Understanding the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS)
The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) is an initiative by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) in Singapore to help consumers easily identify healthier packaged food and beverage options. Products earning the symbol meet HPB's nutritional standards, typically being lower in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, and higher in beneficial nutrients like dietary fibre, calcium, and wholegrains.
The Importance of HCS for Informed Choices
Using the HCS simplifies choosing healthier foods within the same category. It also encourages manufacturers to improve the nutritional profile of their products. However, remember to consume all foods, including those with the HCS, in moderation.
Common Foods and Categories with the HCS
The HCS is found across many food categories in Singapore. Here are examples of foods displaying the HCS, often with specific taglines:
Products with the 'Higher in Wholegrains' Tagline
- Grains: Wholegrain cereals, oats, brown rice.
- Bread and Noodles: Wholemeal bread, brown rice vermicelli, wholegrain noodles.
- Crackers: Wholegrain crackers.
Products with the 'Lower in Sugar' Tagline
- Beverages: Asian drinks, carbonated drinks, and cultured milk with at least 25% less sugar.
- Dairy & Desserts: Lower sugar yogurts and ice cream with less than 200 calories per portion.
Products with the 'Lower in Sodium' Tagline
- Sauces & Seasonings: Lower sodium sauces and recipe mixes.
- Canned Goods: Canned fish and legumes with less salt.
Products with the 'Higher in Calcium' Tagline
- Dairy: Calcium-fortified milk products.
- Soy: Calcium-fortified soy milk.
Products with the 'No Added Sugar' Tagline
- Beverages: Fruit juice, coffee, and tea without added free sugars.
- Spreads: Fruit spreads with no added free sugars.
Using HCS to Make Healthier Choices
Using HCS products can help reduce unhealthy nutrients and increase beneficial ones. The HCS aids in comparing similar products. For instance, choose wholegrain cereal with the HCS or a lower-sugar beverage. More information on HCS criteria and products is available on the Health Promotion Board (HPB) Singapore website.
Comparison of Food Labelling Systems
Different countries have various food labelling systems. Here's how Singapore's HCS compares to systems in Australia and the UK.
| Feature | Singapore (HCS) | Australia/New Zealand (Health Star Rating) | UK (Traffic Light Labeling) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Simple logo with taglines (e.g., lower sugar) for qualifying products. | Star rating (½ to 5 stars) where more stars mean healthier. | Color-coded system (green, amber, red) for fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt levels. |
| Basis for Assessment | Compares products in the same category based on fat, saturated fat, sodium, sugar, fibre, and wholegrains. | Algorithm rates overall nutritional profile, considering positive and negative nutrients. | Compares nutrients per 100g/100ml against thresholds for color ratings. |
| Voluntary vs. Mandatory | Voluntary for manufacturers. | Voluntary, but widely used. | Voluntary, used by many retailers. |
Conclusion
The Healthier Choice Symbol is a valuable tool by Singapore's HPB for promoting healthier food choices. By marking packaged foods lower in unhealthy components and higher in beneficial ones, it simplifies shopping and encourages a healthier food supply. While the HCS guides towards nutritious options, remember it's a comparative tool, and overall dietary balance and moderation are essential.
Choosing the Best Option
Making informed choices starts with understanding what foods have the healthier choice symbol. Combine the HCS with label reading and mindful eating for better health.
A Final Reminder
Healthier packaged foods should supplement a diet rich in fresh produce. Use the HCS as a guide within a balanced eating plan.
