Healthy Options WA Commonly Supplied Foods and Drinks Guide
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Healthy Options WA Commonly Supplied Foods and Drinks Guide
Acknowledgments The Healthy Options Commonly Supplied Foods and Drinks Guide adapts elements from Queensland Health’s A Better Choice – Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Health Facilities (2007) and the Queensland Departments of Health and Education, Training and the Arts, Smart Choices – Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools (2005). Both strategies build on the NSW Department of Health and NSW Department of Education and Training Fresh Tastes @ School NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy: Canteen Menu Planning Guide (2004, revised 2006). The Healthy Options Commonly Supplied Foods and Drinks Guide has been modified to comply with the requirements of the Western Australia Department of Health’s Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities. The Department of Health wishes to thank and acknowledge the invaluable advice and contribution of members of Healthy Options WA Nutrition Advisory Group and Healthy Options WA Implementation Working Group. The Department of Health also wishes to thank the Western Australian School Canteen Association Incorporated for assistance in the development of these guidelines.
Contents
Section Page
Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Using Nutrition Information Panels ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Fruit, vegetables and legumes .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Dairy products and alternatives ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Breakfast cereals ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Breads and sandwiches..........................................................................................................................................................................12
Rice and noodles ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and alternatives ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Mixed hot meals ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Hot savoury items...................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Oils, sauces, dressings and condiments ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Savoury snack foods ............................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Sweet snack foods, cakes and biscuits ......................................................................................................................................... 27
Ice-creams, ice confections and dairy desserts ....................................................................................................................... 30
Confectionery .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Drinks ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Index A–Z ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
APPENDIX 1 Healthy Options WA – Green, Amber and Red categories ................................................................. 39
APPENDIX 2 Healthy Options WA – Nutrient criteria ........................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX 3 Terminology used in tables.................................................................................................................................... 45
1Overview The Commonly Supplied Foods and Drinks Guide is a guide for catering services within WA Health to assist with interpreting and applying the Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities. The guide complements the information provided in the Healthy Options WA policy. It provides detailed categorisation using ‘traffic light’ categories for the foods and drinks commonly supplied by food outlets or catering services. It also provides ‘tips’ about how to make some foods healthier. This guide does not imply the Department of Health endorsement of any specific products. The food categorisation scheme is designed to assist food outlets to comply with supply guidelines rather than endorsing specific products. In addition, the guide does not address food safety issues. WA Health services are still required to fulfil their regulatory responsibilities for food supply under the Health Act 1911 and the Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations 1993. During the production of the guide, some small refinements were made to the classifications of some foods and drinks. The Department of Health will continue to review and revise the food categorisation system over time to reflect government dietary and nutrition-related guidelines, emerging evidence and changes to the food supply. The tables are based on the definitions of Green, Amber and Red foods provided on pages 10–15 of the Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities (see Appendix 1 for key tables). Foods and drinks have been classified in the category they are most likely to fit: Green, Amber or Red. Varieties of foods and drinks may differ due to ingredients used or cooking techniques, so certain products may fit into more than one category as shown. For items that may fit either the Amber or Red category, check the label against the Amber- Red nutrient criteria. These are provided in Appendix 2 (or on page 21–23 of the Healthy Options WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services and Facilities). Visit the Healthy Options WA website for additional details on recipe guidelines. An explanation of the terminology used in the tables is provided in Appendix 3. Comparing the Healthy Options WA criteria to Nutrition Information Panels The Healthy Options WA nutrient criteria are based on the amount of energy (kilojoules), saturated fat, sodium and/or fibre contained in the item per serve or per 100 grams. The term ‘serve’ in the Healthy Options WA policy means the saleable item (to the consumer), such as a serving on a plate or in a sandwich, packet or drink container. In cases where both per serve and per 100 grams are listed in the nutrient criteria table, both criteria need to be complied (e.g. the amount per 100 grams and the total amount for the item as sold). Note that the serve size quoted on some food and drink Nutrition Information Panels may not be the same as the serve size actually sold or commonly consumed. 2
To ensure that the Healthy Options WA criteria are applied correctly for processed foods and drinks, it is
necessary to consider:
The number of servings per package/container as indicated on the Nutrition Information Panel. In cases
where the packet or container has more than one serve or it is intended to be divided into more than
one saleable item (such as a large quiche or cake), the total amount of energy (kilojoules), saturated fat,
sodium and/or fibre must be divided by the number of saleable servings to determine the nutrient content
(e.g. an 800 gram pizza cut into four individual serves for sale will give a serve size of approximately 200
grams).
Whether the Healthy Options WA nutritional criteria indicate it is necessary to assess the item according
to the nutrients per serve, per 100g or both. For example, some nutrients in a ready-to-eat meal are
assessed per 100g and some are assessed per serve. In these cases, both criteria need to be complied
(e.g. amount per 100 grams and the total amount for the item as sold).
Remember that:
Any foods and drinks that exceed any one of the Amber- Red nutrient criteria relating to the amount
of energy, saturated fat and salt (sodium), or fails to meet the minimum levels of fibre, are classified as
Red. Those that are within all of the specified levels of relevant nutrient criteria are classified as Amber.
For more information about reading labels and categorising processed products, see refer to
Nutrition Information Panels at http://www.healthyoptions.health.wa.gov.au/caterers/info_panels.cfm
3Using Nutrition Information Panels
An example: Sultana and Oat Slice (in an individual package)
Step 1:
Identify the correct assessment table. This food belongs in the group Snack food items – snack food bars
(refer to Appendix 2 in the Healthy Options WA policy document for the nutritional criteria) and should be
assessed against the Amber- Red criteria.
Step 2: Nutrition Information Panel for Sultana and Oat Slice
Servings per package: 2
Snack food items – snack food bars are
Average serving size: 60g
assessed per item or serve. Look at the
QUANTITY QUANTITY
average serving size as sold.
PER PER
SERVING 100G
ENERGY 1068kJ 1780kJ
This slice is pre-packaged with PROTEIN 8.0g 13.3g
a total weight of 120 grams. FAT
This is two times the average
- Total 11.3g 18.8g
serving size on the label
- Saturated 8.0g 13.3g
(i.e. 60g x 2 = 120g)
CARBOHYDRATE 31.9g 53.1g
serving size sold is 120g - Sugars 15.7g 26.2g
SODIUM 102mg 170mg
FIBRE 4.45g 7.4g
Step 3:
Look at the ‘quantity per serving’ column
Nutrition Information Panel for Sultana and Oat Slice
Servings per package: 2
Average serving size: 60g
QUANTITY QUANTITY
PER PER
SERVING 100G
ENERGY 1068kJ 1780kJ Energy (kilojoules)
PROTEIN 8.0g 13.3g
FAT
- Total 11.3g 18.8g
- Saturated 8.0g 13.3g Saturated fat
CARBOHYDRATE 31.9g 53.1g
- Sugars 15.7g 26.2g
SODIUM 102mg 170mg
FIBRE 4.45g 7.4g Fibre
4Step 4:
Nutrition Information Panel for Sultana and Oat Slice
The amount in the package (serving
Servings per package: 2
size) sold is 120g. This is two times
Average serving size: 60g
the average serving size listed in the
QUANTITY QUANTITY
Nutrition Information Panel.
PER PER
SERVING 100G
Values in the quantity per serving
column will need to be doubled to ENERGY 1068kJ 1780kJ
determine the total amount of these PROTEIN 8.0g 13.3g
nutrients provided by the size sold FAT
(i.e. 120g slice). - Total 11.3g 18.8g
- Saturated 8.0g 13.3g
Energy: 1068 kilojoules x 2 = 2136
kilojoules per serve sold CARBOHYDRATE 31.9g 53.1g
- Sugars 15.7g 26.2g
Saturated fat: 8.0g x 2 = 16.0g per
serve sold SODIUM 102mg 170mg
Fibre: 4.45g x 2 = 8.9g per serve sold FIBRE 4.45g 7.4g
Compare the adjusted per serve values against the nutritional criteria to distinguish Amber-Red foods
and drinks.
Snack food items (assess per item or per serve)
Item Nutrient criteria
Energy Saturated Sodium Fibre (g)
(kJ) fat (g) per (mg) per per serve
per serve 100g serve
Snack food bars, muesli >600kJ >3g -Fruit, vegetables and legumes
Fruit1
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Any fresh fruit in season – whole, sliced, cubed, wedges
or quarters.
Fresh and frozen Fruit salad with a mixture of interesting fruit served cold
Green
(with no added sugar) is a refreshing, healthy dessert alternative. Serve with a
dollop of reduced-fat yoghurt, fromage frais or reduced-fat
custard to add interest and variety.
Plain dried fruit is Green.
Snack packs of dried fruit should not exceed 600kJ
energy limit.
Green If fruit is mixed with products each ingredient must meet
Dried fruits
the criteria if independently assessed. Note if fruit is mixed
with nuts a 600kJ energy limit applies – see section 6.2 for
mixed fruit and nut packs.
Amber Snack packs of dried fruit >600kJ energy limit.
Canned fruit in natural juice with no added sugar. Artificial
Green
Canned sweeteners are permitted.
Amber Canned fruit in syrup containing added sugar.
96–100% fruit juice, no added sugar and small serve size
100% fruit juice2 Green
up to 250ml.
96–100% fruit juice, no added sugar and large serve size
100% fruit juice2 Amber
greater than 250ml.
Vegetables
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
All plain vegetables
Includes fresh, frozen,
Any vegetables in season.
canned, cooked, baked Green
Use salt-reduced, canned vegetables where possible.
potatoes or corn-on-
the-cob
Use no dressing or low- or no-oil dressings (see ‘Oils,
sauces, dressings and condiments section’).
Salads
Green Salads can be served as a salad plate, box or tub. It is
Such as garden, mixed,
preferable to leave salads undressed and serve dressings
pasta, potato, rice
separately where possible.
or noodle, tabouleh,
coleslaw or egg Salads containing croutons, bacon or coated meats
Amber that have been shallow-fried are Amber and should be
chosen carefully.
1
See the ‘Confectionery’ section for fruit leather.
2
See the ‘Drinks’ section for all other varieties of fruit juice and vegetable juice.
6Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Vegetables roasted on trays lined with baking paper.
Green Use a mixture of vegetables such as pumpkin, parsnips,
Roasted vegetables red onion or corn.
Not including potatoes Vegetables roasted using poly- or mono-unsaturated
Amber oil spray (see ‘Oils, sauces, dressings and
condiments section’).
Deep-fried Deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. Serve in small
Red
vegetables serve sizes.
Baked potatoes can be cooked in their skins (no fat), split
and filled with Green choices of sandwich fillings; they can
Whole baked potato Green
also be filled with creamed corn, tabouleh, savoury lean
mince or baked beans topped with reduced-fat cheese.
Potato chips may be Amber if they are roasted on trays
lined with baking paper or lightly coat with a poly- or mono-
unsaturated oil spray.
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for oven baked
potato products:
Amber
Amber: 400mg sodium per 100g.
Serve in small amounts – no maximum serve size is
stipulated but it is recommended that serves are no more
than 200 grams.
Potato chips – Deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. Serve in small
Red
deep-fried serve sizes.
100% vegetable juice, no added sugar or sodium. See the
100% vegetable juice Green
‘Drinks’ section for all other varieties of vegetable juice.
7Legumes
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Baked beans can be used in sandwiches and jaffles as a
Baked beans Green
meat alternative. Use salt-reduced varieties where possible.
Lentil patties can be grilled and used in rolls and
sandwiches or served with salads.
Lentil patties Green
If shallow-frying use very small amounts of poly- or
mono-unsaturated oil (e.g.a light spray).
Falafels can be grilled and used in rolls and sandwiches or
served with salads.
Falafels Green
If shallow-frying use very small amounts of poly- or
mono-unsaturated oil (e.g. a light spray).
Deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. Serve in small
Deep-fried products Red
serve sizes.
8Dairy products and alternatives
Milk and milk alternatives3
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Small serve sizes up to 300ml serve.
Reduced-fat and For most people, two years and over, it is recommended
Green
unflavoured4 low- or reduced-fat dairy alternatives be providedYoghurt
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Reduced fat yoghurt withBreakfast cereals
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Wholegrain cereal (no added fruit) with 7g of fibre per 100g cereal is Green.
Green Offer wholegrain cereals, whole-wheat flake and puffed
Wholegrain cereal
cereals, porridge and whole-wheat breakfast biscuits.
(no added fruit)
Serve with reduced-fat milk.
Wholegrain cereal (no added fruit) with >10g sugar per
Amber
100g and/or >7g fibre per 100g cereal is Amber.
Wholegrain cereal with added fruit and >7g of fibre per
Green
Wholegrain cereal 100g cereal is green.
(added fruit) Wholegrain cereal with added fruit and added sugar
Amber
is Amber.
Refined cereal with 10g sugar per 100g cereal and/or
Red
added saturated fats and/or confectionery is Red.
Any cereal with Any cereal, including wholegrain, with added confectionery
Red
added confectionery is Red.
11Breads and sandwiches
Breads
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Breads can be used in a variety of different ways for snacks
Breads
and/or main meal choices. Provide a variety of breads to
Including multigrain,
add interest to the menu.
wholemeal, high-bre
Toasted breads or jaffles served with fillings are a tasty
white, rye, lavash/
Green alternative to sandwiches. They are often popular winter
other at breads,
foods. Bread cases can be filled with similar fillings to
bagels, plain foccacias, baked potatoes.
baguettes and plain
Offer Green sandwich fillings where possible (see
English mufns
‘Sandwich fillings’).
Plain, un-iced breads are Green choices.
Offer small to medium serves (40–60g) per person. Offer
Green
wholegrain varieties (if possible), reduced-fat options
and/or those containing nuts for more fibre.
Small to medium serves of these breads with reduced-
fat and or reduced-sugar and added fibre may fit into the
Amber category.
The Amber-Red nutrient criteria for cakes is applied
to fruit and/or vegetable breads. If the bread per serve is
3g saturated fat, >300mg sodium orItem Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Offer wholegrain options if possible. Rice cakes,
crispbreads and crackers can be served with interesting
fruit, vegetable or cheese toppings such as:
Crispbreads, lavish,
reduced fat ricotta or cottage cheese with sliced
water crackers,
strawberries or peaches
plain rice and corn Green
tomato, basil and reduced-fat cheese
cakes
cherry tomato, onion and avocado
low-fat or reduced-fat dips such as salsas, tzatziki,
hommus, vegetable-based varieties including beetroot
or eggplant.
Flavoured rice and
Amber Flavoured varieties may be high in salt.
corn cakes
Sandwich fillings
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Sandwiches will be Green when filled with Green
ingredients.
It is recommended that raw salad and vegetables are
provided as fillings where possible. Provide a variety of
fillings including both meat and vegetarian options. Where
roast vegetables are used ensure they are drained of oil and
served with lots of salad greens.
Green
Use lean cuts of meat (roast beef, roast chicken with no
skin, lean turkey or chicken breast), eggs, tinned fish (in
spring water or brine) or reduced-fat cheeses in combination
with a variety of raw salads and vegetables
– these are Green choices.
Sandwich fillings
For further details check the filling ingredients against
relevant food listed in this guide
Sandwiches will be Amber when filled with a combination of
Green and Amber ingredients, e.g. sandwiches with full-fat
Amber cheese are Amber.
Avoid high-fat luncheon meats such as salami, Strasbourg or
Mortadella – check against Amber-Red nutrient criteria.
Sandwiches will be Red when filled with any Red
ingredients.
Red
Avoid high-fat luncheon meats such as salami, Strasbourg or
Mortadella – check against Amber-Red nutrient criteria.
13Spreads
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Peanut butter and Offer reduced-salt varieties where available and use
other nut spreads, sparingly – make sure you can see the bread through
fish, chicken and the spread!
Amber
meat paste, yeast Peanut butter and other nut spreads are not recommended
and vegetable for children and infants less than 12 months. Some people
extract spreads can be allergic to products containing nuts.
Green 10g fat per 100g of hommus is Amber.
Chocolate spreads These spreads have limited nutritional value. Honey is not
Red
and honey suitable for infants under 12 months.
Amber All diet jams that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
Jam
Red All other jams.
14Rice and noodles
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Plain, unflavoured rice and noodles that contain no added
Plain Green
fat or oil are in the Green category.
Flavoured rice based dishes can be high in salt and
Fried rice Amber saturated fat. Choose reduced-fat and reduced-salt
versions for a better choice.
Flavoured noodle based dishes can be high in salt and
Hot noodle cups Amber saturated fat. Choose reduced-fat and reduced-salt
versions for a better choice.
Hot noodle cups with
Avoid products with fried noodles and those that are based
fried noodles and/or Red
on cream or coconut milk sauces (i.e. laksa, curry).
creamy sauces
Use lean, uncoated and uncrumbed meats or seafoods and
Sushi Green
a variety of vegetable fillings for Green options.
Use lean, uncoated and uncrumbed meats or seafoods and
Rice paper rolls Green
a variety of vegetable fillings for Green options.
15Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and alternatives
Plain meat, poultry, fish, eggs and alternatives
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Lean meats These foods are a good source of protein and can be
Including. roast beef, used for hot rolls, sandwiches, salad plates, pizza topping
lean chicken (no skin), Green etc. Offer leaner options (i.e. fat trimmed or skinless) that
pork, lamb and turkey use reduced-fat cooking techniques (oven-baked, grilled,
(no skin) steamed, use non-stick cookware).
Chicken with skin Amber Chicken with the skin included is Amber.
Fresh and plain
Green Fresh, plain or frozen fish is Green.
frozen fish
Plain or flavoured Plain or flavoured canned fish in spring water with no added
Green
canned fish salt is Green.
Including. salmon, tuna
or sardines Amber Plain or flavoured canned fish in brine or oil is Amber.
Eggs that are boiled, scrambled or poached are Green.
Shallow-fried eggs (spray-on oil or minimal oil) are
Green also Green.
Eggs
Whole eggs are not recommended for children and infants
less than 12 months.
Frittatas cooked with no oils (oven baked) may be Green if
Green
only Green ingredients are used.
Frittatas cooked with poly- or mono-unsaturated oils and
Frittatas Amber
Amber ingredients.
Frittatas cooked with saturated fat or oils and other Red
Red
ingredients (e.g. salami or cream).
Deep-fried meat,
Deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. Serve in small
poultry and Red
serve sizes.
alternatives
Nuts6
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Plain nuts (unsalted) All plain and dry roasted nuts and seed/nut or seed pastes
Green
with no added sugar, salt and fat are Green.
Plain nuts (salted) Amber Salted nuts are Amber.
Mixed fruit and When sold in snack packs, mixed fruit and nuts should not
Green
nut packs exceed 600kJ energy per pack.
6
Nuts products, e.g. peanut butter, are not recommended for children and infants less than 12 months. Whole nuts are not recommended for children
less than 5 years of age.
16Meat, poultry, fish and alternatives
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
These products can be Green depending on the recipe
ingredients and the cooking method. For example, if
reduced-fat lean meat is used and they are not crumbed,
Green are oven-baked or grilled and cooked with either no fat or
only a very small amount of a poly- or mono-unsaturated oil
they might be a Green option (e.g. a light spray).
Maximum serve size allowed is 150 grams.
Meat patties, burger Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for patties (assess
patties, savoury per 100g or total serve):
mince Amber: 700mg sodium (maximum
1050g per serve). Maximum serve size allowed is 150 grams.
Serve on a wholemeal bun to boost the nutritional value and
serve with lots of a salad or vegetables.
Vegetable patties can be grilled and used in rolls and
Green
Vegetable patties sandwiches or served with salads.
(not crumbed) If using a small amount of poly- or mono-unsaturated oil
Amber
(e.g. a light spray), vegetable patties are Amber.
Most frankfurters are high in sodium placing them in the
Red category. However, reduced-fat and reduced-sodium
varieties may be an Amber choice. Serve on a wholemeal
bun to boost the nutritional value.
Amber
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for frankfurters
(assess per 100g or total serve):
Frankfurters Amber: 700mg sodium (maximum
1050g per serve). Maximum serve size allowed is 150 grams.
17Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Many sausages are high in saturated fat and energy (kJs)
placing them in the Red category. However, reduced-fat and
reduced-sodium varieties may be an Amber choice.
Amber Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for sausages
Sausages (beef, pork, (assess per 100g or total serve):
lamb and chicken)
Amber: 700mg sodium (maximum
1050g per serve). Maximum serve size allowed is 150 grams.
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for crumbed foods
(assess per 100g or total serve):
Crumbed meat, Amber
chicken, fish or Amber: 700mg sodium (maximum
1050g per serve). Maximum serve size allowed is 150 grams.
Deep-fried battered
products
All deep-fried products are high in saturated fat. Serve with
Including saveloys and Red
small serve sizes.
sausages (beef, pork,
lamb or chicken).
These foods are usually high in saturated fat and/or salt
putting them in the Amber or Red category. They are not
as nutritious as lean cuts of meat such as roast beef. Use
lean, reduced-fat versions in small amounts and serve with
Processed meats Amber a bread-based product and plenty of salad.
Including ham, corned Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for processed
beef, pastrami, bacon, meats (assess per 100g):
diced processed Amber: 700mg sodium.
Maximum serve size allowed is 50g. Approximately 2 slices.
High-fat processed Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for processed
meats meats (assess per 100g):
Red
Including salami, devon Red: >900kJ, >3g saturated fat or >700mg sodium.
or polony Maximum serve size allowed is 50g. Approximately 2 slices.
18Mixed hot meals
Prepared on site
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
These products may be Green, Amber or Red depending
upon the ingredients used and the cooking method.
Guidelines for preparing meals on site:
Add vegetables to meals.
Serve with a side salad, rice, pasta, noodles or steamed
vegetables.
If using packet sauces, gravies or condiments choose
reduced fat, reduced salt versions where possible.
Meals will be Green if made with only Green ingredients.
It is recommended to:
Mixed meals
Supply low- or reduced-fat options that contain high
prepared on site amounts of vegetables, avoid large portions and plenty
Including casseroles, Green
of salad or vegetables.
curries, stews, risotto, Use lean meats trimmed of outer fat with minimal
fried or savoury rice, marbling. Marinate meat and poultry to keep tender, add
stir-frys or noodle flavour and minimise the amount of oil used in cooking.
based asian meals,
Meals will be Amber if made with a combination of Green
pasta, spaghetti and Amber ingredients.
bolognaise, lasagne, Amber
For example, meals that include full-fat cheese, poly-
and pasta bakes
or mono-unsaturated fats or oils etc.
Meals will be Red if they include any Red ingredients.
For example, cream, butter, ghee, coconut cream or
coconut milk – these can be high in saturated-fat and fit
the Red category.
Red For dishes containing these Red ingredients consider
replacing with healthier alternatives, such as skim
evaporated milk; natural low-fat yoghurt in place
of cream; or try reduced-fat, coconut-flavoured
evaporated milk.
19Commercial and packaged meals
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
These products can be Green depending on the recipe
ingredients and the cooking method.
For example, if the majority of the recipe contains Green
Green
ingredients, reduced-fat lean meat is used and if only a very
small amount of a poly- or mono-unsaturated oil
Commercial fresh or (e.g. a light spray) is used during cooking they will be Green.
frozen meals Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for commercial
and packaged meals meals:
for vending machines Amber Amber:Hot savoury items
Oven baked potato products
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for oven baked
potato products:
Amber: 400mg sodium per 100g. Serve in small amounts – no
Red
maximum serve size is stipulated but recommended that
serves are no more than 200 grams.
All deep-fried products are high in saturated fat. Serve in
small serve sizes.
Pizza
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Pizzas are usually Amber or Red, however they can
be Green if the topping consists of lean meats, lots of
Reduced fat pizza Green vegetables or fruit and/or reduced-fat cheese. Use muffin,
pita bread or Turkish bread as a base.
Maximum serve size allowed is 200g (2000kJ).
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for pre-made
pizza:
Amber: 400mg sodium per 100g (maximum 800mg per serve).
Maximum serve size allowed is 200g (2000kJ).
21Quiche
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for pre-made quiche:
Amber: 400mg
sodium per 100g (maximum 800mg per serve).
Savoury pastries and pies
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Meat and chicken For Amber versions choose reduced-fat pastry (e.g. filo) and
pies, sausage rolls, avoid high-fat ingredients such as bacon and full-fat cheese. A
party pies, vegetable number of companies make reduced-fat versions.
and meat pasties,
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for savoury
chicken and potato Amber
pastries:
pies, cheese and
spinach triangles, Amber: 400mg
samosas and sodium per 100g (maximum 800mg per serve). Maximum
savoury croissants serve size allowed is 200g (2000kJ).
Any deep-fried All deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. Serve in small
Red
products serve sizes.
22Spring rolls, chiko rolls and dim sims
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for dim sims and
spring rolls:
Amber: 400mg sodium per 100g. Maximum serve size allowed is
200g (2000kJ).
Deep fried spring
All deep-fried foods are high in saturated fat. Serve in small
rolls, chicko rolls, Red
serve sizes.
dim sims
23Oils, sauces, dressings and condiments
Fats and oils
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Poly- or mono- Use poly- or mono-unsaturated varieties as Amber choices
unsaturated spread Amber and use sparingly. If used as a spread, make sure you can
(margarine) still see the bread.
Saturated spread
(lard, tallow, copha,
Red Avoid saturated fats, these are Red.
butter, ghee and dairy
blend spreads)
Poly- or mono-
unsaturated oils
(canola, sunower, Amber Use small amounts of poly- or mono-unsaturated varieties.
olive, soybean or
peanut)
Saturated oils Avoid saturated oils these contain high amounts of
Red
(palm and coconut) saturated fat and are Red.
Cream and Avoid using cream and cream-based sauces these contain
Red
coconut milk high amounts of saturated fat and are Red.
24Sauces and condiments
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Use sparingly. Use reduced-salt and/or reduced-fat
Tomato, sweet chilli, varieties where available; try relishes, pickles, mustard,
Amber
BBQ, soy, chutney chutney or reduced-fat mayonnaise or hommus for a
better choice.
Use sparingly. Use reduced-salt and/or reduced-fat
varieties where available.
Amber Nut and peanut containing sauces are not recommended
Satay or peanut for children and infants less than 12 months. Note some
people can be allergic to products containing nuts.
Use sparingly. Examples of Red options include those with
Red
added saturated fats and/or oils, cream and/or sodium.
Vegetable-based dips, salsas or relishes such as beetroot,
eggplant, avocado, hommus, tatziki, tomato, bean or
Green
capsicum with no added fat, salt or sugar are Green.
Dips, Reduced-fat yoghurt dips can also be Green.
mayonnaise,
Dips will be Amber if they contain a combination of Green
mustard or
Amber and Amber ingredients. For example dips made with full
mustard-based
fat yoghurt.
mayonnaise
Examples of Red options include cheese-based dips such
Red as aioli, sour cream, tapenades or pesto. Or those that
have added cream and/or oil.
Use sparingly. If using meat juices ensure that all fat
is drained from the pan and thicken with cornflour or
Amber dextrinised flour (flour burned slowly in an oven) over roux.
If using packet gravy use reduced-salt, reduced-fat
Gravy versions.
Examples of Red options include those with added
saturated fats and/or oils.
Red
If using packet gravy Red options are those that are not
reduced-salt, reduced-fat.
Green choices include lemon juice, balsamic vinegar,
Green reduced-fat yoghurt or commercially prepared 100%
fat-free dressings.
Use poly- or mono-unsaturated oils such as canola,
Salad dressings Amber sunflower, olive and peanut oils or a low-oil, no-oil or
reduced-fat commercial dressing.
Examples of Red options include those with added
Red saturated fats and/or oils and sodium or dressings that are
cream-based.
25Savoury snack foods
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Popcorn that is air-popped, no added fat, flavourings or
Plain popcorn Green seasonings (such as salt) is a high fibre, low-fat
Green choice.
Flavoured popcorn may be either Amber or Red. Check
the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for savoury snack foods
Amber and biscuits:
Amber: 200mg sodium per serve.
Savoury biscuits may be either Amber or Red. Check
against the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for savoury
snack foods and biscuits, as some products are too high in
Amber saturated fat and sodium.
Amber: 200mg sodium per serve.
Chips (potato chips
and other crisps, corn
Crisps and chips are generally high in energy (kJs) and/or
chips and similar
Red saturated fat and/or sodium with limited nutritional value.
salty products)
Serve in small serve sizes.
Including other
extruded products
26Sweet snack foods, cakes and biscuits
Snack food bars and muesli bars7
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Choose carefully as some products are high in added sugar
and saturated fat. Watch the serve size. These
foods are also sticky and can contribute to tooth decay if
eaten regularly.
Amber
Check against the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for snack
Cereal-based bars, food bars, muesli bars and fruit bars:
fruit bars and
Amber: 600kJ per serve, >3g saturated fat per serve orCakes, muffins, sweet tarts, slices and pastries
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Provide fruit- or vegetable-based muffins, include
wholegrain and fat-reduced options if possible. Choose
serve size carefully. For example, 2 mini-muffins or one
Amber 50–60g muffin per person.
Muffins8
Check the Amber-Red nutrient criteria for muffins:
(all sizes and types)
Including low-fat or Amber: 3g saturated fat per serve,
>300mg sodium per serve or 300mg sodium per serve or 300mg sodium per serve orScones or pikelets
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Provide plain scones and/or pikelets that contain fruit
and/or vegetables – include wholegrain options if possible.
Scones or pikelets – Provide a small to medium serve (40–60g) per person.
Green
plain or fruit Offer fruit purees as a sauce or whipped ricotta cheese
mixed a small amount of honey and/or vanilla or reduced-
fat vanilla yoghurt.
Offer spreads separately where possible and use sparingly.
Scones or pikelets
Amber Use poly- or mono-unsaturated margarine and/or artificially
with spread
sweetened jam.
Scones or pikelets
Avoid these spreads as they have limited nutritional value
with jam and cream Red
and increase the amount of energy (kilojoules) provided.
and/or butter
Scones or pikelets
with added Red Scones or pikelets with added confectionery are Red.
confectionery
29Ice-creams, ice confections and dairy desserts9
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Plain milk-based ice-creams, particularly small serves, may
fall into the Amber category. Choose serve size carefully.
Check ice-creams and ice confections against the
Amber Amber-Red nutrient criteria for ice-creams, milk- or
Standard uncoated soy-based ice confections:
reduced- and low-fat
Amber: 3g saturated fat
per serve.
Chocolate coated Red Ice-creams containing confectionary are Red.
Check premium ice-creams against the Amber-Red
nutrient criteria for ice-creams, milk- or soy-based ice
Amber confections and high fat dairy desserts.
Amber: 3g saturated fat
per serve.
Check frozen yoghurt against the Amber-Red nutrient
criteria for milk- or soy-based ice confections.
Amber
Amber: 3g saturated fat
per serve.
Check mousse against the Amber-Red nutrient criteria
for high-fat dairy desserts.
Amber
Amber: 3g saturated fat
per serve.
9
For cheesecake, see the ‘Sweet snack foods, cakes and biscuits’ section.
30Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Choose the serve size carefully and check against the
Amber-Red nutrient criteria for milk- or soy-based
Amber ice confections.
Ice confections,
ice blocks, sorbet, Amber: 3g saturated fat
per serve.
31Confectionery
These foods have limited nutritional value and usually high in energy (kJs), sugar and/or saturated fat. For
this reason small serves are recommended. Serve size is the saleable item – e.g. packets of sweets or
peppermints, individual bars of chocolates, individually wrapped chocolate frogs and rolls of toffees.
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Packets of lollies
(boiled, jellies, juice Confectionery in packets or individual serves are high
Red
jellies, liquorice, jelly in sugar.
beans and gum)
Loose sweets Red Loose sweets are high in sugar.
Chocolate or
Red Chocolate or carob bars are high in sugar and energy.
carob bars
Boxed chocolates Red Boxes of chocolates are high in sugar and energy.
Fruit leather Red Fruit leather can be high in sugar.
Cough lollies that do not contain ingredients that have a
Cough lollies Red
therapeutic benefit are considered to be confectionery.
Products for therapeutic benefit are not included in the
Medicated cough scope of the healthy options traffic light criteria.
Not applicable
lollies/lozenges These products should not be categorised as either Green,
Amber or Red.
Sugar free chewing
Red Chewing gum, mints or sweets may contain added sugar.
gum, mints or sweets
32Drinks
Water
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Fresh water should be easily accessible in all health
Water (plain)
Green service settings. Water is the best thirst quencher.
Fresh or bottled
Offer chilled water.
Carbonated waters
(plain)
Mineral water or Green Plain, unsweetened waters are Green.
soda water
Fruit juice and fruit drinks
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Frequent consumption of fruit juice in large sizes (greater
than 250ml) should be avoided as this may contribute to
excess energy (kJs) and sugar intake.
Juices (>97% juice) Green
97–100% fruit juices with no added sugar with a maximum
Fresh, frozen or serve size of 250ml are Green.
canned
Serves up to 250ml are Green.
97–100% fruit juices with no added sugar in a serve size
Amber
above 250ml are Amber.
Frequent consumption of fruit juices (other than 100% juice
with no added sugar) is not recommended. While these
Juices (35–96% juice) are allowed as Amber or Red choices, small sizes are
Amber recommended – no greater than 250ml.
Fresh, frozen or
canned 35–96% juice with a maximum serve size of 250ml
are Amber.
Red 35–96% juice in serves greater than 250ml are Red.
All sugar-sweetened fruit drinks that contain less than 35%
Fruit drinks
Red fruit juice are Red.
(< 35% juice)
The maximum serve size is 375ml.
Carbonated fruit juices may be either Green, Amber
Carbonated fruit Green, Amber, or Red.
juices or Red See the criteria above for juices >96%, juices 35–96% and
fruit drinks containing < 35% juice.
Cordials Red Cordials have limited nutritional value and are Red.
33Sugar sweetened carbonated drinks
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Soft drinks/
Soft drinks and carbonated sweetened drinks are Red.
carbonated Red
The maximum serve size is 375ml.
sweetened drinks
Flavoured mineral
Flavoured mineral waters with added sugar are Red.
waters (with added Red
The maximum size is 375ml.
sugar)
Flavoured mineral
waters (no Green Flavoured mineral water with no added sugar are Green.
added sugar)
Other sugar sweetened drinks
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Sports drinks contain electrolytes such as potassium,
magnesium, calcium and sodium in addition to sugar –
nutrients that only serious and endurance athletes need
to consider. Excessive consumption of sports drinks can
Sports drinks Red increase the risk of excess weight gain. The Australian
Institute of Sport does not promote the use of sports drinks
by school children. It is recommended that the supply of
sports drinks to children is restricted in paediatric settings.
The maximum serve size is 375ml.
Energy drinks have limited nutritional value and can also
be high in caffeine and added sugar. Energy drinks are not
‘Energy’ drinks Red recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women
and individuals sensitive to caffeine.
The maximum serve size is 375ml.
Artificially sweetened drinks
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Artificial sweeteners can be useful in providing flavour and
reduce the amount of added sugar consumed. However,
like sugar sweetened carbonated drinks, artificially
sweetened carbonated drinks can cause dental erosion if
used frequently. These drinks can also be high in caffeine.
All artificially It is recommended that in adult settings information is
sweetened ‘diet’, provided that these drinks, like sweetened carbonated
Amber drinks, are very acidic and can cause dental erosion in
‘low-joule’, ‘no sugar’
or ‘low sugar’ drinks children if used frequently.
Given the current lack of data in the overall adult
population, artificially sweetened carbonated drinks fit
under the Amber category in adult settings. In adult settings
it is recommended that outlets provide a warning to inform
the public that they are not suitable for children.
34Tea
Item Likely category Guidelines, comments and serving suggestions
Plain and herbal teas are good sources of anti-oxidants.
Use decaffeinated varieties and use reduced-fat milk or
Freshly made
Green milk alternatives for a better choice.
Including tea that is
plain, has no added If offering freshly made iced tea, provide varieties made
sugar, caffeinated or from tea leaves.
decaffeinated or
Tea prepared with full-fat milks and milk alternatives, or with
herbal
Amber greater than 300ml reduced-fat milk (Index
Page Page
A Chocolate spread 14
Aioli 25 Chutney 25
Articially sweetened drinks 34 Coconut milk 24
Asian meals – stir frys and noodle-based 19 Coconut oil 24
Coffee 35
B Coffee – iced 9,35
Bacon 18 Commercial meals 20
Bagel – plain 12 Condiments 24,25
Baguettes – plain 12 Confectionery 32
Baked beans 8 Copha 24
Baked potatoes 6 Cordial 33
Balsamic vinegar 25 Corn chips 26
BBQ sauce 25 Corned beef 18
Beef – corned 18 Cough lollies/lozenges 32
Beef – crumbed 18 Crackers – plain 13
Beef - mince 17 Cream 24
Beef sausage 18 Creamed rice 10
Biscuits – savoury 26 Crisps – potato 26
Biscuits – sweet and premium 27 Crisp bread 13
Boxed chocolate 32 Croissants 22,28
Bread 12 Crumbed meat 18
Bread – fruit and nut 12 Curry 19
Breakfast bars 27 Custard 10
Breakfast cereal 11
Burger patties 17 D
Butter 24 Dairy blend 24
Dairy desserts 30,31
C Dairy snacks 10
Cakes 28 Danish – sweet 28
Canned fruit 6 Deep-fried battered meat products 18
Carbonated water, fruit juice 33,34 Deep-fried cakes 28
Carob bars 32 Deep fried legumes 8
Casserole 19 Deep fried meat 16
Cereal bars 27 Deep fried vegetables 7
Cheesecake 28 Devon 18
Cheese and spinach triangles 22 Dim sims 23
Cheese – reduced-fat, full-fat 10 Dip 25
Chicken – crumbed 18 Donuts 28
Chicken – diced processed meat 18 Dried fruit 6
Chicken – lean, deep-fried, mince 17,18
Chicken nuggets 18 E
Chicken pie 22 Eggs 16
Chicken sausage 18 Energy drinks 34
Chicken spread/paste 14 English mufn – plain 12
Chiko rolls 23
Chips 7,21,26 F
Chocolate bars/boxed chocolate 32 Falafels 8
Chocolate coated ice-creams 30 Fats – poly or monounsaturated spread 24
Chocolate milk/hot chocolate drink 9 Fats – spreads, oils 24
36Page Page
Fish – canned, frozen, plain 16 Lentil patties 8
Fish – crumbed 18 Lollies 32
Fish llets and sh ngers (crumbed) 18
Fish spread 14 M
Flat bread 12 Margarine 24
Foccacia bread – plain 12 Mayonnaise 25
Frankfurters 17 Meat – lean, deep fried 16
Fresh meals – commercially produced 20 Meat paste 14
Fried rice 15 Meat patties 17
Frittata 16 Meat pie 22
Fromage Frais 10 Milk-based puddings 10
Frozen meals 20 Milk – coconut 24
Frozen yoghurt 30 Milk – avoured (reduced-fat and full-fat) 9
Fruit and nut packs 16 Milk – reduced-fat, full-fat 9
Fruit bars 27 Milkshakes 9
Fruit bread 12 Mince – savoury 17
Fruit – dried, canned, fresh, frozen, 6 Mixed hot meals 19
fruit salad, 100% fruit juice Mocha drink 9
Fruit drinks 33 Mono-unsaturated spread 24
Fruit leather 32 Mousse 30
Mufn – plain English mufn 12
G Mufns – sweet 28
Garlic bread 12 Multigrain bread 12
Gelato 31 Mustard and mustard-based mayonnaise 25
Gems – potato 21
Ghee 24 N
Gravy 25 Noodle cups 15
Noodle meals 19
H Nut bread 12
Ham 18 Nuts – plain, unsalted, mixed fruit, 16
Hash browns 21 nut packs
Hommus 25 Nut spreads 14
Honey 14
Hot chocolate drink 9 O
Hot meals 19 Oils 24
I P
Iced coffee 9,35 Packaged meals 20
Ice-confections 30,31 Palm oil 24
Ice-cream 30 Pasta dishes 19,20
Iced tea 35 Pasta meals –pre-made products 20
Pastrami 18
J Pastries – savoury 22
Jam 14 Patties – chicken, beef, sh 17
Juice 33 Patties – lentil 8
Patties – vegetable 17
L Peanut butter 14
Lamb sausage 18 Peanut sauce 25
Lard 24 Pesto 25
Lasagne 19 Pie – savoury, party, meat, vegetable 22
Lavish 13 Pikelet 29
37Page Page
Pizza – reduced-fat, commercial, frozen 21 Sour cream 25
Polony 18 Soy-based ice confections 30
Popcorn 26 Soy sauce 25
Potato chips 7,26 Spaghetti bolognaise 19
Potato – gems, hash browns, scallops, 21 Sports drinks 34
wedges Spreads 14
Potato pie 22 Spring rolls 23
Pork mince 17 Stews 19
Pork sausage 18 Stir-fry 19
Processed meats 18 Sugar free chewing gum, mints or sweets 32
Sushi 15
Q Sweet chilli sauce 25
Quiche 22 Sweets (confectionery) 32
R T
Rened cereal 11 Tallow 24
Rice – plain, fried, sushi, rice-paper rolls 15 Tapenade 25
Rice cakes – plain and avoured 13 Tart – sweet 28
Rice paper rolls 15 Tea – freshly made and commercial 35
Rice pudding 10 iced tea
Risotto 19 Tomato sauce 25
Roast beef 16 Tuna 16
Roasted vegetables 7 Tzatziki 13
S V
Salad 6 Vegetables – canned, cooked, baked 6
Salad dressings 25 fresh, deep-fried, frozen, plain, roasted
Salami 18 Vegetables – crumbed products 18
Salmon – canned 16 Vegetable extract/spread/paste 14
Salsa 25 Vegetable juice 100% 7
Samosas 22 Vegetable pastry 22
Sandwich llings 13,14 Vending machine meals 20
Sardines 16
Satay sauce 25 W
Saturated fats and oils 24 Water – bottled, carbonated, avoured, 33
Sauce 24,25 mineral
Sausages – beef, chicken, lamb, pork 18 Water crackers 13
Sausage roll 22 Wedges 21
Saveloys 18 White bread 12
Savoury bread, twists, pull-aparts 12 Wholemeal bread 12
Savoury mince 17 Wholegrain cereal 11
Savoury rice 19
Scallops – potato 21 Y
Scone 29 Yeast extract 14
Scrolls 28 Yoghurt 10
Slice – sweet 28 Yoghurt drinks 10
Slushies 31 Yoghurt – frozen 30
Smoothies 9
Soft drinks 34
Sorbet 31
Soup 20
38APPENDIX 1
Healthy Options WA – Green, Amber and Red categories
Green foods and drinks11
GREEN foods and drinks
Examples
(fill the menu)
Multigrain, wholemeal, rye, hi-fibre white breads or rolls, burritos, English
Breads muffins, focaccia, lavash, Lebanese, pita, raisin/fruit, tortillas and Turkish
breads. Plain corn and rice cakes, crispbreads.
All plain rice (particularly low GI rice), pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous
Cereal foods
and buckwheat.
Wholegrain breakfast cereal that is high in fibre and low in salt and added
Breakfast cereals sugar (e.g. wheat biscuits, cereal flakes with a variety of grains, bran,
untoasted muesli, porridge).
All fresh, dried and frozen plain vegetables.
Vegetables Salads (no or low-reduced-fat dressings only).
Salt reduced canned vegetables.
All fresh and frozen fruits.
Fruit Plain dried fruits (e.g. sultanas).
Fruit canned in natural juice or water with no added sugar.
Low- or reduced-fat plain and flavoured milks – maximum size 300ml.
Low- or reduced-fat plain and flavoured yoghurts/reduced-fat diet/low-joule
Dairy12 flavoured yoghurts.
Reduced fat-cheese and custard.
Low-fat smoothies (no added sugar).
Low- or reduced-fat, calcium-fortified soy milk.
Dairy alternatives13 Low- or reduced-fat plain and flavoured soy yoghurts.
Reduced-fat soy cheese and custard.
Lean chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb and veal with fat and skin removed.
Meat, fish, poultry All fresh and plain frozen fish.
and eggs Plain tuna, salmon, sardines canned in spring water with no added salt.
Eggs.
All forms of dried and prepared beans and peas (e.g. baked beans, red
Legumes kidney beans, soy beans, mung beans, lentils,
chick-peas, split peas, bean curd, tofu).
All plain or dry roasted, unsalted nuts and seeds.
Nuts and seeds*
All nut and seed pastes with no added sugar, salt, or fat.
Plain water, including mineral or soda water.
Drinks 100% fruit juice with no added sugar (small serve up to 250ml).
Soda water and plain mineral water.
Plain= unflavoured, unseasoned and/or unsalted.
* Note that some people can be allergic to certain nuts/products containing nuts.
11
Adapted from NSW Department of Health and NSW Department of Education and Training, Fresh Tastes @ School NSW Healthy School
Canteen Strategy: Canteen Menu Planning Guide, 2006.
12
Where possible milk and soy drinks should contain at least 80mg calcium per 100g.
13
Where possible milk and soy drinks should contain at least 80mg calcium per 100g.
39Amber foods and drinks14
Examples
AMBER foods and drinks
* All labels need to be checked against the nutrition criteria in
(select carefully)
Appendix 2 to confirm Amber or Red status
Refined and processed breakfast cereals with added sugars and/or
Breakfast cereals* saturated fat. Examples include some toasted mueslis, flavoured and/or
sugar sweetened corn, rice or wheat based cereals.
Full-fat/full-cream plain and flavoured milk/soy milk.
Low- or reduced-fat plain and flavoured milk/soy milk – serve sizes
Dairy foods and drinks, greater than 300ml.
and dairy alternatives Full-fat yoghurt, frozen yoghurt, custard and cheese and equivalent
soy products.
Where possible offer the ‘Green’ low-fat alternative.
Use in small amounts only, as larger serve sizes can provide too much
Processed meats* saturated fat and/or salt. Examples include lean ham, lean bacon, sliced
chicken or turkey, corned beef and pastrami.
Check label against the nutrient criteria. Examples may include some
reduced-fat or reduced-salt versions of products such as oven-baked
Savoury commercial
savoury pastries, steamed dim sims, pasta products, pizza, oven-baked
products*
potato products, grilled meat patties (not crumbed), grilled or oven baked
meatballs and chicken drumsticks.
Use sparingly. Choose poly- or mono-unsaturated varieties. Examples of
Margarine, mayonnaise/ spreads include peanut butter and other nut spreads, fish, chicken and meat
salad dressing, spreads paste, yeast and vegetable extract spreads. Some spreads contain nut
and oils products that are a common allergen.
Choose reduced salt varieties where available.
Use sparingly. Choose reduced-salt varieties where available. Examples
Sauces and gravy include tomato sauce, sweet chilli sauce and gravy. Some sauces
(e.g. satay) also contain nut products that are a common allergen.
Some breakfast bars, cereal bars, dried fruit bars and sweet biscuits that
Snack food bars and
are a small to medium serve size or have been modified (e.g. reduced levels
sweet biscuits*
of fat and/or sugar and include fibre) may fit into the Amber category.
Savoury snack foods and Examples most likely to fit here include oven-baked snack biscuits, plain
biscuits* popcorn and some dry biscuits.
Some un-iced unfilled cakes, sweet and savoury muffins, fruit breads,
sweet pastries and slices that are a small to medium serve size or have
Some cakes, muffins,
been modified (e.g. reduced levels of fat and/or sugar and include fibre) may
sweet pastries and
fit into the Amber category. Examples include small reduced-fat fruitcake,
slices*
reduced-fat fruit or vegetable based muffins and plain wholemeal biscuits
with fruit or nuts.
Ice-creams, milk- or soy- Ice-creams that are not coated in chocolate, premium or of a large serve
based ice confections size may fall into the Amber category (e.g. plain milk-based ice-creams and
and dairy desserts* frozen yoghurts).
Ice blocks, fruit-based
Check the serve size and choose according to the nutritional criteria.
ice confection/slushies*
14
Adapted from NSW Department of Health and NSW Department of Education and Training, Fresh Tastes @ School NSW Healthy School Canteen
Strategy: Canteen Menu Planning Guide, 2006.
40Examples
AMBER foods and drinks
* All labels need to be checked against the nutrition criteria in
(select carefully)
Appendix 2 to confirm Amber or Red status
100% fruit juice (no added sugar) in serve sizes larger than 250ml.
Other fruit juice drinks containing between 35–96% fruit juice with a
maximum serve size of 250ml. These drinks contribute to excess kilojoules
Drinks* and tooth decay because of their high sugar and acidity level and should not
be consumed in large amounts or frequently.
Artificially sweetened soft drinks in adult settings. These are not suitable for
children (see ‘Other considerations’ section).
Plain= unflavoured, unseasoned and or unsalted.
41Red foods and drinks14
RED foods and drinks Examples
(only occasionally) (Check labels against nutrient criteria).
Commercial, frozen or freshly prepared ready to eat meals or pre made
Ready to eat meals
pasta products for vending machines that do not meet the nutrient criteria.
High fat processed meats such as salami, mortadella, luncheon meats,
Processed meats reconstituted meats, devon, polony and fatty bacon or ham that exceed the
nutrient criteria.
Shallow-fried foods using small amounts of poly- or mono-unsaturated
oils. (Foods cooked with brushed or sprayed oil only may be classified
Fried foods
as Amber).
All deep fried foods.
Includes pies, pastries and sausage rolls, pastas, pizzas, oven baked potato
Savoury commercial
products, dim sims, spring rolls, burger patties and meatballs, hot dogs,
products
frankfurters and sausages and quiche that do not meet nutrient criteria.
Cream filled biscuits, chocolate biscuits and any sweet biscuit that exceed
Snack food bars and
the nutrient criteria in a single serve (2 biscuits).
sweet biscuits
High fat high sugar muesli, breakfast or snack bars.
Savoury snack foods and Includes some flavoured popcorns and biscuits.
biscuits All crisps, corn chips and other similar salty products.
Plain and flavoured cakes, cream-filled cakes, sweet pastries, sweet pies
Cakes, muffins, sweet
and slices. Medium to large serves of sweet and savoury muffins.
pastries and slices
Choose lower or reduced-fat varieties where possible.
Crisps, corn chips and
similar salty snack Greater than 600kJ per serve or per packet.
products
Confectionery/lollies All types including chocolates.
Ice-creams, milk
and soy-based ice
Chocolate coated and premium ice-creams.
confections and dairy
desserts
Slushies, ice blocks and ice confections with added sugar.
Sugar sweetened drinks Sugar sweetened drinks* such as carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks,
and ices sports drinks and flavoured mineral waters where the serve size or
container provides greater than 300kJ.
* Products where a sweetener such as sucrose, fructose, glucose or fruit juice has been used to sweeten drinks and ices.
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