Program
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    ANN ARBOR, Michigan

    NSF Launches Certification Services for the Non-UPF Verified Program

    03 February 2026

    The organization contributed to the pilot program and now serves as a technical administrator for both Non-GMO Project Verified and Non-UPF Verified  

    NSF, a leading global organization dedicated to protecting human health, is now certifying food products to the Non-GMO Project’s Non-Ultraprocessed Foods (UPF) Verified program. The service launch follows recent federal dietary guidance calling for fewer UPFs.

    The Non-UPF Verified program provides retailers, brands and shoppers with a clear, credible way of avoiding ultraprocessed foods, which can impact human health and increase risks of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. As a technical administrator, NSF conducts independent, evidence-based evaluations, ensuring that Non-UPF Verified products meet stringent criteria in ingredient integrity and processing limits.

    Carey Allen, Director of Food Claims at NSF

    The Non-UPF Verified program establishes a clear, evidence-based framework informed by the Food Integrity Collective’s work to address gaps in marketplace alignment around food processing. Verified products must be composed primarily of minimally or moderately processed ingredients and rely on permissible methods. Furthermore, engineered additives associated with UPFs are restricted or prohibited, with added sugar thresholds for various food categories. 
    Photo credit: Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc.

    Photo credit: Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc.

    Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc. recently became the first company to receive the Non-UPF Verified certification from NSF. The popular sparkling water brand, which is the only verified beverage brand, will soon showcase both the Non-GMO and Non-UPF Verified marks, delivered by NSF, on its website, digital channels and packaging of its beverage products.

    This verification gives consumers a clear, credible validation in a category that’s become increasingly confusing, where many beverages rely on artificial ingredients, sweeteners and unnecessary processing. Spindrift has always been built on a simple ingredient list — rooted in real squeezed fruit and sparkling water.  Not only are these ingredients better for you, but also, we believe great taste doesn’t require anything else. Non-UPF Verified reinforces that philosophy and helps make our approach easier to recognize on shelf.

    Dave Burwick, CEO of Spindrift

    NSF has long served as a technical administrator for the Non-GMO Project Verified program. Non-UPF Verified certification is a sensible add-on to Non-GMO Verified products carrying the signature Butterfly seal, further demonstrating a food product’s commitment to quality. The program formally launched in January after a successful pilot program with participating brands and technical administrators, including NSF. Through its role as a technical administrator, NSF supports brands seeking independent verification against the program’s rigorous standards.

    Transparency and independent verification are foundational to building trust in our food system. Third-party technical administrators are essential partners in this work, helping ensure that programs like Non-UPF Verified are implemented with consistency and rigor. Through collaboration with experienced organizations such as NSF, we’re supporting brands in meeting clear standards and giving shoppers reliable information they can trust.

    Megan Westgate, CEO and Founder of the Non-GMO Project

    Certification to Non-UPF Verified involves several steps, including discovery and scoping, technical submission, independent evaluation, verification decision and ongoing change control. Once verified, products may display the Non-UPF Verified mark on packaging. 

    Learn more about NSF and Non-UPF Verified.
    About NSF 
    NSF is an independent, global services organization dedicated to improving human health for more than 80 years by developing public health standards and providing world-class testing, inspection, certification, advisory services and digital solutions to the food, water and wellness products industries. NSF has 40,000 clients in 110 countries and is a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety and Water Quality. 

    About Non-UPF Verified and the Non-GMO Project 
    Non-UPF Verified is a certification launched by the Non-GMO Project under the umbrella of the Food Integrity Collective, continuing the nonprofit organization's commitment to informed choice and a food system that truly nourishes life. Founded in 2007, the Non-GMO Project is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to collaboratively creating a retail food system that promotes and restores health in humans, communities, and the broader collective of life on Earth. The Project's Butterfly seal remains North America's most trusted third-party verification for GMO avoidance, backed by rigorous standards and appearing on more than 63,000 verified products. Learn more at www.nongmoproject.org. 

    About Spindrift 
    ​Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc. is challenging people's expectations of how good a beverage can be. Founded in 2010, on the belief that the best tastes come directly from nature, Spindrift is the only sparkling water in America made with real squeezed fruit. Real fruit tastes better®, that is the Spindrift difference. Every Spindrift product is crafted to celebrate the aroma, texture, and taste of real squeezed fruit—never from concentrate—in every sip. Spindrift® sparkling water is available nationwide, and Spindrift® Soda is available in select retailers and online. The company donates to environmental not-for-profits through membership in 1% For the Planet. Spindrift is headquartered in Newton, Mass.