The A-List is an up-to-date and ever-expanding list of single-serve vending and snack products available through distribution or direct ship from manufacturer* that meet the Massachusetts Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods and Beverages in Public Schools and the USDA's Smart Snacks nutritional standards, whichever is stricter.

The A-List is updated weekly and all products are re-evaluated annually in July. Available downloads: Current A-List in one PDF file and the Distributors' list in one PDF file.

Don't see the product you are looking for? Go to MassNETS, the Massachusetts Nutrition Evaluation Tool for Schools, to evaluate the product to determine if it meets the Massachusetts Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods and Beverages in Public Schools and the USDA's Smart Snacks nutritional standards, whichever is stricter. MassNETS can be used to evaluate any single-serving snack or beverage item, including those purchased outside of the school nutrition program. This tool can be helpful when evaluating products for school stores, vending machines, classroom parties or other school-based events. It can also be used to submit school nutrition program products for A-list consideration.

*A-List products are generally not available at your local grocery store; rather they are formulated to meet nutrition standards for school snacks and may be purchased by your school nutrition program.

Please follow these 5 easy steps using the Massachusetts Nutrition Evaluation Tool for Schools, MassNETS, on our website:

  1. Select a product category
  2. Enter the nutrition information
  3. Ensure the ingredients are compliant
  4. See the results
  5. Submit the product for A-list approval

Please note that product evaluation by JSI is not mandatory, however, compliance to both the state and federal standards is required in Massachusetts. Questions? Please email .

The Massachusetts Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods and Beverages in Public Schools was passed in 2010 in response to the childhood obesity epidemic and became effective August 1, 2012. In 2014, the standards were updated to incorporate USDA Smart Snack standards. The final standards went into effect December 5, 2014. An easy reference guide to the updated standards can be found at Massachusetts Competitive Foods and Beverages "At a Glance" Chart.

These Standards apply to competitive foods and beverages sold or provided until 30 minutes after the school day ends. However, foods and beverages sold in vending machines must meet the standards at all times.