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