Plant Base

The Certified Plant Based program defines plant-based food to make it easy for consumers to choose a finished product that consists of ingredients derived from plants (including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and/or legumes).

Products eligible for certification are meat, egg and dairy alternative products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. The eligible categories include:

• Tofu and tempeh
• Meat alternatives to beef, pork, chicken, fish, etc.
• Milk alternatives such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, novelty and frozen desserts, butter, dips, dressings, sour cream and other beverages and creamers
• Egg substitutes and mayo
• Meals with meat or dairy alternatives (including pizza)
• Baked goods
• Protein powders
• Plant-based ingredients that are used as a primary ingredient

Products excluded from this program include:

• Products that are inherently plant based such as single ingredient vegetables, nuts, etc.
• Products that contain any amount of animal-derived ingredient(s), including honey or casein
• Alcohol
• Tobacco products
• Dietary supplements
• Pet food

Ingredients not of plant or animal origin are allowed for use in a Certified Plant Based product as long as individually or combined they do not exceed five percent of the product formula (excluding water and salt). The following are ingredients approved under this section:

• Flavors and colors
• Leavening agents such as baking soda, potassium bicarbonate and sodium acid pyrophosphate
• Acids such as citric, ascorbic, lactic and malic
• Gums such as xanthan or gellan
• Vitamins and minerals such as in enriched wheat flours
• Mined minerals such as calcium carbonate and potassium chloride
• Microorganisms such as probiotics and yeast
• Enzymes
• Proteins produced by biotechnology

PLANT BASED