Many products compete for your dollar. Only some contribute to your health and the organization fighting for those with diabetes.
The Better Choices for Life program brings the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA's) evidence-based guidelines and perspective directly to you in the store, so you have what you need to make informed choices about the products you purchase.
When you see products with the ADA’s mark on its packaging, you can easily identify those that meet our guidelines. Any claims made by the product related to diabetes management are evaluated to ensure the claims are supported by scientific evidence—so you can feel good about your purchase.
Certain product types are eligible for the program: food products, health- and wellness-related products, and products designed specifically for diabetes management. Note that not all types of foods or products are reviewed—be sure to check the categories we evaluate.
Is that “healthy” frozen meal a good choice for someone looking to manage their diabetes? Product names often include words like “healthy” to imply they are nutritious. But how do you know? The best way is to check the Nutrition Facts label to help you understand the nutrients of any food or beverage. But if you’re in a hurry, or you’re shopping for a loved one or neighbor and aren’t sure what the amounts on the nutrition facts label mean, our Better Choices for Life mark can help you quickly know if an eligible product meets ADA’s nutrition guidelines.
You may encounter products in your local pharmacy or grocery store that claim to be especially good for people with diabetes. But are those shoes or that toothpaste really diabetes-friendly? What does that mean for you or your loved one who lives with diabetes? The truth is, products may make claims inferring they are “good” or made for people with diabetes and it can be hard to tell if these claims are backed by real science. Luckily, there’s an easy way that you can know for sure. Products with our Better Choices for Life label have been reviewed by our science and health experts to ensure you can trust the claims they’re making. Learn about the types of products that can earn this label, and the criteria we use to determine if the claims they are making are true.
Diabetes care and management tools, treatments, and supplies fill the shelves, both real and virtual—including antibacterial sprays and salves, special bandages, over the counter medications, and more. From brand name to generic or store brand options, you’ve got plenty of choices when it comes managing diabetes and its complications you may have. Luckily, making sense of the choices and figuring out which products are right for you or your loved one doesn’t have to be a challenge. Just look for products with the Better Choices for Life label on the package, and you can breathe easy knowing that their medical claims have been reviewed by our team of diabetes experts. Find more information on the diabetes care products that may carry our label and the standards we use.
The American Diabetes Association's Better Choices for Life program is designed to help consumers make informed choices about the products they purchase. Not all products or food categories are eligible for the program. Detailed requirements for the program are outlined, published for inspection. The brand mark represents that the ADA has reviewed the product against that set of criteria. The Better Choices for Life program is not a dietary solution for any particular condition or disease. People with medical conditions or dietary restrictions should follow the advice of their health care professionals, including working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for more individualized advice.
Manufacturers participating in the program pay licensing fees to the American Diabetes Association.
With your support, the American Diabetes Association® can continue our lifesaving work to make breakthroughs in research and provide people with the resources they need to fight diabetes.
