Is a low Health Star Rating good? Decoding the truth about packaged foods

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

The Health Star Rating (HSR) is a voluntary front-of-pack labelling system that rates the overall nutritional profile of packaged food on a scale from half a star to five stars. However, a low Health Star Rating is generally not a good sign regarding a product's nutritional value, indicating it is higher in energy, saturated fat, sugar, or sodium.

Quick Summary

A low Health Star Rating indicates that a packaged food product contains a less favourable nutritional profile, with higher levels of saturated fat, sugar, or salt. Consumers should use this rating as a guide to compare similar products, but they must also examine the full nutrition panel and ingredient list for a complete picture of the food's healthiness.

Key Points

Low Rating Meaning: A low Health Star Rating indicates a food product is higher in saturated fat, sugar, or sodium and lower in beneficial nutrients.
Compare Similar Items: The system is designed to compare products within the same category, such as different brands of yoghurt or cereals, not across different food types.
Voluntary System Flaw: Because the system is voluntary, manufacturers are more likely to display high ratings than low ones, which can limit comparisons for consumers.
Check Beyond the Stars: Always read the full Nutrition Information Panel and ingredient list for a complete picture, as the rating alone can be misleading for some foods.
Processed vs. Whole Foods: The calculation can sometimes give highly processed foods with added nutrients a higher rating than less processed whole foods that are naturally higher in fats.
Occasional Treat: Products with a low rating should be treated as an occasional indulgence, not a staple part of a healthy diet.

Understanding the Health Star Rating System

Developed by the Australian and New Zealand governments in collaboration with public health and industry groups, the Health Star Rating (HSR) system provides a quick and easy way to compare the nutritional value of similar packaged foods. The system works on a scale of half a star (least healthy) to five stars (most healthy). A product's rating is calculated based on an algorithm that considers both 'risk' nutrients (saturated fat, sodium, and total sugar) and 'positive' ingredients (fibre, protein, and fruit, vegetable, nut, and legume content). The more stars a product has, the healthier the choice it represents within its specific category.

Why a Low Health Star Rating is Not Good

A low Health Star Rating directly signifies that a packaged product contains higher levels of nutrients that are associated with negative health outcomes when consumed in excess. Foods that score low, such as confectionery and biscuits, are typically not the best choice nutritionally and should be considered an occasional treat. The calculation is designed to penalize products high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, which have been linked to increased risk factors for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, encountering a low rating is a clear signal that the product should be consumed sparingly as part of a balanced diet that prioritizes more nutritious options.

The Limitations of the Health Star Rating System

While the HSR is a useful tool, it is not without its flaws. Understanding these limitations is crucial for making truly informed decisions.

Voluntary participation: Since the system is voluntary, food manufacturers are not required to display the rating on their packaging. This often leads to a skewed representation on supermarket shelves, as manufacturers are more likely to display a high rating than a low one. This selective labelling can make it harder for consumers to compare products effectively, especially if healthier options in a category are unlabelled.
Category-specific comparisons: The HSR is intended for comparing products within the same category (e.g., one breakfast cereal against another), not across different food groups (e.g., cereal versus yoghurt). This is because the calculation differs for various food categories, making cross-category comparisons misleading.
Potential for loopholes: The system has faced criticism for potentially misrepresenting the nutritional quality of some foods. For example, a heavily processed food with added fibre or protein can sometimes achieve a higher rating than a less processed wholefood that is naturally higher in fat, such as extra virgin olive oil or some nuts.

A shopper's guide to using Health Star Ratings

Here are some practical steps to help you navigate the supermarket aisles with the HSR system:

Look for higher ratings: When comparing similar packaged products, such as muesli bars or breakfast cereals, opt for the one with the higher number of stars.
Read the full nutritional panel: Don't rely solely on the star rating. Always check the full Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) and the ingredient list for a comprehensive understanding of the food's content.
Scrutinize the ingredient list: As a general rule, the shorter the ingredient list, the less processed the food is likely to be. The first ingredients listed are the most prevalent, so if sugar or saturated fat is at the top, that product is not the best choice.
Remember the purpose: The HSR is a quick guide, not a substitute for general dietary advice. A balanced diet should include a variety of fresh, whole foods, which often don't carry an HSR.

Comparison: Low vs. High Health Star Rating in a Product Category

To illustrate the difference, let's compare two hypothetical packaged breakfast cereal products.


Feature	Low Health Star Product	High Health Star Product
Rating	1.5 stars	4.5 stars
Saturated Fat (per 100g)	5.2g	0.8g
Sugar (per 100g)	28g (mostly added sugars)	5g (mostly natural fruit sugars)
Sodium (per 100g)	350mg	120mg
Fibre (per 100g)	2.5g	12g
Ingredients	Long list including added sugars, flavourings, and additives.	Short list with whole grains, dried fruits, and nuts.
Conclusion	This product is less nutritionally sound due to higher sugar and salt content.	A better nutritional choice, lower in risk nutrients and higher in fibre.

Conclusion: Navigating food labels with confidence

In short, a low Health Star Rating is not good. It's a clear signal that a packaged food item is higher in risk nutrients like sugar, saturated fat, or sodium, and lower in beneficial nutrients such as fibre and protein. While the HSR system offers a valuable snapshot, it is not a perfect indicator and requires savvy interpretation. The voluntary nature of the system means you should be wary of unlabelled products, especially in categories known for low ratings. Ultimately, combine the quick guidance of the HSR with a thorough check of the ingredient list and the full Nutrition Information Panel to make the healthiest choices for you and your family.

For more detailed information on how the system is calculated and its updates, refer to the official Health Star Rating System website.

Official Health Star Rating System Website

Frequently Asked Questions

While a low Health Star Rating is not good from a nutritional standpoint, it doesn't mean the food is 'bad' in all contexts. It simply indicates that the product contains more saturated fat, sugar, or sodium, and should be consumed as an occasional treat rather than a regular staple.

This can happen due to the way the rating is calculated. The algorithm can sometimes favour highly processed foods with added positive nutrients like fibre over less processed whole foods that are naturally higher in fats, like certain oils or nuts.

Many health guidelines suggest aiming for products with at least 3.5 stars, especially when comparing items within a similar category, to select a more nutritionally sound option.

The Health Star Rating system is voluntary, so food manufacturers can choose whether or not to display it on their products. You'll often find that companies selling less healthy items choose not to use the label.

No, the HSR system is not designed for comparing different food types. It is only valid for comparing similar products within the same category, such as comparing one breakfast cereal with another.

If a product lacks a Health Star Rating, you should consult the mandatory Nutrition Information Panel and the ingredient list. Look for a shorter list of ingredients and lower levels of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium.

No. A high rating helps you choose a healthier option within a category, but it is not an invitation to consume it in large quantities. Portions should always be monitored according to the recommended serving size and balanced with other foods.