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Raley’s makes checkstands ‘better for you’

Healthier snacks eclipse downsized candy offerings

Russell Redman

September 10, 2018

2 Min Read
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Raley’s has set the stage for customers to make smarter choices in satisfying their snack cravings at the checkout lane.

On Monday, the West Sacramento, Calif.-based supermarket chain said it has shrunk the candy offerings at its checkstands by 25%, eliminated conventional candy and replaced it with a bigger selection of snacking options offering greater nutritional value, more portion control and less sugar content.

The new snack assortment at checkout balances nutrition and indulgence, ranging from protein-focused snacks and lower-calorie sweets to low-preservative snacks, according to Raley’s. Examples include bars, such as KIND, Clif and Tahoe Trail; smaller packaged candy, including Chocolove, Bark Thins and Justin’s; chips; beef jerky; nuts, such as Blue Diamond; gum and mints; and alternative snacks like seaweed, rice bars and olives.

Raleys_healthier_checkstand_snacks_0.pngMany of the new snack products meet Raley’s Shelf Guide standards, including nutrient-dense, non-GMO and vegan, among others, the company noted.

“We want to make it easier for our customers to make better choices for their personal health journey,” Raley’s President Keith Knopf said in a statement.

Raley’s rationale behind the move is to emphasize that candy and other sugar-heavy snacks are treats and to counteract impulse buys by placing “better for you” items in the high-traffic checkout area. Citing Food and Drug Administration research, the retailer reported that most Americans consume over 13% of total calories (270 calories) daily from added sugars, exceed the recommended limits.

Related:Raley’s rolls out mobile pharmacy app

Besides providing healthier fare, the updated checkstands will expose customers to new products and lesser-known brands, many of which are industry leaders in offering cleaner ingredient decks, Raley’s said.

“We are already seeing customers respond favorably to our improved offering, which supports their ability to act on their own intentions and choose to eat well, whether they’re filling their carts or grabbing a quick bite,” Knopf added.

Raley’s said the change continues its efforts in recent years to shift shoppers to “better for you” products. In 2016, the grocer eliminated sugar-sweetened soda and cut back on its overall candy offerings, while providing alternative beverage and snack options. The chain’s stores also offer free fruit for children while they shop.

Overall, Raley’s operates 129 stores in California and Nevage under the Raley’s, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods, Food Source and Market 5-ONE-5 banners.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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