Why You Can Trust the Heart-Check Mark

man grocery shopping

There are many food labeling programs and health claims/icons on products in the grocery store. The Heart-Check mark has been guiding shoppers to healthier choices since 1995. Here are some of the hallmarks of a credible front-of-package food labeling program:

Trustworthy Organization

  • The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest, largest voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
  • Consumer research shows that “the AHA is the authority most trusted by consumers to decide if a product may display a nutrition message or mark.”
  • Our mission drives everything we do: Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Science-based Criteria

  • Heart-Check program criteria are based on American Heart Association scientific statements and recommendations.
  • Program nutrition requirements were developed in consultation with expert volunteers.

Validation of Criteria

  • A 2014 research study found that people who report eating foods that meet Heart-Check certification requirements are more likely to eat healthier and have fewer heart disease risk factors.

Transparent Criteria that Comply with Federal Labeling Regulations

  • Heart-Check Food Certification Program nutrition requirements are publicly available on our website.
  • All nutrition requirements comply with federal regulations for coronary heart disease health claims.

Strong Monitoring and Enforcement

  • Program staff validate that products’ Nutrition Facts label values meet Heart-Check nutrition requirements.
  • Lab tests are required when certain nutrient values approach certification limits.
  • Program staff conduct packaging and promotional reviews to ensure compliance with program requirements. 

Ease of Use

  • The Heart-Check mark is easy to spot and takes much of the guesswork out of reading Nutrition Facts and label information.
  • Bundled nutrition requirements take a wide variety of nutrients into account, including saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and beneficial nutrients.
  • Most certified products are available through national grocery chains.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors. See our editorial policies and staff.

Última revisión: jun. 9, 2023