The Healthy Food Guide Awards has named its favourites from the supermarket shelf, with McKenzie’s Superblend fibre and protein packs named Product of the Year.
A team of dietitians analysed hundreds of brands across 11 different categories to find the most nutritious, then a panel of food experts put them to a taste test.
Winners in this year’s awards are:
2016 Product of the year
McKenzie’s SuperBlend range
SuperBlend Fibre: Freekeh, Lentils & Beans; SuperBlend Protein: Lentils, Quinoa & Beans
Judges’ comment – “It removes the fuss of slow-cooking lentils, beans and whole grains, and these high-fibre blends boil up in just 15 minutes,”
Best kids’ lunch box snack
The Happy Snack Company Kids Roasted Fav-va Beans (Pizza)
Judges’ comment – "Rich in fibre – not salt and fat like many lunch box snacks."
Best sweet treat
Mayver's Cacao Super Spread
Judges’ comment – "A chocolatey spread that’s a good source of fibre, protein and heart-healthy fats."
Best snack bar
Wallaby Granola Bar (French Vanilla with Sour Cherry)
Judges’ comment – "This bar stands out for its great flavour – and it has a third of our daily fibre needs "
Best allergy-friendly snack
The Happy Snack Company Crunchy Roasted Fav-va Beans (Red Pepper & Chilli)
Judges comment – "Free from gluten and nuts, this low-kilojoule snack is an easy and delicious way to eat more fibre-rich legumes, and it will fill you up too."
Best on-the-go dairy snack
Coon Natural Tasty Cheese Snacks
Judges’ comment – "This classic cheese now comes in snack-sized wrapped portions which are an easy, calcium-rich snack you can nibble on the go or pack into work/school lunchboxes."
Best breakfast cereal
Uncle Tobys 3-minute Steel Cut Oats
Judges’ comment – "While steel-cut oats need stove-top cooking, this innovative cereal offers a heart-friendly hot breakfast in only three minutes."
Best allergy-friendly staple
Burgen Gluten-free Soy-Lin Bread
Judges’ comment - "We love this gluten-free bread’s taste and texture, and with nearly 20 per cent of your fibre needs in two slices, you’ll be on your way to your daily target."
Best time-saving product
Coles Brown Rice & Chia Seed
Judges’ comment - "Microwave rice pouches are an easy and convenient way to eat more whole grains, and the chia seeds add a nutrient boost. Half a pouch has 30 per cent of your daily fibre needs."
Best meal flavouring
Table of Plenty Pistachio Dukkah
Judges’ comment - "This nutty spice mix has just a sprinkling of salt compared to many other meal flavourings, and is great for coating chicken or fish, or you could even sprinkle it over a boiled egg as a snack."
Best ready-made meal
Woolworths Delicious Nutritious Beef & Tomato Casserole - as part of Michelle Bridges' range
Judges’ comment – "Extra points for meaty chunks and a home-style flavour. It’s great for those wanting to avoid highly processed frozen meals."
Best vegetarian food
Vegie Delights Chickpea & Red Lentil Kofta
Judges’ comment – "With more than 10g of hunger-busting protein and less than 500mg of sodium per serve, these chickpea patties are a tasty stand-by to include in your next meat-free meal."
