Med Mark - Product Criteria

Med Mark: The Mark of the Mediterranean

Products bearing the Med Mark represent the core foods and drinks of the Mediterranean Diet.

All foods and drinks included in the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid – with the exception of those in the top section – are eligible to display the Med Mark Stamp as long as they are sold in their minimally-processed state, and are consistent with their traditional form.

Other healthy foods that may not have existed years ago may also be eligible if they meet the
criteria described in the flow chart shown here, and meet the program’s health thresholds.

Health Thresholds:

To be eligible to use the Med Mark Stamp, processed foods (products not sold in their natural, minimally processed state) must be within all of the following limits (per serving):

1. Artificial trans fats: limit of zero grams (no added trans fats in any amount)
2. Saturated fat: limit of 8 percent of total calories from saturated fat **
3. Sodium: limit of 480 milligrams (for individual food) or 600 milligrams of sodium (for meal-type

products) ***
4. Added sugars: limit of 4 grams (or about1 teaspoon)

** Ancel Keys, Seven Countries Studies
*** FDA standard for “healthy”