Our nutrition experts certify that foods carrying the Go! Foods® label meet national nutritional guidelines. All Go! Foods® meet these nutritional criteria:

Minimal Saturated Fat: Less than 4 grams for main dishes; less than 2 grams for side dishes, soups and desserts

Reason: Saturated fats turn on genes that cause inflammation and hardening of arteries, and are associated with higher bad LDL cholesterol levels. This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and some cancers.

Foods high in saturated fats include full-fat dairy products, red meat, coconut oils and palm oils.

No Trans Fat

Reason: Trans fat has no redeeming qualities! It increases bad LDL cholesterol and decreases good HDL cholesterol, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Although trans fat is found in small amounts in some meats and dairy products, most is consumed in the form of hydrogenated oils, which are added to stabilize products and lengthen shelf life. Products that claim to be “trans fat free” have less than 0.5 grams per serving. At Cleveland Clinic, we believe that no amount of trans fat is acceptable and have eliminated trans fat altogether.

Minimal Added Sugars and Syrups: Less than 4 grams for main dishes and desserts; less than 2 grams for side dishes and soups

Reason: Adding sugar translates to empty calories and causes blood sugar to fluctuate.

High blood sugar increases your risks of kidney disease and all arterial aging diseases, including skin wrinkling, impotence, stroke and heart attack.

100% Whole Grain

Reason: Whole grains are a vital source of fiber. Fiber has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers, maintain blood sugar and insulin levels, assist with regular bowel movements and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Women need about 25 grams and men generally need 35 grams of fiber per day. This is hard to achieve by eating refined breads, pastas and rice, from which the fiber has been removed.

Minimal Sodium: No more than 600 mg in entrees; 480 mg in sides and desserts

Reason: High sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and worsening of kidney disease, heart failure and other conditions.

The general recommendation is that no more than 2,300 mg of sodium should be consumed per day – about the amount in one teaspoon of salt.