Sunflower Farmers Market

Our Smart Tags Program is an easy-to-read nutrition labeling program that will be implemented in all of our storesthis December. Smart Tags has been formulated by a registered dietitian and guarantees no manufacturer influence, just the facts, to help you choose healthier options for you and your family.

"I am very excited about our new Smart Tags Program! After months of research, preparation, writing, and product analysis, I am excited to say that Smart Tags offers shoppers a chance to choose healthier options while learning the basics of good nutrition in one shopping experience. I've combined the American Dietetic Association's dietary recommendations with a little forward thinking and my personal passion for whole, real, good food to create criteria for tagging in four areas: Gluten Free, Heart Healthy, Carbohydrate Friendly, and Healthy Weight. No manufacturer influence here, just one registered dietitian trying to help you choose healthier options for you and your family." - Maya E. Nahra, RD, LD Health and Wellness Educator

Criteria for all tags:

All orange "Smart Celiac" Tags have received a label if the food meets the following criteria:

1. Must not contain gluten from wheat , barley, rye, or oats. (Please note: manufactures may change their ingredient listings at any time to include gluten. To ensure a gluten free diet, please check the ingredients on the product package.)
2. Must use ‘clean' ingredients. Tagged products must be free of additives, preservatives, fortification, and unnatural sweeteners. It is favored if the product is manufactured without unnecessary use of excess ingredients but is not required to qualify for the Smart Tag.

All blue "Smart Carb" Tags have received a label if the food meets the following criteria:

1. Must provide a ‘good' source of fiber defined as 2.5-4.9 grams per serving by the American Heart Association.
2. Must be 100% whole cereal grain (including bran, germ, and endosperm). No refined or enriched carbohydrates will be considered. (Other whole grains include: bulgur, whole wheat flour, whole oats/oatmeal, whole grain corn/corn meal, popcorn, brown rice, whole rye, whole grain barley, wild rice, buckwheat, buckwheat flour, triticale, millet, quinoa, and sorghum.)
3. Must use ‘clean' ingredients. Tagged items must be free of additives, preservatives, fortification, and unnatural sweeteners. It is favored if a product is manufactured without unnecessary use of excess ingredients but is not required to qualify for the Smart Tag.

All red "Smart Heart" Tags have received a label if the food meets the following criteria:

1. Fat must be derived from a whole food fat source (avocadoes, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds, eggs, fresh fish, and flax), not overly processed, contain 0 Trans fat, and 0 hydrogenated oils. (For specific information on American Heart Association guidelines, please visit www.americanheart.org.)
2. Sodium must not exceed 140 mg per serving (‘low sodium' as defined by the FDA). It is favored is the product utilizes sea salt but is not required to qualify for the Smart Heart tag.
3. Must use ‘clean' ingredients. Tagged items must be free of additives, preservatives, fortification, and unnatural sweeteners. It is favored if a product is manufactured without unnecessary use of excess ingredients but is not required to qualify for the Smart Tag.

All purple "Smart Weight" Tags have received a label if the food meets the following criteria:

1. Must provide a nutrient rich source of calories and not exceed 500 calories per serving.
2. Must contain a whole food source of lean protein in the amount of 3 grams or more per serving.
3. Must use ‘clean' ingredients. Tagged items must be free of additives, preservatives, fortification, and unnatural sweeteners. It is favored if a product is manufactured without unnecessary use of excess ingredients but is not required to qualify for the Smart Tag.