Carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli were at the top of the ANI scale; oranges and bananas were the top-scoring fruits in the index. Twenty-five Campbell-s soups followed closely on the ANI scale, particularly condensed vegetable soup varieties that are lower in sodium, like Campbell-s- Healthy Request- condensed vegetable soups, which is certified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association, and Campbell-s- Tomato soup, which recently underwent a 32 percent reduction in sodium and is one of the top-selling soups in the United States. Other fresh or cooked vegetables (peas, string beans, squash, lettuce) and fresh fruits (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, nectarines, apples) were also highly ranked.

Drewnowski-s research indicates that food, nutrition and price are typically viewed independently by experts. He believes a more inclusive concept of nutrition-per-dollar must be embraced broadly by health experts and the government, as it more accurately reflects the way people actually make food decisions.

-The obesity epidemic in this country has the potential to get even worse if people are unable to find nutritious choices they can afford and that also fit with their lifestyle,- said Drewnowski. -I-m hoping the Dietary Guidelines set to be released in 2010 will include the importance of affordable nutrition in its recommendations.-

Drewnowski points out that soup has added value and appeal for people because it can easily be found in most supermarkets and local convenience stores, is simple to prepare and highly satisfying. Plus, there are many varieties to choose from, which helps make affordable menu planning enjoyable.

-Ease, familiarity and enjoyment are critical to developing lifelong habits,- said Drewnowski. -If nutrition and health professionals can get people to include affordable, nutritious and convenient foods as part of a balanced diet, we have moved them a step in the right direction toward healthful eating.-

Source: Weber Shandwick Worldwide