Raley's Launches NuVal Nutritional Scoring System Chainwide

Regional independent Raley’s Family of Fine Stores has introduced the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System in its 124 Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods stores to help shoppers make better food decisions.

The NuVal Nutritional Scoring System gives more than 20,000 food and beverages a score ranging from 1-100 — the higher the score, the better the overall nutrition. Scores are posted right on the shelf tag, along with nutritional attributes such as “Gluten free” and “Good source of fiber.”

“We know that many of our customers are looking for more healthful food choices, but nutrition labels can be confusing and difficult to decipher,” said Michael Teel, Raley’s president and CEO of West Sacramento, Calif.-based Raley’s. “NuVal cuts through the clutter, making it easy for our customers to make the choice that’s right for their lifestyles.”

Customers can look for scores with the NuVal System’s trademark blue hexagons on shelf tags throughout the store. NuVal scores are calculated for a wide variety of categories, including produce, meat, seafood, poultry, salty snacks, milk, yogurt, cereal, bread, cookies, soft drinks, canned goods, and crackers.

NuVal scores are calculated by a formula that considers more than 30 nutrients and nutrition factors — including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants; sugar, salt, trans fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, based on USDA guidelines. It was developed by a team of recognized nutrition and medical experts, led by Dr. David Katz of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center. The NuVal Nutritional Scoring System is objective and had no retailer or manufacturer involvement in its development.

The NuVal system will help Raley’s customers:

• More easily discover the most nutritious products within each product category. Shelf signage provides customers with both the range of scores and the average score within each category. For example, produce scores range from 81-100, with an average score of 96.
• Get more nutrition for their budget, as they can now compare items side-by-side and determine which product offers the better value — not just in price — but in nutrition, as well.
• Easily compare national brand to store brand products. In many instances, customers will learn that the store brand product is just as nutritious as the national brand.

NuVal LLC is a joint venture formed in 2008 by Topco Associates, LLC, and Griffin Hospital, and NuVal scores can now be found in more than 1,500 retail grocery stores throughout the country.