Supermarkets across the country now offer shelf nutrition labeling programs, which can help shoppers more easily identify the best food choices. Such programs vary by retailer: Some identify specific product nutrition attributes, such as "low sodium," while others feature a rating depicted by stars or a score.
These labels go beyond front-of-package nutrition labels implemented by food manufacturers; they're placed directly at the point of purchase, on the store shelf adjacent to the price tag, for optimal assistance. This week, EN helps you navigate these shelf label systems for better understanding--and smarter food choices.
Supermarket shelf nutrition labels provide nutritional ratings or scores for food products that can lead to better food choices in the supermarket aisle.
HOW ARE NUTRITION SHELF LABELS REGULATED?
Point-of-purchase shelf nutrition labels are considered an extension of the Nutrition Facts food label panel, and must meet labeling guidelines set forth by the
Any nutrient content claim, such as products that state they are a "good," "free," or "low" source of a nutrient, must meet the
TYPES OF NUTRITION SHELF TAGS: Most food products and categories within the supermarket are included in nutrition shelf labeling programs executed by supermarkets. Here's a rundown of the various types of programs.
NUTRITION ATTRIBUTES: Many supermarkets identify nutrition attributes on products to help customers find healthier choices. These supermarket chains select nutrition attributes that are most meaningful to their customers, such as "low in saturated fat," "low in sodium," and "good source of whole grains." In addition, many also include other lifestyle attributes, such as "gluten-free" and "organic."
NUTRITION RATING SYSTEMS: Many supermarkets use nutrition rating systems to help their shoppers simplify the process of identifying healthier products. There are two main nationally-recognized nutrition rating systems found in U.S. supermarkets: Guiding Stars and NuVal. Scientific advisory boards were involved in the creation of both programs, without the involvement of the food industry or government.
These systems use evidence-based proprietary algorithms to rate products, taking into account USDA and
While positive nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and whole grains, can enhance a product's score or rating, negative nutrients, such as saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, added sugars, and sodium (as well as the lack of positive nutrients), can lower a product's score or rating.
GUIDNG STARS: This program (www.guidingstars.com) uses a varying number of stars (0-3) to help shoppers find good (1 star), better (2 stars,) and best (3 stars) nutritional choices. This program can be found in more than 1,500 stores nationwide, including Hannaford, Marsh, and Food Lion, to name a few.
NUVAL. This nutritional scoring system (www.nuval.com) can be found in hundreds of stores, including Price Chopper,
DO THE RATING SYSTEMS WORK?
A multitude of published research exists indicating both Guiding Stars and NuVal have a positive impact on consumers and their ability to make improved nutritional choices at the point of purchase.
A 2010 study, published in the
Furthermore, a
Another benefit of nutrition rating systems: Food manufacturers have made nutritional improvements to their products in order to get better ratings. Ultimately, more nutrition information at the shelf empowers shoppers to make more informed decisions about what goes in their cart. And that's a good thing.
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