10/16/2026
Over the last several decades, ultra-processed foods and seed oils have taken up an increasingly large share of the American diet.
Today, more than 50% of American adultsā calories come from ultra-processed foods. Seed oils are estimated to contribute more than 20% of daily calories.
These trends are deeply connected. Inexpensive, scalable seed oils became foundational ingredients throughout the modern packaged-food systemāappearing in snacks, sauces, dressings, baked goods, frozen meals, and restaurant food.
But āseed oil freeā and āminimally processedā are not the same claim.
That is why our two certifications answer different questions:
Non-UPF Verified confirms that a product meets a rigorous standard for minimal processing.
Seed Oil Free CertifiedĀ® verifies that a product meets strict standards for seed oil avoidance, backed by ingredient and sub-ingredient auditing and independent purity testing of added oils and fats.
A product can qualify for one certification without qualifying for the other. When you see both seals, both standards have been independently verified.
Different standards. Complementary protections. Clearer choices at the shelf.
Read our new joint editorial with Non-UPF Verified at the link in bio.