The Fact of the Matter: Understanding NuVal - Big Y® World Class Market®

With all the information you’ll be hearing on the NuVal™ Nutritional Scoring System, you’re likely to come across some common misconceptions. Let’s nip a few in the bud:

Misconception #1:

The NuVal™ System rates foods as “good” and “bad. ”

Fact: The NuVal™ score only tells you the nutrient density of a specific food, not whether it is good or bad. Simply put, the higher the score, the more nutrient bang bite-per-bite. Use the NuVal™ System to fit all foods into your meal plan for the greatest nutritional punch. Craving something sweet? Make simple swaps like treating yourself to a whole grain cookie with a NuVal™ score of 40 versus a cream filled cookie with a NuVal™ score of 7.

Misconception #2:

Choosing food with a NuVal™ score of 80 or higher is the best strategy for eating healthy.

Fact: Certain foods simply cannot score above 80 due to their nutrient make up. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat them or they’re not nutritious. Take cheese as an example. Incorporating cheese into your meal plan is important for reaching daily Milk Group goals, but the average NuVal™ score for natural cheese is 21. Rather than avoiding cheese, opt for varieties with higher NuVal™ scores.

Misconception #3:

The foods you eat should add up to a NuVal™ score of 100 by the end of the day.

Fact: It would be nearly impossible AND unhealthy to eat this way. Why? The NuVal™ System was designed to rate each food independently, not as a daily total. Simply use the NuVal™ System to find healthier choices aisle by aisle. Deciding between two breakfast cereals? Get maximum nutritional punch by opting for the product with the higher NuVal™ score.

Learning about the NuVal™ System with Carrie and Andrea
Big Y’s Wellness Team will be helping you learn how to Trade Up with NuVal™ over the next few months. Visit the section of BigY.com often for information on upcoming store tours, classes, health fairs and events highlighting the NuVal™ Nutritional Scoring System!

Have a NuVal™ System question we didn’t cover?
Write to Big Y’s Wellness Team

Registered Dietitians Carrie Taylor, RD, LDN and Andrea Samson, RD, LDN

Write to: Living Well
2145 Roosevelt Ave., PO Box 7840
Springfield, MA 01102
Send e-mails to: livingwell@bigy.com