NSF Launches Certification Services for the Non-UPF Verified Program

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

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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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.

Why it matters

The Non-UPF Verified program establishes a clear, evidence-based framework 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. 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.

The details

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. 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. Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc. recently became the first company to receive the Non-UPF Verified certification from NSF.

  • The Non-UPF Verified program formally launched in January after a successful pilot program.
  • Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc. recently became the first company to receive the Non-UPF Verified certification from NSF.

The players

NSF

A leading global organization dedicated to protecting human health and now certifying food products to the Non-GMO Project's Non-Ultraprocessed Foods (UPF) Verified program.

Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc.

The popular sparkling water brand that recently became the first company to receive the Non-UPF Verified certification from NSF.

Carey Allen

Director of Food Claims at NSF.

Dave Burwick

CEO of Spindrift.

Megan Westgate

CEO and Founder of the Non-GMO Project.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Carey Allen, Director of Food Claims at NSF

“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.”

— Dave Burwick, CEO of Spindrift

“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.”

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

What’s next

The Non-UPF Verified program is expected to continue growing, with more brands seeking certification to provide consumers with clear, credible validation of minimally processed food and beverage products.

The takeaway

The launch of the Non-UPF Verified program by NSF, in partnership with the Non-GMO Project, represents an important step in empowering consumers to make informed choices about the level of processing in the foods and beverages they purchase, aligning with recent dietary guidance calling for reduced consumption of ultraprocessed foods.