By Charlotte Smith
Copyright glasgowlive
Aldi shoppers will notice a change in all UK stores from next week as the popular supermarket rolls out a major health update that will affect certain products. Aldi has revealed that it is making it “easier than ever” for customers to select healthier food choices while shopping, thanks to a new initiative set to be launched in all UK branches in a matter of days.
As part of this recent effort, the supermarket will unveil its new ‘Live Healthy’ logo. Starting Monday, the “clear and simple” emblem will be displayed on selected own-label products – including fresh produce, soups, and yoghurts.
This logo will highlight items that contribute to a healthy, balanced diet as defined by the UK’s Eatwell Guide. Every product marked with the logo meets stringent nutritional standards. Aldi asserts that this will give shoppers greater confidence when deciding what to place in their baskets and trolleys.
This initiative comes in the wake of the Government’s announcement of its new 10-year health strategy. In response, Aldi has committed to implementing several measures to help customers make healthier choices, reports the Mirror.
To monitor its progress, the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket aims to ensure that 85% of its sales derive from healthy products by 2027. Additionally, it plans to increase the share of fruit and vegetables sold by 14% by the end of 2027.
“At Aldi, our mission has always been to make a variety of healthy food affordable for all,” Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said. “We know our customers want affordable, healthier options that fit into their everyday lives. The ‘Live Healthy’ logo is a simple, trustworthy signpost to help them do just that – without compromising on price or taste.”
In a separate statement, an Aldi spokesperson said: “Aldi has a wide range of initiatives in place to help drive a nutritious diet for its customers, including its Super 6 offers on fresh fruit and vegetables, and its partnerships with Team GB and ParalympicsGB with its Get Set To Eat Fresh programme, helping children aged 5-14 develop the skills required to cook nutritious, affordable meals.”
Key healthy food groups:
Fruits and vegetables Whole grains Legumes Nuts and seeds Lean proteins Healthy fats Dairy alternatives
The NHS says: “Fruit and vegetables contained in shop-bought, ready-made foods can also count toward your 5 A Day. Always read the label. Some ready-made foods contain high levels of fat, salt and sugar, so only have them occasionally or in small amounts as part of a healthy, balanced diet.”
Studies indicate that consuming a minimum of five servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables each day provides significant health benefits. This refers to a combined total of five servings of both fruits and vegetables, rather than five servings of each type.
One serving of fruit or vegetables is defined as 80g. The ‘5 A Day’ initiative is founded on recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which advises people to eat at least 400g of fruits and vegetables each day to reduce the likelihood of severe health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
The government unveiled a new health strategy spanning 10 years back in July, which emphasises three key transitions. The first is shifting care from hospitals to community settings. The second is transitioning from analogue to digital systems, and the third is moving from a focus on treating illness to one on prevention.
This strategy, named “Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England,” aims to modernise the NHS by using new technologies, enhancing community-based services, and prioritising preventative care to lessen the long-term pressure on hospitals. The plan was crafted with contributions from the public and staff via the “Change NHS” initiative.