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Big Y Rolls Out NuVal

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y Foods is taking a by-the-numbers approach to healthy eating with its introduction of the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System that assigns foods a score from 1 to 100.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y Foods is taking a by-the-numbers approach to healthy eating with its introduction of the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System that assigns foods a score from 1 to 100.

The chain rolled out redesigned shelf tags this week, made larger to accommodate the NuVal score, Carrie Taylor, registered dietitian for Big Y told SN. She became a fan of the system a number of years ago when it was first presented to Big Y.

“It provides an awesome opportunity for shoppers since it’s the equivalent of having a dietitian there with them while they are shopping,” Taylor said.

Thousands of foods including major national brands, Big Y’s private labels, and regional products have been assigned a score.

The chain is getting shoppers acclimated to the system by making available a free 30-page book that explains the program and features recipes, including ingredients' NuVal scores.

The launch comes as other grocery chains are enhancing their educational efforts.

Homeland Stores, Edmond, Okla., announced earlier this week its launch of the Guiding Stars nutritional rating system in 73 Homeland, Country Mart and United Supermarkets banner stores.

The at-a-glance system assigns foods zero, one, two or three stars based on nutritional value.

“The health of our customers is a primary concern to us,” said Darryl Fitzgerald, president and chief executive officer of Homeland Stores in a statement. “A good start is by making more informed decisions, and the Guiding Stars system gives our customers basic nutritional information the point of purchase.”