What is the Health Star Rating?
The Health Star Rating (HSR) system is a front-of-pack labelling system designed to provide a quick and easy way to compare the nutritional profiles of packaged foods. It was developed by the Australian, state and territory governments in collaboration with industry, public health and consumer groups and is also used in New Zealand. The primary goal of the HSR is to help consumers make informed and healthier food choices at a glance.
The system assigns a rating from 0.5 stars to 5 stars, with 0.5 being the least healthy and 5 being the most healthy. The rating is displayed on the front of packaged foods, making it easy for shoppers to compare similar products within the same category. This allows consumers to quickly assess which product has a better nutritional composition.
The HSR system is voluntary for food manufacturers, but its widespread adoption has made it a valuable tool for consumers seeking to improve their diets. For more information about Foodlabel, visit our homepage.
How the Health Star Rating is Calculated
The Health Star Rating is calculated using a specific algorithm that takes into account both the beneficial and detrimental nutrients present in a food product. The algorithm is based on the following components:
Base Points: These are awarded based on the energy (kilojoules), saturated fat, total sugars, and sodium content per 100g or 100ml of the product. Higher levels of these nutrients result in a higher base point score, which negatively impacts the final star rating.
Modifying Points: These are awarded based on the presence of positive nutrients, including dietary fibre, protein, and the proportion of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and legumes (FVNL) in the product. Higher levels of these nutrients result in a lower modifying point score, which positively impacts the final star rating.
The algorithm then combines the base points and modifying points to arrive at an overall score. This score is then translated into a star rating, ranging from 0.5 to 5 stars.
Specific Nutrient Considerations
Energy (Kilojoules): The higher the energy content, the lower the star rating.
Saturated Fat: High saturated fat levels negatively impact the rating.
Total Sugars: Higher sugar content leads to a lower rating. It's important to note that the HSR considers total sugars, not just added sugars.
Sodium: High sodium levels reduce the star rating.
Dietary Fibre: The presence of fibre improves the rating.
Protein: Higher protein content contributes to a better rating.
Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts, and Legumes (FVNL): A higher proportion of these ingredients leads to a higher rating.
Example Calculation
Imagine two breakfast cereals. Cereal A is high in sugar and low in fibre, while Cereal B is lower in sugar and higher in fibre. Cereal A would receive a higher base point score due to its high sugar content and a lower modifying point score due to its low fibre content, resulting in a lower Health Star Rating. Cereal B, on the other hand, would receive a lower base point score and a higher modifying point score, leading to a higher Health Star Rating.
Interpreting the Star Rating
The Health Star Rating provides a simple visual representation of the nutritional value of a product. Here’s how to interpret the rating:
0.5 – 2 Stars: These products are generally considered to be less healthy choices within their category. They may be high in energy, saturated fat, sugar, or sodium, and low in beneficial nutrients like fibre and protein.
2.5 – 3.5 Stars: These products represent a moderate choice. They may have a balance of both beneficial and less desirable nutrients.
4 – 5 Stars: These products are generally considered to be the healthiest choices within their category. They are typically lower in energy, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, and higher in beneficial nutrients like fibre and protein.
It's important to remember that the HSR is designed to compare products within the same category. For example, you should compare breakfast cereals to other breakfast cereals, not to fruits or vegetables. A 3-star breakfast cereal might be a healthier choice than a 1-star breakfast cereal, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's as healthy as a 5-star piece of fruit.
Limitations of the Health Star Rating
While the Health Star Rating is a useful tool, it's important to be aware of its limitations:
Categorisation: The HSR is designed to compare similar products. Comparing products across different categories can be misleading. For example, a processed snack food with 3 stars should not be compared to fresh produce.
Focus on Nutrients: The HSR primarily focuses on specific nutrients and doesn't necessarily consider other factors like the level of processing, additives, or the overall quality of ingredients. A highly processed food with added vitamins could potentially achieve a higher star rating than a less processed option with naturally occurring nutrients.
Voluntary System: The HSR system is voluntary, meaning that not all products display the rating. This can make it difficult to compare products when some have a rating and others don't.
Serving Size: The HSR is based on a 100g or 100ml serving size, which may not align with the actual serving size consumed. Consumers should still pay attention to the nutrition information panel to understand the nutritional content per serving.
Algorithm Changes: The algorithm used to calculate the HSR has been updated since its inception, and may be updated again in the future. This can lead to changes in the star ratings of products over time.
Doesn't Account for All Health Aspects: The HSR doesn't account for all aspects of a healthy diet. For instance, it doesn't consider the importance of whole foods, variety, or individual dietary needs. If you have specific dietary requirements, you might want to consider our services for tailored advice.
Using the Health Star Rating to Make Healthier Choices
Despite its limitations, the Health Star Rating can be a valuable tool for making healthier choices. Here are some tips on how to use it effectively:
Compare Within Categories: Always compare products within the same category. For example, compare different brands of yoghurt, breakfast cereals, or canned soups.
Look for Higher Star Ratings: Generally, choose products with higher star ratings within a category. This indicates a better nutritional profile.
Consider the Nutrition Information Panel: While the HSR provides a quick overview, always check the Nutrition Information Panel for more detailed information on specific nutrients, serving sizes, and ingredients. This is especially important if you have specific dietary needs or concerns.
Don't Rely Solely on the HSR: The HSR should be used as one tool among many. Focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Be Aware of Marketing: Be mindful of marketing tactics that may try to downplay the importance of the HSR. Some products may use misleading claims or focus on specific nutrients to distract from a lower star rating.
Understand Your Needs: Consider your individual dietary needs and preferences when using the HSR. For example, if you have diabetes, you may need to pay closer attention to the sugar content of products, regardless of their star rating. You can learn more about Foodlabel and how we can help you understand food labels better.
Future of the Health Star Rating System
The Health Star Rating system is continuously being reviewed and improved to ensure it remains an effective tool for promoting healthier food choices. Future developments may include:
Algorithm Refinements: Ongoing research and analysis may lead to further refinements of the algorithm used to calculate the HSR, ensuring it accurately reflects the nutritional value of foods.
Mandatory Implementation: There have been discussions about making the HSR system mandatory for all packaged foods. This would ensure greater consistency and make it easier for consumers to compare products.
Inclusion of Added Sugars: There is ongoing debate about whether the HSR should differentiate between total sugars and added sugars. This would provide consumers with more information about the source of sugars in food products.
Expanded Scope: The HSR may be expanded to include a wider range of food categories, such as foods sold in restaurants and takeaway outlets.
- Increased Consumer Awareness: Efforts are being made to increase consumer awareness and understanding of the HSR system through education campaigns and public health initiatives. If you have frequently asked questions about food labelling, check out our FAQ page.
By staying informed about the Health Star Rating system and using it in conjunction with other tools and resources, consumers can make more informed and healthier food choices for themselves and their families.