Don't automatically assume the "low fat" or "lite" version of a particular product will have a higher NuVal® Score. In some instances, these so-called "better" products have less fiber or more sugar and are actually less nutritious overall.
Test your knowledge.
Whether you have hours to prepare a gourmet meal, or if you're rushing to get something on the table after a long day at the office, you can easily trade up with NuVal® Scores at dinnertime.
Product images are included only to show what product was scored and are not intended to suggest any relationship with the manufacturer.
| Category | Current Food | Trade Up | Trade Up Notes |
Main Course |
34
Sirloin Steak Tips |
87
Atlantic Salmon Fillet |
When it comes to protein, this is a rock-star trade-up. Salmon is not only packed with health benefiting omega-3 fatty acids, but also has 4 grams less saturated fat per 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) compared with the sirloin steak tips. |
Starch Side Dish |
34
Ore Idea Steam N' Mash Garlic Seasoned Potatoes |
91
Lundberg Family Farms Quick Wild Rice |
Lundberg Family Farms Quick Wild Rice scores amongst the highest of all rice. With no added salt (which is 260mg less than the Ore Ida Potatoes) plus double the protein and 1g more fiber, this trade up is a winner. |
Vegetable Side Dish |
24
Green Giant Creamed Spinach with Artificial Cream Flavor |
100
Asparagus |
Fresh Asparagus are chock full of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and fiber. The creamed spinach, on the other hand, is chock full of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. Make the trade-up! |
Dinner Rolls |
8
Pillsbury Grands Buttermilk Biscuits |
34
Aunt Millie's Whole Grain Dinner Rolls |
What makes the Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits so buttery? The partially hydrogentated soybean oil, which provides 3.5 grams of trans fats in one serving. Along with the sodium and saturated fat content, these negative ingredients drop the biscuits’ score like a lead weight. Not to mention there only minimal amounts of positive nutrients such a fiber. Aunt Millie’s Whole Grain Dinner Rolls, however, are full of the positives: 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no saturated or trans fats. Enjoy! |
Milk |
55
2% Milk |
91
Nonfat Skim Milk |
That’s right, 2% milk scores 36 points lower than Skim milk on the NuVal Scale. The score is driven by saturated fat content, so go for gold and try transitioning to the milk with a higher nutrition quality! |