Shoppers’ trusted health and well-being partner is the grocery store

By: Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN, Vice President, Health & Well-being, FMI

This March, the annual National Nutrition Month® campaign led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics coincides with the recently announced Dietary Guidelines for Americans and a nationwide renewed focus on nutrition. This alignment provides a unique opportunity to discuss the important connection between food and health that spans communities, families and generations across the country. At the center of this momentum stands a consistent, though perhaps overlooked partner: the grocery store. 

The new Dietary Guidelines, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, have sparked interest in cooking more meals at home with nutritious foods from the grocery store. Consumer sentiment is evolving as grocery stores continue to meet shoppers every step of the way. In an FMI survey, nearly half of shoppers report putting more effort into healthy eating, with nearly a third saying they are making “a lot more” effort.

Importantly, shoppers are fine-tuning what they consider “healthy” when they select foods and beverages. Research from FMI and SPINS shows consumers define “healthy” as nutrient-rich foods with no added sugars, reduced sodium, and whole-body benefits that align with their personal goals. More than half say that including positive, healthy attributes is even more important than simply avoiding negative ones. The National Nutrition Month® messaging reminds us that better health begins with everyday food choices, often made right in the aisles, or online, at your local supermarket.

Grocery retailers are proud to be a part of the solution for Americans committed to improving both short- and long-term health; expanding options for nutritious meals and snacks, enhancing transparency around ingredients, and delivering education that empowers shoppers to make informed choices. The average grocery store carries more than 30,000 products at any given time, which in and of itself is impressive, but today’s stores build trust by providing far more than nourishing food. Retailers also provide essential household items, wellness products, credible information and health-related services. Consumers are offered practical solutions, meaningful guidance and support from registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and pharmacists, right at the grocery store, delivering on the concept of health-centered retail, or “retail health.”

With shoppers placing trust in their primary food store as an ally in health, access to these credible experts further distinguishes the grocery store as a partner in health, not just a destination for food. RDNs provide resources across the store, in print and online, to enhance and ease food shopping, meal preparation and health care goals. Many retail RDNs offer in-person or virtual one-on-one counseling, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to help consumers manage medical conditions like diabetes, high-blood pressure, obesity and celiac disease.

Across the industry, RDNs also serve in strategic leadership roles, including regulatory compliance, labeling, ecommerce, food safety, and executive leadership, and many collaborate with culinary experts to develop recipes that meet specific nutrition criteria. 

Pharmacies and clinics further boost grocery store status as health-centered destinations. Eighty-seven percent of retailer respondents to our report on food industry contributions to health and well-being said their stores sell health-tracking devices, such as blood pressure cuffs, continuous glucose monitors, and wearable rings to track health metrics. Among retailers selling health-tracking devices, 92% offer related counseling through pharmacies, retail dietitians (17%) and clinics (8%).

In-store pharmacies extend the health care ecosystem even further. Grocery pharmacies provide vaccinations, home delivery, point-of-care screenings and direct consultation with trusted professionals. They are often accessible in the evenings and on weekends when other options are closed. In some underserved communities, pharmacies in grocery stores might be the only touchpoints for preventive care and medication counseling.

Grocers also offer a variety of affordable options for building health-conscious, nutrient-rich meals and snacks on a budget. An FMI survey from January 2026 shows shoppers feel in control of their grocery spending while maintaining a positive sentiment about their experience. Seventy-four percent agree that grocery retailers work hard to help them stay within budget by offering promotions, coupons, private brands and varied package sizes. And many local grocery stores actively showcase ways families can prepare nutritious meals at home for about $3 per serving — reinforcing that healthy eating and smart budgeting can go hand in hand.

The food industry is doubling down to meet consumer priorities with programs that provide food to improve health, such as food prescriptions, incentives and medically tailored meals and food boxes, which can be supported by services such as store tours, cooking demos, health classes and even one-on-one counseling with registered dietitians. The combination of these food-as-medicine programs and services, right at the grocery store, delivers improved health outcomes for consumers and a return on investment for key investors.

In addition, an estimated 75% of food companies told us they are reformulating products – most commonly removing artificial colors and synthetic dyes, reducing sodium and added sugars, and adding protein and fiber. In another notable area of investment, nearly two-thirds of food industry companies that responded to our survey accept healthy benefit cards issued by health insurance companies, and others are preparing to do so. The top items customers are focused on when using a healthy benefits card include pharmacy products (75%), such as over-the-counter medications, food items (58%) on approved lists, produce prescriptions (50%), non-food items such as exercise equipment (33%) and medically tailored meals (25%). Many of these programs leverage collaboration among dietitians, pharmacists, health care providers and community partners.  

As a nation, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to health. Grocery stores are responding to that movement and rising to the occasion by providing food to build nourishing meals, trusted community health hubs, credible expertise and affordable access, making healthier living attainable for millions of Americans.

National Nutrition Month® reminds us that better health begins with everyday choices, and everyday choices start at the grocery store – one shopping cart at a time.