Source: Anna Cason, Senior Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition 

When grocery shopping, you may notice food packages labeled as “healthy.” This term is meant to help buyers easily identify options that can support their health. To use “healthy” on the label, foods must meet standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When enjoyed within a balanced diet, these foods can contribute to overall well-being. 

At the end of 2024, the FDA announced it would update its definition of “healthy,” which was originally developed in the 1990s. Because nutrition science has changed significantly since then, the new definition is intended to align with current federal dietary guidance and support better health. According to the updated criteria, foods labeled “healthy” must include a certain amount of at least one food group—fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains or protein—and contain limited amounts of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. These modifications reflect the emphasis on a balanced, varied diet rather than a focus on individual nutrients. 

Under the original definition, products like yogurt, breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, snack bars high in added sugar, fortified white bread and fruit punch not containing 100% juice qualified as “healthy.” However, these no longer meet the updated requirements as they either contain too much added sugar or do not include specific amounts of certain food groups. 

Foods that now qualify for the “healthy” label include fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits and vegetables (as long as they contain limited saturated fat, sodium and added sugar), fatty fish such as salmon, trail mix with dried fruit (with limited sodium and added sugar), plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt (with limited added sugar), eggs, water and 100% olive oil.  

While food manufacturers may choose to include “healthy” on the label if their products meet these standards, not all nutritious options will necessarily carry this claim. Ultimately, the new definition can guide consumers toward foods that can support good health but does not encompass every food that can fit into a balanced diet. 

To learn more about healthy food choices, contact your local (COUNTY NAME) Extension office.    

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The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment news and communications team provides monthly Extension Exclusives in the categories of Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences. To see more exclusives, visit https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu.   

 

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