Nuts will add 'star power' in Health Star Rating system
Tree nuts are set to be the stars of the new Health Star Rating system, according to nut industry groups. They predict that food manufacturers will increasingly use tree nuts to add extra ‘star power’ to their products.
“Being highly nutritious, nuts have attracted major star power,” said Nuts for Life Dietitian and Program Manager Lisa Yates. “Like fresh fruits and vegetables, all nuts receive between four and five stars out of five, reinforcing their position as an ideal plant food ingredient or healthy snack.
“The reason there is a slight difference in the star ratings of some tree nuts is purely based on variations in protein, fibre and saturated fat content.
“As manufacturers reformulate products to increase their star ratings, we may see more nuts being used. This is because it could tick the box for the important star-boosting section of the algorithm - ‘what percentage of the food product contains fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes (%FVNL)’ - as well as providing additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.”
| Tree nut | Health Star Rating |
| Almond (raw) | 5 |
| Brazil nut (raw) | 4 |
| Cashew (raw) | 4.5 |
| Chestnut (roasted) | 5 |
| Hazelnut (raw) | 5 |
| Macadamia (raw) | 4 |
| Pecan (raw) | 4.5 |
| Pine nut (raw) | 4.5 |
| Pistachio (raw) | 5 |
| Walnut (raw) | 5 |
| Snack | Health Star Rating |
| 30 g of mixed nuts | 5 |
| Red apple | 4.5 |
| Choc-chip biscuit | 1 |
| Plain muesli bar | 3.5 |
| Processed cheese | 3 |
| Rice crackers | 3.5 |
| Choc-chip muffin | 2 |
| Small takeaway cappuccino | 2 |
| Energy drink | 1 |
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