I'm trying to lose weight. Will foods with a Healthy Ideas symbol 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 products) are at a healthier weight. By choosing more foods with a Healthy Ideas symbol, you will be eating an overall healthier diet, which may lead to fewer calories overall.

Portion control and counting calories are also important for maintaining a healthy weight. Go to MyPyramid.gov to find your calorie needs. Check the serving size and calories on the Nutrition Facts panels of packaged foods to help you determine your portion sizes.

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

• Total fat
  
• Saturated fat
  
• Artificial trans fat
  
• Cholesterol
  
• Sodium
  
• Added sugars in applicable categories

In addition: A food must contribute at least 10% of the Daily Value for protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron or calcium.

View complete criteria

If a food does not have a Healthy Ideas symbol, does that mean I shouldn't buy it?
Some products have not yet been rated so they don’t have shelf tags. A number of products – such as water, coffee, tea, soda, candy, dessert and condiments – won’t be rated because they don’t contribute nutrients to the diet.

Other products don’t meet the FDA’s strict criteria to allow them to be labeled “healthy”. We believe in helping customers make an informed positive choice. It doesn’t mean that other foods should be avoided because some of these foods provide beneficial nutrients. Lean meats provide protein, iron and zinc; fatty fish have omega-3s; and nuts, olive oil and canola oil contain beneficial fats. Health organizations recommend eating these foods in limited quantities which are sufficient for obtaining beneficial nutrients.

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.

The Healthy Ideas shelf tag program is provided as a tool to help you choose food products that meet the FDA definition of “healthy” for labeling purposes. It is not meant to replace specific dietary advice from your physician or health care provider.