Protein Smart Foods
A guide to making smart food choices
The Protein Smart shopping guide includes nutrition standards used by federal and non-profit health organizations to encourage eating foods that offer nutrient benefits, such as:
- Nutrient-dense whole foods
- Items that are a good source* of protein (5 gm/serving)
- Reduce added sugars
- Manage sodium and saturated fats
Protein is essential to health, supporting many body systems, including immunity, muscle building and maintenance, and brain function. It also has a role in weight management and maintenance. Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish and seafood, beans and legumes, vegetables and grains. The FDA defines a good source of protein as offering 5 grams per serving of food, or 10% of the RDI of 50 grams protein per day for adults. Because protein can also be used to enhance flavors and textures, and increase hunger satisfaction of some items, it is found in foods throughout the store.
The Protein Smart color guide on shelf tags in stores is beige, and may help time-crunched shoppers locate items that meet lifestyle goals. Please see the standards below for the full criteria. The Know Your Colors Program (https://cms-uat-pch.unataops.com/know-your-colors/) is intended for general nutrition information and not as a treatment for any issue or condition.
Protein Smart
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Contains at least 5g protein; no more than 4g sat fat; no more than 480mg sodium; at least 1g fiber per 15g carb or no added sugar.
Look for the color indicators ‣
Each nutrition attribute has a unique color – “Heart Smart” is red, “Organic” is dark green. Look for the color bars on the shelf tag, or explore the color icons when you shop online. Scanning for colors at the shelf makes it quick and easy to find Low Sodium foods (yellow), Carb Smart foods (orange) or Gluten Free items (Blue). Shopping with your kids? Make it a game and energize your whole family to eat well! That is smart food shopping, simplified.
Carry your colors with you! Download our guide to making smart food choices.
1. On shelf tags in store
Color bars can be found here on the shelf tags
2. Online
Online icons can be found on the shopping page
We strive to highlight Protein Smart items on shelf tags and on website shopping resources, but due to data and product changes, all items that meet the standard may not be tagged. Please be sure the bar code/UPC number on the item matches the shelf tag item/UPC number.
The Protein Smart color guide on shelf tags in stores is tan, and may help time-crunched shoppers locate items that meet lifestyle goals. Please see the standards below for the full criteria. The Know Your Colors Program (https://cms-uat-pch.unataops.com/know-your-colors/) is intended for general nutrition information and not as a treatment for any issue or condition.
Please consult your healthcare provider and/or registered dietitian-nutritionist for information directly relating to individual health needs. Read the entire food label to get complete information on any product. It is anticipated that the Know Your Colors standards may be updated or changed as national guidelines, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, are revised to include new evidence and science. (https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/fda-nutrition-innovation-strategy) Please contact our Consumer Services Department with any questions. https://cms-uat-pch.unataops.com/about-us/customer-service/contact-us/
V1 1/2020