What is the Health Star Rating on food packaging?

The Health Star Rating system is designed to provide all shoppers with a quick and easy way to understand nutrition information on pre-packed foods.

The visual guide gives a snapshot of the nutrition quality of food products to make it easy for you to compare similar foods, and make healthier food choices.

Who’s responsible for the Health Star Rating system and where did it come from?

The Health Star Rating system is a joint Australian, state and territory governments and New Zealand Government initiative developed in collaboration with industry, public health and consumer groups. It was launched in 2014. 

Information about the governance and the process of developing the Health Star Rating system can be found on the Health Star Rating website. 

• Studies consistently show that the HSR system is well aligned with Dietary Guidelines and effectively directs consumers towards foods lower in energy, saturated fats, sugars and sodium;
• Most consumers view the HSR system as easy to understand and use, and feel that it makes it easier to decide which packaged foods are healthier;
• In New Zealand, 28% of consumers were influenced by the HSR to change their purchasing behaviour and purchase a product with more stars.
• The HSR System is encouraging food manufacturers to make new and existing products healthier.

How does the Health Star Rating system work?

Products are ranked on a scale of 0.5 to 5 stars. The more stars a product gets, the healthier the choice.

You can use the Health Star Rating to quickly compare similar packaged products, to see which one is the healthier option. So you can compare one breakfast cereal with another breakfast cereal, or one muesli bar with another muesli bar.

The Health Star Rating is not meant to compare different types of foods. So, for example, it's not meant to compare a yoghurt with a packet of crisps.

The Health Star Rating of a product is determined by using a specific calculation based on the amount of:

• energy
• protein
• saturated fat
• sugars
• fibre
• sodium
• as well as values for the presence of any fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes.

Who calculates the Health Star Ratings? 

The number of Health Stars a product receives is determined by a calculator that assesses positive and risk nutrients in food. The calculator was developed in consultation with Food Standards Australia New Zealand and other technical and nutrition experts. 

Food manufacturers and retailers are responsible for the correct and accurate use of the Health Star Rating system. This includes correctly calculating the Health Star Rating, accurately displaying nutrient information, ensuring consistency of information between the Health Star Rating and a product’s Nutrition Information Panel, and complying with all relevant legislation and regulations. 

Do all products have a Health Star Rating label?

According to the five year review, approximately one-third of packaged foods in Australian and New Zealand supermarkets now carry the Health Star Rating, with voluntary uptake increasing since implementation.

Some of the foods that are ineligible for a Health Star Rating include tea, coffee, non-nutritive condiments such as salt, pepper, vinegar and herbs, spices, and foods for specific purposes such as foods for infants and formulated supplementary sports foods.

Does Sanitarium support the Health Star Rating system?

Food labelling

We have more information on food labelling on our Reading Food Labels page.