09.01.04
PepsiCo, Purchase, NY, has introduced the Smart Spot symbol, which is designed to help U.S. consumers identify more than 100 of the company’s food and beverage choices that contribute to healthier lifestyles. The Smart Spot logo will appear nationally beginning this month on PepsiCo brands, including Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay, Quaker and Diet Pepsi. Products with the Smart Spot designation meet nutrition criteria based on authoritative statements from the FDA and the National Academy of Sciences. The Smart Spot criteria include limits on the amount of fat—including saturated and trans fats—cholesterol, sodium and added sugar. The Smart Spot symbol identifies products that are nutritious and contribute fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. The criteria also serve to identify products reduced in ingredients, such as fat or sugar, or products formulated to have specific health or wellness benefits. Currently, more than half of PepsiCo’s new product revenues are coming from Smart Spot products, according to the company, and going forward it says it is committed to have at least half of its new U.S. products qualify for the Smart Spot symbol. Consumers can easily spot the bright green Smart Spot symbol in the front, lower right corner of packaging. The back of all Smart Spot product packaging will explain why the product earned the Smart Spot designation and direct consumers to a website.