About the Heart-Check Food Certification Program Who we are The Heart-Check Food Certification Program was started in 1995 as the first front-of-pack heart-health claim . It is founded on the nutritional criteria used by the FDA for heart-health claims and is supported by the science of the American Heart Association . For more than 25 years we have been certifying consumer-based goods to guide shoppers on choosing healthier options in the grocery store . What we do The Heart-Check Food Certification Program has grown in scope and now certifies products under 11 health claims in 13 categories . These categories include certain oils (canola, corn, soybean, olive and high oleic) fresh fruits and vegetables, extra-lean meat, poultry, pork, fish (high in omega-3), nuts (macadamia, pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts and pine nuts) whole grains, a standard claim for snacks, whole-grain snack bars, milk and dairy alternatives, smoothies, yogurt, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, cereals, beans and breads . Each category encompasses its own set of nutritional criteria where products are screened for fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, beneficial nutrients and, in some cases, added sugar. While most nutritional criteria are similar to what is required by FDA to make a health claim, some Heart-Check mark criteria are stricter to be consistent with our scientific statements and research. Why we do it Over 90% of shoppers look for heart-healthy options at the grocery store and yet only 28% find this easy to do. That’s why we’re here. The Heart-Check mark makes it easy for consumers to find heart-healthy foods at the grocery store . The American Heart Association is committed to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives . By helping shoppers like you choose healthier options we are one step closer to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke for everyone . The Heart-Check mark makes it easy for consumers to find heart-healthy foods at the grocery store . So, look for the Heart-Check mark when shopping for foods for you and your family, and if you don’t see it, ask your grocer . Want to know if your favorite foods or brands are certified? Check out our Heart-Check Certified Product List . To learn more, visit heartcheck.org . 1