New Spindrift certification can help meet consumer demand for less processed beverages

Spindrift Beverage Co.'s sparkling water and soda lineup has been verified under the Non-Ultraprocessed Food (Non-UPF) Verified standard, a processing-focused certification developed by the Non-GMO Project.

The Non-UPF Verified Standard is a processing standard that focuses on how packaged foods and beverages are made. The standard sets limits on additives and "industrial methods that degrade food structure and function," according to Non-UPF Verified, the nonprofit behind the standard. The standard also prohibits non-nutritive sweeteners and places limits on refined added sugar. The Non-GMO Project published the first version of the Non-UPF Verified standard in November 2025.

Non-UPF Verified is launching at a time when consumers are more skeptical of marketing language, and Food Integrity Collective research found that 68% of consumers say they try to avoid ultraprocessed foods, yet 70% report difficulty identifying them. In the same research, FIC reports that 72% of consumers say the presence of a third-party certification like Non-UPF Verified would increase their likelihood of purchasing a product.

Spindrift was among those companies that participated in a pilot with the Non-UPF Verified program beginning in May 2025. The brand's full line of sparkling water and soda is the only beverage brand verified under the Non-UPF Verified standard, the company says.

"This verification matters because it helps people clearly identify beverages made without the large amounts of industrial additives, artificial sweeteners, and heavy processing that now define much of the beverage aisle," said Dave Burwick, CEO of Spindrift, in a company announcement. "From day one, we built Spindrift with a focus on real squeezed fruit, bubbles and water — because it delivers better taste and because simple, recognizable ingredients are better for you. That decision shaped everything we've made, and this verification makes that long-standing commitment visible to consumers."

Spindrift said Non-UPF Verified branding will begin rolling out across Spindrift Soda packaging, the company website and digital channels in early 2026, with sparkling water packaging following starting in late summer.

For vending, micro markets and office coffee service operators, the development adds a new third-party processing claim to watch as customers ask for "less processed" options and more transparent labeling across the beverage set.