Hear it from the experts

I'm trying to lose weight. Will Healthy Ideas help me cut calories?

Research shows that people who eat more healthy foods (which include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and fat free and low fat dairy) for at least 2/3 of their diet are at a healthier weight. By choosing more Healthy Ideas foods, you will be eating an overall healthier diet, which may lead to fewer calories overall.

How is a food rated for Healthy Ideas? What are the criteria?

The criteria of the Healthy Ideas program are based on the principles of the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005.

The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that:

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

The Healthy Ideas criteria reflect these guidelines. The criteria limit:

• Total fat (except for fish, nuts, avocado and oils)
• Saturated fat
• Artificial trans fat
• Cholesterol
• Sodium
• Added sugars in applicable categories

In addition:

• A Healthy Ideas food must contribute at least 10% of the Daily Value for protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron or calcium.

So, a Healthy Ideas food is an overall nutritious food without being too high in any of the nutrients we should limit.

If a food does not have a Healthy Ideas symbol, does that mean I shouldn't buy it?

No. We believe in helping customers make an informed positive choice. The Healthy Ideas symbol helps customers identify the best food choices for overall health. The foods that do not receive the Healthy Ideas symbol do not satisfy the scientific criteria for Healthy Ideas.

There are also some instances in which a particular food has not yet been rated. As we continue to roll out the program, we will be adding more Healthy Ideas products to our shelves.

Will foods with the Healthy Ideas symbol be more expensive?

No. In many ways, it may be just the opposite. You will get more nutrition for the money. We continue to offer low prices everyday in many food categories, and the Healthy Ideas symbol does not imply that these high-quality healthy foods are more costly.

Why do canned, frozen, and dried fruits and vegetables receive the symbol? Aren't fresh fruits and vegetables better for me?

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of multiple vitamins and minerals, fiber, and beneficial antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables taste great. However, the canned, frozen, and dried forms are convenient, inexpensive, and easy to prepare. In addition, they are just as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables.