Wal-Mart expands protein bars to main grocery aisles

FILE - This May 28, 2013 file photo shows a sign outside a Wal-mart store in Duarte, Calif.
FILE - This May 28, 2013 file photo shows a sign outside a Wal-mart store in Duarte, Calif.

NEW YORK — Wal-Mart is expanding its offering of protein bars like Special K and Clif beyond the health food areas to the main grocery aisles of its stores, starting in January.

The move comes as the world's largest retailer, like many other stores, is going on a health kick aimed at its customers. Target Corp. said last month that it was pushing granola bars and health grab-and-go snacks over candy at the checkout aisles in 30 of its stores. And CVS is also adding more fresh foods and health snacks at many of its locations while moving bagged candy out of prime store space in the first aisle.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., based in Bentonville, also said Tuesday that it will be offering free blood glucose, blood pressure, and vision screening at all of its 4,400 stores on Saturday. The discounter will also be offering immunizations for a fee in select stores. That's expanded from its first health fair it had last year when the event was held in 2,200 stores.

Over the past year, Wal-Mart has been expanding its preventative and wellness products like specialty prescriptions.

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