Smart Snacks

Smart Snacks

Smart Snacks are nutrition standards established by the USDA to ensure that foods and beverages sold to students during the school day support healthy eating habits and student wellness. These standards limit calories, sodium, sugar, and fat while encouraging nutritious options such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.

The Massachusetts A-List is a regularly updated resource that identifies single-serve snacks and beverages that meet both the USDA Smart Snacks requirements and Massachusetts nutrition standards. Schools can use the A-List to confidently select compliant products for vending machines, school stores, fundraisers, and à la carte sales.

The A-List is reviewed and updated throughout the year, with all products re-evaluated annually to ensure continued compliance with current nutrition standards.