With so many choices in the grocery store, it is often difficult to pick out the healthiest foods for your family. Recently, a system was introduced to help consumers make this decision. It is called the NuVal system and it was developed by a team of healthcare professionals led by Dr. David Katz, a nationally recognized authority on nutrition and funded by Yale University School of Medicine
With the NuVal scoring system, foods receive a simple numeric score between 1 and 100. This score summarizes the overall nutritional value of the food. The score considers many factors, including the presence of nutrients and the quality of protein, fat and carbohydrates. With this system, you can compare items across food groups. For example, you can compare veggie burgers to actual veggies, or cheese to chicken.
Through a partnership with retailers, the NuVal system will soon be seen in supermarket aisles. NuVal Scores will be displayed right at the point of purchase. At a glance, you’ll be able to see and compare the nutritional value of products and will support you making informed, healthy food choices!
Here’s a sample of common Toddler Favorites with HIGH scores:
100 Broccoli
100 Blueberries
96 Apples
91 Banana
89 Avocado
61 Instant Oatmeal
And some common Toddler Foods with LOWER scores (< than 25):
1 Popsicle
5 Hot Dog
2 Saltine Crackers
11 Pretzel Sticks
20 Chocolate Pudding
23 Peanut Butter
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
This system sounds interesting, but I find it somewhat confusing. Does it mean that we should buy only foods that score a 100? Or anything above 90? What is the right number below which you should not buy the food?
I like the idea of trying to simplify the nutritional information so that consumers can make the right choice. I have written about it on my blog based on some recent trends. However, I think that without standard guidelines from the FDA, and widespread adoption by food manufacturers, we are likely going to see many different systems, which may end up doing more damage than good.
http://www.littlestomaks.com/2008/11/07/kelloggs-nutrition-at-a-glance-is-worth-a-closer-look/
http://www.littlestomaks.com/2008/10/22/traffic-lights-and-food-labeling-is-this-a-joke-not-really%E2%80%A6/