Hy-Vee Inc., which operates more than 280 grocery stores across eight Midwestern states, is collaborating with the FoodHealth Co. to bring the FoodHealth Score to shoppers.
The FoodHealth Score is a 1-100 scoring system that enables customers to compare the nutritional value of individual foods. Each product receives a score based on its nutrient density and ingredient quality.
The score reflects how food choices align with dietary patterns proven to lower chronic disease risk. A score of 50 marks the midpoint – foods above it trend healthier, below it less so.
Hy-Vee customers can find the scoring system when shopping online or using the Hy-Vee mobile app.
“The grocery store is one of the most important healthcare environments in America,” said Samantha Citro Alexander, chief executive and founder of FoodHealth Co. “With this launch, shoppers can feel confident that Hy-Vee is a partner in their health.”
Hy-Vee customers also gain access to FoodHealth Score Insights, which are explanations showing why an item scores the way it does based on nutrient density and ingredient quality, as well as Better-For-You Options, which offer healthier alternatives for them to review.
“With the implementation of the FoodHealth Score in our app, we want to make healthy food options more accessible and transparent,” said Aaron Wiese, president of Hy-Vee.
“This tool builds upon the dietitian and pharmacy services we offer and adds to our holistic ‘food is medicine’ approach that we provide to our customers. Now more than ever before, we have the resources available to best serve individuals in their health journey.”
Growing national momentum signals a new era of public and private accountability. Nearly 60 percent of grocery dollars spent go to foods that are meant to be consumed on occasion, according to the FoodHealth Co.’s Health of America’s Grocery Carts report released in collaboration with NielsenIQ.
Research from NielsenIQ also shows that more than 75 percent of shoppers say food transparency influences their trust and loyalty to a grocery brand.
Hy-Vee Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 560 business units across nine Midwestern states with sales of more than $14 billion. The supermarket chain is known for quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and customer service.
FoodHealth Co. is a nutrition intelligence company that provides data tools to help consumers make choices, retailers curate shelves and brands design with health in mind. Through its FoodHealth Score, the company provides tools based on clinical research. The company is headquartered in San Francisco.
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