Center store foods, often overlooked in health conservations in favor of fresh options, play a critical role in shaping accessible, affordable, and nutrient-rich diets. This session reframes the conversation by highlighting how commodity foods and shelf-stable staples can serve as positive carrier foods for essential nutrients.
We'll explore strategies for integrating these products into healthy dietary patterns while addressing consumer perceptions and purchasing behaviors. Attendees will gain insights from recent research on buying trends, barriers, and motivators, and learn how to translate these findings into practical recommendations. The discussion will also cover how dietitians can guide clients toward smart center store choices that align with health goals and cultural preferences.