Cruncho becomes first Kuwait company to earn gluten-free certification and non-GMO verification from NSF

KUWAIT – Cruncho, a pioneering snack food manufacturer headquartered in Kuwait, has made history by becoming the first company in the country to earn both NSF Gluten-Free Certification and Non-GMO Project Verification for its flagship Prolife product line.

This dual achievement marks a significant milestone for food safety and transparency in the Middle East, aligning with the region’s growing demand for health-conscious, clean-label products.

The NSF Gluten-Free Certification ensures that Cruncho’s Prolife snacks meet the U.S.  Food and Drug Administration’s Gluten-Free Labelling Final Rule, which mandates less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

This is a critical safeguard for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Meanwhile, the Non-GMO Project Verification, recognised as the most trusted third-party standard for GMO avoidance, validates Cruncho’s commitment to responsible ingredient sourcing and rigorous supply chain documentation.

Cruncho’s Prolife range includes high-protein puffs, pea-based chips, collagen-infused snacks, and vitamin-enriched options, all tailored to diverse dietary needs.

These products are now available at over 1,000 retail points across Kuwait and the GCC, and will proudly display the NSF Certified Gluten-Free mark and the Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly seal.

Mohammed Ali Khan, Cruncho’s Quality Assurance Officer, praised NSF’s support throughout the certification process, noting that these milestones reinforce consumer trust and elevate the brand’s credibility.

“Earning both Gluten-Free certification and Non-GMO Project verification marks a pivotal moment for Cruncho. Consumers today are more conscious than ever about what goes into their food, and this certification and verification reinforce our promise to deliver clean-label snacks they can trust,” said Mohammed Ali Khan, Quality Assurance Officer, Cruncho.

“These milestones demonstrate our commitment to delivering snacks that are not only delicious but also responsibly sourced and transparently labelled. We’re grateful to NSF for their support throughout the verification and certification process.”

Jyoti Bhasin, Managing Director at NSF, lauded Cruncho’s achievement as a benchmark for food safety and quality in the region, while Sandy Talamonti, Director of Technical Operations, Food Claims & Nutrition and Wellness, NSF, emphasised the importance of these marks in signalling rigorous compliance to consumers.

“These verifications and certifications exemplify our commitment to advancing human health through rigorous, science-based standards. Cruncho’s leadership in pursuing third-party verification reflects a broader regional shift toward transparency and consumer trust,” said Jyoti Bhasin, Managing Director, NSF.

“With these certifications, Cruncho can now display both the NSF Certified Gluten-Free mark and the Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly seal on its Prolife products. These marks signal to consumers that the products meet the rigorous requirements of the standards,” remarked Sandy Talamonti, Senior Manager of Food Product Claims, NSF.

With over 70% of Middle Eastern consumers preferring non-GMO products and increasing awareness around gluten sensitivities, Cruncho’s certification reflects a broader shift toward transparency and health-forward innovation.

The company’s leadership in third-party verification sets a new standard for the region’s food industry, demonstrating that delicious snacks can also be responsibly sourced and scientifically validated.

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