The Snackwise® Nutrition Rating system is easy to use! All you do is type the information from the nutrition facts label in the Snackwise® Calculator and Snackwise® determines the nutrient density and rates the snack! Snack foods are then rated as either:
| GREEN: BEST CHOICE | YELLOW: CHOOSE OCCASIONALLY | RED: CHOOSE RARELY |
Implementing Snackwise® in Vending machines
Nationwide Children's Hospital suggests that vendors establish a ratio for each of the categories as:
- 30% Green
- 55% Yellow
- 15% Red
Vendors and schools/businesses can work together to identify and adjust snack selections to meet new healthier vending selection guidelines.
The Science of Snackwise®
Nutritionists agree with Snackwise®. The Snackwise® algorithm utilizes 11 parameters to determine nutrient quality, intended to reflect current scientific support for limiting sodium and calories while emphasizing nutrient density. Our research summary explains further.
Some suggestions to promote healthy snack choices
- Increase the number of smarter snack choices available on the a la carte line and in vending machines. Establish the ratio as 30% green, 55% yellow, and 15% red.
- Display Snackwise® posters at point of purchase for a la carte lines and at vending machines.
- Taste test by offering samples of new smarter snack choices.
- Offer only single or regular size portions of snack foods in vending machines and on the a la carte line.
- Use competitive pricing strategies. Set prices for healthier snack foods at a lower cost than less healthy alternatives in vending machines and on the a la carte line.
- Place vending machines with healthier snack choices in high traffic areas.
- Get the word out! Use the Snackwise® press release and parent letter to advertise the Snackwise® Nutrition Rating System.
