Publix Compiles Healthy Lists

JULIE GALLAGHER

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix here is arming consumers with shopping lists that match their dietary needs.

Lists consisting of items available in Publix stores that are: gluten-free, low-sodium; low-fat; 100 calories or less; and four grams of sugar or less are the latest navigational tool the chain is offering health-conscious shoppers online.

“To help our shoppers eat right, we've developed helpful shopping lists of foods that meet particular dietary needs,” Publix says on its website. “Just click on the lists to see how easy it can be to shop the way you should.”

Each list organizes brand-specific products into dairy, fresh, frozen, grocery, and health and beauty categories. The gluten-free list only contains Publix's corporate-brand items, while the remaining four feature both private-label and national-brand products.

Last year, Publix began using shelf tags to identify food choices that are: low-calorie; calorie-free; low-fat; fat-free; low in saturated fat; low-cholesterol; cholesterol-free; low-sodium; very low-sodium; sugar-free; a good source of fiber; lean; and extra-lean.

It is unclear whether the new gluten-free, 100 calories or less, and four grams of sugar or less designations will appear on shelf tags.

Availability of the lists is a win-win for Publix and its shoppers, said Shelley Forrester, president of the Forrester Network. “Health-focused foods usually carry higher margins, and [Publix is] helping consumers find what they want,” she said.