NutriLeads Receives Upcycling Certification for Benicaros®

Benicaros is an award-winning natural immune health ingredient upcycled from carrot pomace and clinically proven to support healthy immune function. But thanks to its newly gained certification, it’s not only good for your immune system, it’s now officially also better for the planet.

Upcycled Food Association (UFA) has certified that Benicaros meets its rigorous standards for upcycled food, which UFA defines as foods that use ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, are procured, and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment.

More than 30% of all food produced globally, valued at about $1 trillion, is wasted or lost. This loss contributes to food insecurity and environmental issues. Launched in 2021, Upcycled Certified™ products and ingredients are projected to prevent more than 840 million lbs. of food waste per year. Reducing food waste has universal (95%) consumer appeal and more than half of people want to buy more upcycled food products.  UFA is a nonprofit working to prevent food waste by accelerating the upcycled economy. Its Upcycled Certified™ on-package mark helps consumers identify upcycled products and ingredients that align with their values.

UFA’s Upcycled Certified™ Program is the world’s first independent certification program for upcycled food ingredients and products. Items certified as ingredients are at least 95% sourced from surplus foods or food by-products. The program enables consumers to reduce food waste and have a positive impact on the environment every time they purchase an Upcycled Certified™ product.

“Many consumers and food, beverage and supplement manufacturers have a strong interest in reducing global food waste and protecting the environment,” said Joana Carneiro, PhD, NutriLeads Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud of the fact that, next to its immune health benefits, Benicaros also contributes towards solving the food waste problem.”

To learn more about the Upcycled Certified™ program, visit www.upcycledfood.org or contact [email protected].