Program Criteria
looking for better nutrition choices?
SimpleNutrition makes it quicker and easier to find better nutrition choices. We screen products to ensure they meet nutrition and ingredient criteria and then tag them with up to two key attribute messages.
The SimpleNutrition criteria are based on the latest published health guidelines from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)/US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and food labeling guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA, and current available nutrition science.
Here's how it works:
Generally, individual products tagged with a nutrition attribute message such as "Good Source of Fiber" or "Low in Fat" must first meet the following nutrition criteria*:
Generally, individual products tagged with a nutrition attribute message such as "Good Source of Fiber" or "Low in Fat" must first meet the following nutrition criteria*:
Total Fat: 13 grams or less per serving
Saturated Fat: 2 grams or less per serving
Cholesterol: 60 milligrams or less per serving
Sodium: 480 milligrams or less per serving for individual products; 600 milligrams or less for meal and main dish products
Beneficial Nutrients: 10% Daily Value or more per serving for vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein or fiber
Sugars: Most products contain limited amounts of sugars. Generally, a baseline amount of sugars is allowed to account for the sugars and carbohydrates found naturally in foods such as milk, grains, fruits and vegetables. Then, a formula is applied to "cap" the total amount of sugars allowed in a particular product category.
These criteria were chosen to limit the levels of nutrients that may negatively impact health (total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugars) and to ensure the presence of beneficial nutrients (vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein or fiber) to help fill nutrient gaps in the diet.
Certain products also earn Lifestyle Shelf Tags such as Gluten Free, Organic, Natural or Calorie Smart. These tags relate to specific lifestyle or dietary needs and are not required to meet the nutrition criteria unless they are accompanied by a nutrition benefit message.
The tags assigned to each product category are based on the most relevant nutrients or ingredient attributes in that particular category. For example, hot and cold cereals are important sources of whole grains and fiber, so many cereals receive both tags when eligible.
* Meals and main dishes are evaluated against higher nutrient levels for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Products tagged with the ingredient message "Made with Whole Grains" must meet the nutrition criteria above, but may contain up to 4 grams of saturated fat.
The SimpleNutrition program provides general information to help you make the right choices for your lifestyle. We rely on information provided to us by manufacturers and other third party sources. For the most accurate, timely and complete nutrition and ingredient information, please refer to the product label. If you have specific health and nutrition concerns, please consult a health care professional.