Simple (Nutrition) Meets Smart (Kitchen)

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Hilary at DEI Worldwide about reviewing (and then posting about my experience with) the new Simple Nutrition program being implemented by the Safeway family of grocery stores. Here in Austin, that means Randall's . Although I pledge allegiance these days to Sprouts (as y'all know), there is a Randall's just a few blocks away from my apartment, and I do tend to stop there when I need something on the way home from work....or if I've forgotten something I need quickly...or if I need some of the "basics" that I can't always find at Sprouts . Because I'm always honest with y'all, I have to admit that although I fell in love with many Safeway products while living outside of D.C. (most notably Lucerne brand yogurts and the Safeway fizzy waters), in my opinion it is one of the more expensive chains in most cities. So, when Hilary promised two $25 gift cards in exchange for me to review the program ---giving me yet another excuse to go to the grocery, my favorite activity besides cooking--I jumped at the chance! Safeway has long had their Eating Right label on some of the healthier versions of their generic brand items. Even the carrots get the label! [Including specific nutritional benefits] But the new Simple Nutrition program promises to make making healthy nutritional food choices even easier (and, well, simple.) Online, there is a nutrition center for health questions, a recipe collection, and tips for saving money while eating healthfully. In store, there are 22 " benefit messages " used on the green* tags to label the products meeting designated criteria. *Really more of a turquoise, if you ask me. (And Mr. Crayola) At first, I was a little upset about seeing 'Organic' labeled as "nutrition," since I think the studies vary widely on what organic foods actually ARE more nutritious. However, upon further research, I learned that, in addition to the 18 nutrition or ingredient-based tags (all labeled with apple green backgrounds)... ...there are 4 tags that mark "Lifestyle/Dietary" needs, of which I find 'Natural' the least necessary (most products are just bursting to proclaim that they are 'natural' in this 'eat green' world we live in...and these products can get the Simple Nutrition label based simply on manufacturers' claims), and 'Gluten-Free' the most advantageous. [There's also a Sugar-Free, just for you, Alex !] Having learned from a newly-diagnosed-with-a-gluten-allergy coworker just how sneaky gluten can be in making its way into unexpected foods, I think this will be VERY helpful for GF lifestyles. I was happy to see that even the fruits and veggies get labeled with their benefits. Pushing my allegiance to Michael Pollan's beliefs in not eating food based on one specific nutrient it may contain, I am happy that Randall's is promoting of the benefits of making healthy food choices. If someone eats a grape because it contains antioxidants....well, at least they are eating a grape. I do wish that the canned and jarred fruits that are submerged in thick or light syrup were also labeled as having added sugars, not just being high sources of Vitamin C. Bonus points are earned, however, in the demarcation of Whole Grain products. I checked a lot of labels, and products labeled 'Multigrain' by the manufacturer do not receive the Simple Nutrition whole grain tag unless the first ingredient is a whole grain, not just a few assorted grains buried down in the ingredient list. I'm guessing if you read my blog, you probably already know a lot about food. And you probably know a lot about healthy food. And if you are like me, you'll probably see the green tags and still pick up products and read the labels for yourself. But we are (as surprising as it still may be) in a minority I think. So, I have to applaud Safeway / Randall's for their efforts to easily educate and guide the average American in making smarter food choices. Meanwhile, for the rest of us fruit-and-veggie monsters, you might as well pick up a brochure at the front of the store, because inside is a coupon for $1 off your produce purchase. I used mine to purchase carrots and a honeydew. I have no idea how that clearance-marked Total 2% Fage Greek yogurt and Raspberry Acai fizzy water ended up on the belt with them. No idea at all.