This study compares American and Chinese college students' willingness to purchase GM crops and examines the factors that have a bearing on this behavioral intention. It examines how social trust and conspiracy beliefs influence risk and benefit perceptions using data gathered through an online survey. The findings indicate that trust in experts and strength of conspiracy beliefs are both significant predictors of perceived risks and benefits, and subsequent intentions to consume GM foods. . The results also show that the Chinese reported more ambivalent attitudes toward GM crops, perceiving higher benefits and higher risks, and consequently, had lower willingness to purchase GM foods. The Chinese respondents also registered weaker levels of social trust and stronger conspiracy beliefs.