The highest Health Star Rating achievable on packaged food products is five stars.
The Health Star Rating system is a voluntary front-of-pack labelling initiative designed to help consumers make quicker, more informed food choices. This system assigns a rating from as low as half a star (½) to a maximum of five stars, providing an easy-to-understand visual indicator of a food's overall nutritional profile.
Understanding the Health Star Rating Scale
The more stars a food product displays, the healthier it is generally considered within its category. This straightforward approach simplifies the comparison of similar products, guiding consumers toward more nutritious options.
| Health Star Rating | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| ½ Star | Lowest rating, indicating a less healthy choice |
| 1 Star | |
| 1½ Stars | |
| 2 Stars | |
| 2½ Stars | |
| 3 Stars | |
| 3½ Stars | |
| 4 Stars | |
| 4½ Stars | |
| 5 Stars | Highest rating, representing the healthiest option |
Guiding Healthier Food Choices
The Health Star Rating system provides several benefits for consumers:
- At-a-Glance Information: It offers a quick and easy way to assess the nutritional value of foods without extensive label reading.
- Simplified Comparisons: Shoppers can readily compare the healthiness of different products within the same food category.
- Promotion of Healthier Products: Foods with higher star ratings typically have more beneficial nutrients and lower levels of components that should be limited, such as saturated fat, sugar, and sodium.
By simplifying complex nutritional information into an easily digestible star rating, the system aims to support individuals in making choices that contribute to a healthier diet.
