As millions of people embark on New Year resolutions to eat healthier, a new One Poll survey* has found that a third of shoppers find it difficult to know which foods to choose for a healthy diet.
The survey results come as Waitrose launches a new label which will be featured on hundreds of nutritious food and drink products to make it easier for customers to make healthier choices.
The new 'Good Health' label now shows on many of the supermarket's own-brand products, from fresh produce, juices and smoothies to store cupboard essentials including pulses and grains. A number of new healthier products will also be launching at Waitrose, many of which incorporate vegetables in innovative ways in response to the growing demand for plant-based protein.
Every product carrying the Good Health label has been assessed by a team of nutritionists and meet strict criteria based on government guidelines for fat, saturated fat, added sugar and salt, and so won't appear on products with red traffic lights, apart from where the fats and sugars are naturally occurring. The nutritional benefits of the products will be clearly signposted on packaging, including claims such as whether they're high in, or a source of, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients - as well as information on how this in turn benefits health.
Indicators such as 'high in fibre', 'Source of Vitamin D' and '1 of your 5 a day' will help customers to make healthier choices.
Nathalie Winn, Senior Nutritionist at Waitrose, explains:
“We believe there are few things more important than the food we eat, but we know people sometimes find it difficult to know what's a healthier choice, or to know which foods provide certain nutrients.
“With one third of shoppers getting confused by which foods to eat for a healthy diet, we wanted to make it easier than ever for our customers to know they're selecting food that not only tastes good, but is good for you too.
“Whether or not you have specific dietary requirements, the new labels will make it easier for everyone to make simple, healthy choices every day.”
New healthier products launching this month include meat sausages which are also packed with up to 35% fruit, vegetables or pulses, such as quinoa, cauliflower, kale and lentils.
The new range also includes a sandwich made with omelette in place of bread, Edamame Noodles and Mushroom and Miso Stir Fry Bites, all of which add protein to your diet.
Waitrose has also launched a number of tasty, healthy recipes for customers to pick up in store or online this month, as well as a special edition of its Waitrose Weekend newspaper which will help shoppers keep their health resolutions on track.
