What nutritional parameters are used to evaluate snack foods?
Eleven nutrition parameters are used to evaluate the nutritional quality of a snack food: calories, total fat, saturated and trans fat, sodium, fiber, sugar, protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. Snack foods are assigned points for each of the parameters—adding or subtracting based on whether the parameter makes a positive or negative contribution to the overall nutrient density—which is translated into an easy to follow color guide as either:
- Green (Best Choice), Yellow (Choose Occasionally) or Red (Choose Rarely).
What does Nutrient Density mean? Is it different than Nutrient Rich?
Nutrients density refers to the amount of nutrients in a food. Foods low in calories and high in nutrients are nutrient rich (dense). Foods high in calories and low in nutrients are nutrient poor. Nutrient rich foods are a best choice while nutrient poor foods are choose rarely foods. Both nutrient density and nutrient rich refer to the same thing.
What system is required to run the Snackwise® Computer Software?
- PC or Mac computer connected to the Internet.
- Explorer 5.x, Netscape 7.x, Firefox 1.x or later for PC, Safari 2.x and Firefox 1.x for Mac.
What age group is Snackwise® designed for?
The Snackwise® System is designed to address the nutritional needs for any healthy individual age 5 and up.
Why should I consider the Snackwise® system for my school?
Most schools promote snack foods that are low in fat, calories and sugar. Snackwise® considers the overall nutritional quality of a snack food taking into consideration ten nutritional parameters that are major nutritional concerns for American children. Using the Snackwise® system guarantees that the overall nutrient density is considered for all snack foods promoted at your school.
Will Snackwise® help my school establish nutrition guidelines for ALL snack foods available at school?
Yes. Snackwise® evaluates packaged snack foods found in vending machines, snack bars and a la carte lines. Snackwise® is not designed to evaluate beverage offerings.
Will the Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System help my students choose smarter snacks?
Yes! Using the Snackwise® system empowers your students to make smarter snack choices that support a balanced lifestyle.
Will the Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System help to keep my school food service program fiscally sound?
Research shows that when healthy foods are promoted at school students select them. Now you can promote smarter snacks and students can make smarter snack choices without compromising financial stability.
How are fruits and vegetables rated?
Fruits and vegetables are always Green (Best Choice) and do not need to be evaluated through the Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System. Fruits and vegetables are major dietary sources of many nutrients such as vitamin A, C, folate, calcium, and fiber and are packed with phytochemicals, natural substances that fight disease and promote good health. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent snack choice and should be promoted through all venues at school.
What about Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV)?
USDA defines FMNV as artificially sweetened foods, a food which provides less than five percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for each of the eight specified nutrients per serving—protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium and iron. Regardless of the Snackwise® nutrition rating, FMNV cannot be sold in the food service area or any area in which program meals are either served or eaten during meal service..
- Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value Include:
- Soda water (carbonated beverages), water ices (popsicles), chewing gum, and candies of the following types: hard candy, including breath mints and cough drops, jellies and gums, marshmallow candies, fondant, licorice, spun candy and candy coated popcorn.
Why are beverages not included in The Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System?
Beverages follow different guidelines than snack foods. Beverage guidelines have been established by Alliance for a Healthier Generation in order to provide only low-calorie and/or nutritious options. These guidelines have been adopted in schools by American Beverage Association, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Cadbury Schweppes.
- Elementary School
- Water
- Up to 8 ounce servings of milk and 100% juice
- Fat-free or low-fat regular and flavored milk with up to 150 calories / 8 ounces
- 100% juice with no added sweeteners, up to 120 calories / 8 ounces, and with at least 10% of the recommended daily value for three or more vitamins and minerals
- Middle School
- Water
- Up to 10 ounce servings of milk and 100% juice
- Fat-free or low-fat regular and flavored milk with up to 150 calories / 8 ounces
- 100% juice with no added sweeteners, up to 120 calories / 8 ounces, and with at least 10% of the recommended daily value for three or more vitamins and minerals
- As a practical matter, if middle school and high school students have shared access to areas on a common campus or in common buildings, then the school community has the option to adopt the high school standard
- High School
- Water
- No or low calorie beverages with up to 10 calories / 8 ounces
- Up to 12 ounce servings of milk, 100% juice, and certain other drinks
- Fat-free or low-fat regular and flavored milk with up to 150 calories / 8 ounces
- 100% juice with no added sweeteners, up to 120 calories / 8 ounces, and with at least 10% of the recommended daily value for three or more vitamins and minerals
- Other drinks with no more than 66 calories / 8 ounces
- At least 50% of non-milk beverages must be water and no- or low-calorie options
How can our school promote the Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System?
Snackwise® comes with point-of-sale posters, press release, and a parent letter.
Some suggestions to promote smarter snack choices:
- Display Snackwise® posters on the a la carte line and at vending machines.
- Increase the number of smarter snack choices available on the a la carte line and in vending machines. Use a 2:1 ratio, at least two smarter snack choices to every one less healthy alternative.
- Offer samples of new smarter snack choices for students to taste test.
- Place vending machines with smarter snack choices in high traffic areas that are easily accessible to students and staff.
- Get the word out! Use the Snackwise® press release and parent letter to promote the Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System.
