When I read Blair's blog about Subway's Jared and her comparison to Christine from Taco Bell, I couldn't help but think about all of the different ways our society is working to try to help us make the right choices when it comes to selecting healthy foods. We've even got color coding in our grocery stores.
The University of Michigan recently released the results from a sensory research study that indicated that color-coded labels on supermarket shelves helps shoppers take home healthier foods. This study came out of the University's Heart Care program and fitness division. The American Dietetic Association even published the results.
In the study, supermarkets used green to indicate "best choice" and yellow to indicated "acceptable choice". The labeling was based on total fat, saturated fat, fiber, cholesterol, and salt sodium content. 56% of those who knew about the program reported using it to guide their choices. Many who used the program said that the color coding system was much clearer than package nutrition panel and that they were more likely to pay attention to a color system that to read the specifics on each label.
There is currently a lot of debate on what the labels should mean. Smart Choices is dividing foods into 19 categories and selecting the best choices within those groups if they meet certain minimums. It all seems pretty complicated at the moment, but with the food industry's support, the development of a scheme that is universal and helpful is just around the corner.
Perhaps the colors used for traffic signals could be a starting point, since they are widely understood and will be a natural when it comes to interpretation by the public. Whatever they choose, it's great to see QSRs and grocery stores Food Retailers alike implementing strategies that make it easier to make the right choices.
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