United Supermarkets, LLC has begun using the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System in all of its stores across its United Supermarkets, Market Street, and Amigos United grocery banners. The rollout marks the program’s first use by a Texas grocer.

The NuVal System is a nutritional ranking system that provides nutritional information in one simple number between one and 100; the higher the score, the better the product’s nutrient value. The ratings are developed independently by a team of nutrition and medical experts without retailer or manufacturer influence. NuVal scores are clearly visible on shelf labels, so guests now can compare both product pricing and overall nutritional value with ease.

“NuVal’s innovative food-scoring system is revolutionizing the shopping experience, and we’re the first Texas grocer to bring this innovation to our aisles,” said Robert Taylor, EVP and CEO at Lubbock-based United Supermarkets. “While there are many options in nutrition labeling, we feel that NuVal offers the most robust system available. Furthermore, they operate without the influence of food manufacturers, meaning this is a system our guests can depend on.”

All six of the company’s Dallas-Fort Worth-area Market Street stores will feature the NuVal system by mid-March, and the company plans to have all 50 stores outfitted with the new system by the end of the year.

United’s “Living Well” philosophy fits well with the foundation behind the NuVal scoring system. NuVal was created as a result of the rapidly rising rates of obesity and diabetes in both adult and child populations. Recently, the system received official endorsement from the American College of Preventive Medicine — the first time an independent medical/public health organization with national stature has endorsed a nonfederal nutrition guidance system.

In October 2009, United became one of the founding members of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, whose stated mission is to reduce obesity by 2015. HWCF members already have committed more than $20 million to the joint initiative to raise awareness of the importance of balancing a healthy diet with physical activity.

“Using NuVal, our guests will have access to an easy and reliable way to determine the most nutritious items in our stores,” said Alicia Brown, United’s health-and-wellness marketing manager. “No matter what they’re buying, they will have a way to instantly determine the most nutritious foods, whether it’s in pasta or pizza.”