WIN $25 Gift Card to Celebrate Safeway’s New “Simple Nutrition” System
Categories: Contests, New Gluten Free Products, News
Tags: , Gluten Free Shopping, Grocery Stores
I was contacted a couple weeks ago about Safeway’s new “Simple Nutrition” program. “What is the “Simple Nutrition” program,” you might ask (I did).
According to their promotional materials,
SimpleNutrition is a proprietary in-store shelf tag system, designed to help our customers find better nutrition choices among foods and beverages most important to them and their families. Green shelf tags are located throughout the store next to our Everyday Low Prices and Club Card specials. SimpleNutrition offers customers nutritional guidance and information in printed materials available in stores and in additional online resources including articles, tips, recipes and more.
Collaborating with nutritionists and food labeling experts, Safeway has devised this shelf tag system to alert customers to products that meet certain nutritional criteria. Among these, are 4 categories for lifestyle/dietary needs: Gluten Free, Organic, Natural and Calorie Smart
I asked Safeway about these designations, and how they determined which products could be labeled “Gluten Free.” It is often difficult for consumers to determine whether an item is truly free of gluten, so I was interested to know how Safeway stores would assign this label. Turns out, they rely on the manufacturer to do so. It makes sense, as neither Safeway, nor any other grocer, realistically has the ability to determine if each food manufacturer‘s products are truly gluten-free. Unfortunately, at this writing, it’d be a short list if they restricted this designation to only those products that are verified by an independent certification organization. What’s more, the two most popular programs don’t even agree on a standard: the Gluten Free Certification Organization – GFCO – certifying at 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten or less, and the Celiac Sprue Association insisting on 5 ppm or less.
Yes, I’m beating my food-labeling drum again: we need a federal standard for “Gluten Free.” (See the American Celiac Disease Alliance for details.) Such a standard would educate and protect both consumers and manufacturers, and while we’re on the subject, grocers. At this point, Safeway, and any other progressive food stores attempting to help consumers locate and choose safe foods, simply can’t be certain of the true gluten-free status of any product on its shelf unless it is independently certified by one of the aforementioned organizations. It is because of this situation that Safeway should get behind the groundswell of grassroots sentiment in the gluten-free community, calling for such a federal labeling standard. It would make their tags more reliable and would further ease consumer concern over accurate package labels.
Until such time as the FDA enacts a federal gluten-free standard for food labeling, Safeway’s tags are a good start. However, it remains incumbent upon each of us as gluten-free consumers to read and weigh the information provided on each food package. Is it worth the risk to try a cereal that is not independently certified as gluten-free, when it is made in a facility that also produces gluten-containing cereals? Is it wise to choose a can of beans which is not labeled gluten-free, but has no gluten listed on its label? These are decisions we have to make every day, and even with such a tag system, we will still have to make for ourselves.
I applaud Safeway for recognizing a need and for developing this program to help its customers make better, safer food choices. Once incorporated into Safeway’s on-line shopping site, I think the benefits of this program will be even more evident, with category searches that can limit page views to just foods with certain nutritional tags. And cnce food labeling in gluten-free becomes more reliable, this system could be a real Godsend to shoppers saddled with dietary restrictions.
Here’s a look at what their typical store shelves are starting to look like (if you haven’t seen these tags at a Safeway near you, expect to see them appear soon). Each tag can have one or two “benefits” called out, and should make it faster to locate products fitting your nutritional needs. I have heard some chatter that the tags are confusing because they are so populous. I can see the point, and Safeway should be careful that tagging too many products with too many similarly colored labels could cause label fatigue and defeat the program’s purpose. I expect these kinks will be worked out in due time through customer feedback though, and I still net out thinking that these tags will benefit many customers, not only those shopping for gluten-free.
To celebrate this new program and to encourage everyone to check it out for themselves, Safeway has given me THREE 25$ GIFT CARDS to give to three lucky grocery shoppers! These cards are good for purchases made at Safeway, Vons, Dominick’s, Genuardi’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Pavilions and Carrs.
The contest ended Monday March 7, 2011 12:00 pm EST.
Three winners were picked at random (using Random.org). The winners are:
Charlene Schwieger; Brenda; & Sharon (as listed in comments below).
Go to Jules Gluten Free Flour on Facebook and send me a message OR email Support@JulesGlutenFree with how to contact you so that I can get your $25 gift card to you asap! If we don’t hear from you by March 15, new winners will be selected.
Thanks for all your thoughts on Safeway’s new system. Customer feedback from people like us is what will shape labeling systems like Simple Nutrition, and make them better!
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Jazmine @ Gracefully Glutenless said: on March 1, 2011
I liked your page! and, I love what Von’s is doing. Ralph’s is doing a similar thing and i think it’s soo cool! so many of my friends and my grandparents don’t know how to read labels for gluten free foods and this helps so much
Gwendolyn Gross said: on March 1, 2011
Thank you so much for doing what you do! Your flour and cookbooks have made my life so much easier! I love reading all of you status updates on FB with different stories and recipes. Your awesome! Thanks again!!
Laurie S said: on March 1, 2011
Oh we like you alright… (;
Thanks for making a difference in our world. I love that stores are taking notice.
Melissa D said: on March 1, 2011
I “like” you on FB! I also like what they are doing at Safeway. Making it easier to spot GF products is a great timesaver!
Elaina D said: on March 1, 2011
Thanks for all you do for celiac patients! And more importantly for the mom’s who have to cook for them!
Nicole said: on March 1, 2011
Yay for easier shopping! I already “like” you on FB!
Tami Lenn McAfee said: on March 1, 2011
I have “liked” you on facebook for awhile because I “LOVE” your flour and all my friends got me hooked. I am intolerant to wheat and you make my life so much easier! Thanks Jules!!
Stephanie Kirk said: on March 1, 2011
I like your page! My son was recently dx with several allergies and this site is going to help me feed my family and be less stressed. My son has trouble sleeping at night as he has atypical movements that keep him awake. This is tough on the family and we found that his may be neurologically related to some of his allergies. Happy I found your site & I hope my son sleeps better off certain foods.
Eileen said: on March 1, 2011
I like you of FB.
Hopefully, the new Safeway labels can tell me what items I can use, so I don’t have to cook “everything” from scratch. Thanks for your flour mix recipe too!
Gina Lannin said: on March 2, 2011
Your flour blend does everything you promise it does. I “like” you on Facebook! Thanks!
Charlene Schwieger said: on March 2, 2011
I’m so happy that a friend suggested you on Facebook! I love seeing all the yummy things you make and now I know that I can eat delicious food again!:)
Julia Cranford said: on March 2, 2011
I like you on FB. I’m new to gluten free so I am very excited to find you!
Megan said: on March 2, 2011
I just ‘liked’ your facebook page!
I love when companies make our shopping easier! Saves me time at the grocery store – looking through all the labels is frustrating and time-consuming…
Cindy said: on March 2, 2011
Thank You Jules for your creativity and all that you do in inspiring us and helping to make our food choices sooo much more enjoyable with your flours. I look forward to your posts on FB and emails! I especially loved the Oatmeal Cake recipe. Cheers!
cindy said: on March 2, 2011
Wish your contest was not limited to those that facebook. Not all of us that are fans of your blog use facebook – and shouldn’t be excluded.
Jules said: on March 2, 2011
Hi Cindy, great point and I’ll update in the text. You’re entered because you left a comment, so no worries! ; )
Sharon said: on March 2, 2011
I love it that Supermarkets and manufacturers are labeling more and more clearly. I agree that they have WAY too many possible names on tags, but it is a helpful start heading in the right direction.
It will be really helpful to new celiacs and people who want to buy for them, but don’t know how to determine if something is GF or not. Still don’t forget to check every label!
pat said: on March 2, 2011
I enjoy your blog and emails. I cannot do FB, sorry. I think this will be great that the stores are using labels. It will make it easier for all of us.
Melanie Binkley said: on March 2, 2011
I love your site and look forward to your posts.
Today is Gluten Free day 6 and I am still in the overwhelmed learning stage (who knew there was wheat flour in licorice? Ha! Ha!) Vons is my usual grocery store so personally I feel supported by this and hope more do it making it easier to live healthy! Thanks for all you do. And I already have done the “like” thing on your page!
Ellen C. said: on March 2, 2011
I was diagnosed with Celiac Sprue Feb. 2010 and just celebrated one year being GF. It’s been an amazing journey and you have made the transition much easier with all your wonderful products and recipes. I already ‘like’ you on FB.
) Thanks so much, Jules!
Trish S. said: on March 2, 2011
I think it’s helpful that they label, but READ, READ, READ the labels. I have recently bought things that one would think are gluten free, but on reading the label they are processed in facilities that also process wheat, or they actually have wheat derivatives, or oat in them.
Gail said: on March 4, 2011
I ‘Liked’ you months ago! You share such useful information with us. (Plus, your writings are articulate and your grammar is correct with accurate spelling. I very much appreciate those qualities!)
)
As to labelling, I applaud Safeway for starting their ‘Simple Nutrition’ program. So many Americans have been raised on a fast food diet that we no longer know how to choose foods based on a good nutrition basis.
The fact that Safeway labels products on a calorie-wise basis, not just allergies, etc., is a great step forward in the fight against obesity!
I give Safeway a Gold Star for the ‘Simple Nutrition’ program. For decades,I’ve trusted Safeway to deliver safe, nutritious products. Now, I trust them to provide necessary information to help me acquire, then maintain, my good health.
Mary Lou said: on March 4, 2011
I have liked you for a while. I love your flour! I am sitting eating a piece of banana bread I made with it yesterday. I like the idea of the simple nutrition labeling at our Dominicks. They are very responsive to all inquiries regarding their gluten free products. Even when it is to point out a product that they started to carry was $4. more than any of the other local stores that carried it. The price has been adjusted.
Michelle said: on March 4, 2011
I “like” you on Facebook.
I really like what Safeway is doing here. My local co-op identifies gluten free items in a similar visual way and I can tell you it makes shopping so much easier. It helps me spot items I would have missed otherwise. I definitely don’t have the time to go up and down each aisle looking at every item!
Glad Safeway is doing this and hope more stores get on board!
Lisa Grisham said: on March 4, 2011
Already “liked” your FB page for a while! I love your info that you pass on, and it makes life more fun and easy. Also love that more stores are labeling things GF! So helpful!
Amber K said: on March 5, 2011
I “like” you. Lol, it looks so weird to type that.
I love it when grocery stores realize that we could use more information. And not just that, but for it to be easier to see and access.
Stephanie Kirk said: on March 7, 2011
i LIKE YOU ON fb. I am GF and so is my family. Safeway offers some GF items.
Twila B said: on March 7, 2011
I “like’d your page some time ago. I will add that I still “like” it. Thank you for your good work.
Lisa Moore said: on March 7, 2011
Already LIKED you before! So glad stores are getting more involved to make it easier for us to buy from them. I read a lot of labels, but when something tells me it is gluten free, it is actually refreshing!!! Oh, and we love your flour. Finally broke down and bought three bags last week!!! Thank you for doing what you do.
trudy winter said: on March 7, 2011
I too “liked” your page many months ago. Very greatful that you spend so much time and effort making the perfect recipe saving us the expense of so many failed outcomes.
I buy many foods that do not have gluten listed because living this way is so terribly expensive. But even if I have checked the label before, I spot check because ingredients change. Keep checking those labels!!
rebecca.k said: on March 7, 2011
I have ‘liked’ your page for several months. I LOVE your flour! It is the BEST gluten-free flour on the market!
I really like the new nutrition labels that stores like Safeway are using. It makes it very easy to identify gluten-free products!
Lisa said: on March 7, 2011
Thank you so much for doing this! Of course we like your fb page!
)) I heard about vons doing this on the radio and I was thrilled. It’s just nice that they’re taking the time to do this. It’s also a way for our family & friends to learn while they shop!
Deena ellson said: on March 7, 2011
I “like” your page months ago…..I love your products and I am so thankful for Safeway….It is such a blessing to have companies care….Thank you Jules for all you do….God bless!!!!!
MC said: on March 7, 2011
I liked your page. I think food should always be clearly labeled. I only want the best food for my family.
Thanks for your help in making this happen.
MC
jen said: on March 7, 2011
I like your fb page
Lisa F. said: on March 7, 2011
I don’t just “like” you, I “love” you. Thank you and Safeway make our quest for gluten free items easier.
Julie Holmes said: on March 7, 2011
Ok I LIKE LIKE LIKE you!! Your site has been making a huge difference and has been making it easier and easier to go Gluten Free!! Thank you!!
peggy said: on March 7, 2011
I liked your fb page!! Cool giveaway, thanks!
Karen Ryle said: on March 7, 2011
Thanks for the info Jules. I shop at our local Wegmans store which has a little “G” on the majority of their GF store brand products. This was a blessing when my daughter was first diagnosed and still is.
Loni said: on March 7, 2011
I liked the link on FB and have liked your page before.
I am recently gluten free and am so happy to know that more and more stores are labeling more clearly, some even have their own sections for them. I have requested this and recommended GF food brands to the local stores out here because it is so important that these items are available and the stores are knowledgeable about having them.
Thank you for what you do for us. In Light, Loni
Lauren said: on March 7, 2011
I love your page and your flour! It’s awesome to finally have “normal” tasting baked goods that everyone in my family enjoys. I’m also really excited about Safeway’s new program. I went to one of the stores last week to check it out and think it’s a great idea. Usually, it takes FOREVER to grocery shop but having labels saves a lot of time reading labels and searching for products. It’s great to see so many businesses becoming more gluten-free friendly.
Christine N. said: on March 7, 2011
I liked your facebook page, and I like that the labels in Vons are color coordinated to make it easier to find things I’m looking for.
Jillian said: on March 7, 2011
I like your page and I liked it because I love cooking and since I just found out I am allergic your recipe are helping me so much! I just got your flour in the mail last week and I made your pretzels and they were awesome!! Tasted just like the real thing! You are so creative and it benefits all of us that can’t eat gluten. I think what Safeway is doing is good, but there store is also full of products loaded with chemicals and crap. Labeling gluten free and nutrition is a good start, but they also need to start worrying about the bad ingredients in there food like high fructose corn syrup, etc. Also they need to start selling your product!! Lastly I think they take advantage of gluten free buyers for instance I can buy Udi’s bread at Jewel for 4.99 and Safeway wants to charge 7.99. I have also matched up other products and other stores and Safeway charges on most products up to 50% more!
Katie S said: on March 7, 2011
I have liked you on facebook for a long time!!! Love reading your posts and the comments others make on your page as well.
I appreciate any retail store or manufacturer that is making the effort to help those gluten free. Thank you!
heather said: on March 7, 2011
What Safeway. Is doing is making shopping easier for us celiac people..I don’t have to drive all over town as much to get special foods..I ” like” you on fb
Brenda said: on March 7, 2011
Like your page and LOVE that Vons is jumping on the GF labeling bandwagon! We’re so grateful that my son was diagnosed at the cusp of gluten free awareness 5 years ago!!
Rene Alldridge said: on March 7, 2011
I already liked your FB page
I’d love to see a universal GF symbol or certification. I’d also love for soy to be added to the GF title for my own ease but that’s never going to happen
Julie said: on March 7, 2011
Have “liked” you of FB for awhile now. I have friends who are GF and I like to have foods in my house that they can feel comfortable eating without having to ask if they are GF. I love the fact that Safeway is making it easier for me to find such products rather than having to make a special trip to a “specialty” store. It is also healthier for us as a family. Thank you so much!
Denise G said: on March 7, 2011
Of course I “like” you. I’m so excited stores are improving and streamlining our gf shopping experience. Thank you for keeping us up to date.
Cynthia said: on March 7, 2011
i have been gluten Free for the past 4 years, I feel great and I’m very pleased to see GF stuff becoming more and more evident.i like your FB page. the labeling thing is genius!
Geri J. said: on March 8, 2011
I liked you on FB. We have Safeway here in Sa Francisco. I applaud this new labelling. Even if some of the products are not completely to my liking or needs, it is a help to have a possibility culled from the masses of stuff on the store shelves.
Charlene said: on April 6, 2011
Thank you Jules and Safeway for the $25 giftcard!
I spent my giftcard only on gluten free items during my trip to Safeway. I have to admit that I haven’t shopped there in many years. I spent 90 minutes in the store going up and own each aisle to try to see everything!
I was able to try a few brands that I hadn’t seen before and was pleased to see the GF tags on every aisle, not just the 3 foot dedicated GF section. It did make locating items a bit easier, but with all the Club Card tags and other things hanging off the shelf, you had to look carefully to find what you were looking for. Some products were marked with just “Natural” on the shelf labels, when they had GF labeling on their packaging, so maybe they ran short on the GF ones(?)
Overall it’s a BIG step forward, especially for the newly diagnosed gluten sensitive/celiac, and for those who shop for them. Safeway carried a varied assortment of GF offerings, but as with all items make sure to read the labels!
Thanks again and keep up the good work. We ALL appreciate it!
Char
Jules said: on April 7, 2011
Thank you so much Charlene, for taking the time to share your experience with the the Simple Nutrition tags. I agree that it seems like there maybe are too many tags, which makes it harder to find the ones that are “gluten free.” I also agree that this is a big step forward and I applaud Safeway for these strides in the right direction! Feedback is the only way they will know how to modify or adapt the system to better fit consumers’ needs. Glad you had fun using the gift card you won!!!