Only 30.03% Willing to Try Genetically Modified Beer: Survey

An increasing number of breweries are embracing genetically engineered yeasts to create beers. While some beer consumers are willing to try genetically modified beer, others have varying opinions.

What Is Genetically Modified Beer?

Genetically modified beer is made when makers use engineered brewing yeasts to manufacture beer. The objectives of genetically modified beer are multifold; creating novel flavor profiles, imparting traditional flavors to enable cost savings through eliminating an ingredient, or eliminating compounds that dominate and mask other flavors.

Real Research conducted a survey on GMO beers’ positive impact on the economy to gauge public opinions. Here are the findings of the survey.

Highlights:

• 30.03% said they would not try GMO beer, while 29.14% said they would.
• GMO beers’ positive impact on the economy– 36.63% agree.
• 31.67% overall preferred non-GMO beer.

The survey began with a poll on respondents’ awareness of mass-produced products containing traces of genetically modified ingredients. 39.56% were aware, and 38.91% were vaguely aware. 21.53% were unaware.

Most Respondents Would Rather NOT Try GMO Beer

With GMO yeast, breweries could create novel flavor profiles, impart traditional flavors to reduce costs, or eliminate compounds that mask other subtle flavors. Given this, respondents were asked if they were willing to try GMO beer; 29.14% said they would try, 30.03% would not, and 40.83% said they were not alcohol consumers.

GMOs in the Food And Drink Industry

Berkeley Yeast, a U.S.-based company that modifies yeast’s genes, claims they are restricted entry by the government’s strict regulations that present gene-modified use in the food and drink industry.

Respondents to the ‘GMO beers’ positive impact on economy’ survey were asked their thoughts on this; 32.12% had ‘no thoughts on this,’ while 19.43% said the government across the world needs to completely ban GMO products entirely; however, 19.24% believed that the government is trying to protect the health of its citizens.

Others opined that the government is trying to prevent massive agro companies from having control of the food economy (15.11%). 14.1% finally opined that the government’s strict regulations prevent advancement in the food industry. 

Read Also: Almost 70% Admit To Having Drinks Alone at Home

Which Type of GMO Beers Would Respondents Consume

Organizations that provide GMO yeast strains could create custom-tailored beers for each individual. Accordingly, respondents were asked what types of beer they would consume among mass-produced beer products.

Some of their responses were: beers that stay fresh and never expire (15.66%); original and GMO-free beers (13.18%); non-alcoholic beers with the original hoppy aroma and flavor (8.16%); fruity-flavored beers (6.88%); beers with reduced production costs (5.96%); and beer with extra alcoholic content (5.05%).

18.53%, however, said that they do not like beer, while 12.23% prefer “other” types.

GMO Beers’ Positive Impact on Economy?

Supporters of the idea of GMO beers claim that GMO beers can render a positive impact on the economy as well as act as a solution for environmental crises with their cost-saving features. 

36.63% somewhat agree with this statement, 35.47% strongly agree, 17.28% do not agree with the statement, and 10.62% strongly disagree.

The director of the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation mentioned that U.S. brewers do not disclose using gene-edited yeast in their products. To this, 74.93% opined that they should disclose the use of gene-edited yeast for transparency and consumer awareness. Whereas, 15.5% suggested that brewers have the right to keep it a secret. 9.57% were unsure.