Choice has issued a release that compares popular lunchbox products like ham sandwiches, muesli bars and milk poppers using the yet to be finalised Health Star rating system.
According to the consumer group, it found significant variations in the nutritional profile of the these types of products by applying the Health Star Rating calculator.
However Choice noted that a difference of one star can mean a significant difference in fibre or sugar content, and it said its lunchbox analysis shows how the Health Star Rating would help by providing an objective rating that can be understood at-a-glance.
Choice said it found:
- Tip Top 9 Grain Wholemeal bread (4.5) rated better than Tip Top Sunblest Soft White Sandwich bread (3.5)
- Meadow Lea Spreadable Original (3) rated better than Western Star Spreadable Original (0.5)
- Primo Thinly Sliced Salt Reduced Leg Ham (4) rated better than Thinly Sliced English Leg Ham (2)
- Bega Country Light Tasty Cheese Slices (4) scored better than Bega Farmer's Tasty Cheese Slices (1.5)
- Freedom Foods Free Oats Chewy Apricot bars (4) rated better than Uncle Tobys Muesli Bars Chewy Apricot (3)
- Devondale Our Lightest One Skim Milk (4.5) rated better than Devondale Moo Chocolate Milk (3)
The Health Star Rating Calculator has been developed by industry, consumer, and public health groups to determine the number of stars for products. It takes into account saturated fat, sugar and sodium as well as extra fibre, protein and the presence of fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes.
The Health Star Rating scheme is expected to be rolled out by food companies on a voluntary basis from July this year, however the Australian Food & Grocery Council is now calling for a cost benefit analysis of the scheme.
