What is not part of the 5 basic food groups?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Better Health Channel, foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat are not included in the five main food groups and should be considered occasional treats. This category of 'discretionary foods' is what is not part of the 5 basic food groups, representing items that offer calories without significant nutritional value.

Quick Summary

Discretionary foods, high in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt, are outside the five core food groups and offer minimal nutrients. These items should be consumed sparingly to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

Key Points

Discretionary Foods Aren't a Group: Items like soft drinks, candy, cakes, and fried snacks are not part of the five basic food groups and are considered 'discretionary'.
High in Unhealthy Additives: Discretionary foods are typically high in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt, providing minimal nutritional benefit.
Nutrient-Poor Calories: These foods offer 'empty calories' that contribute to total energy intake without providing essential vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
Processing is a Key Factor: The most concerning foods outside the core groups are 'ultra-processed' items, which are heavily altered and contain high levels of unhealthy additives.
Moderation is Essential: While not part of the core groups, discretionary foods can be enjoyed sparingly as occasional treats, not as staples of the diet.
Water Isn't a Food Group: Though vital for hydration, water is not categorized as a food group because it provides no macronutrients.
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: The best strategy for a healthy diet is to prioritize whole, minimally processed foods from the five basic groups over discretionary items.

Understanding the 5 Basic Food Groups

Before defining what is excluded, it's important to know what is included. While the exact classification can vary slightly by region, the widely accepted five core groups are consistent in their nutritional purpose:

Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support bodily functions and the immune system.
Carbohydrates (or Grains): Primarily a source of energy for daily activities. Examples include bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes.
Proteins: Necessary for building and repairing tissues, as well as for growth. This group includes meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
Dairy: Provides calcium for strong bones and teeth, along with other nutrients. This includes milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as dairy-free alternatives fortified with calcium.
Fats and Oils: A source of energy and essential fatty acids. The key is to consume healthier, unsaturated fats in moderation.

The Discretionary Category: Foods to Limit

The vast majority of items that are not part of the basic food groups fall into a category often referred to as 'discretionary choices' or 'junk foods'. These are defined as foods and drinks that are high in added sugars, saturated fat, and/or salt but offer little to no nutritional benefit. Their primary purpose is to add flavor or convenience, not to provide essential nutrients.

Specific Examples of Discretionary Foods

This category includes a wide array of popular items that are not necessary for a healthy diet and should be consumed in limited quantities:

Sugary drinks: Soft drinks, flavored cordials, energy drinks, and many fruit juices with added sugar.
Sweets and baked goods: Candy, chocolate, cakes, sweet biscuits, pastries, and desserts.
Processed and fatty snacks: Potato chips, crisps, savory crackers, and commercially fried foods.
Takeaway and fast foods: Burgers, pizzas, and other fried or high-fat takeaway items are often discretionary due to their high content of saturated fat, salt, and added sugars.
Alcoholic beverages: These contribute empty calories and have no place within the five core food groups.
Certain fats: Cream and butter, while containing fat, are high in saturated fats and are often grouped with discretionary items to be limited.

The Spectrum of Processing

It is important to distinguish between minimally processed foods, which can be part of a healthy diet, and ultra-processed foods, which are typically discretionary. Many staples, like wholemeal bread or plain yogurt, undergo some processing but retain significant nutritional value. In contrast, ultra-processed foods are formulated for convenience, taste, and a long shelf life using additives, sugar, fat, and salt, with minimal or no whole-food ingredients.

Whole vs. Processed Foods


Feature	Whole Food (Minimally Processed)	Discretionary (Ultra-Processed)
Nutrient Density	High (Vitamins, minerals, fiber)	Low (Empty calories)
Satiety	High (Due to fiber and protein)	Low (Can lead to overconsumption)
Additives	Minimal or none	High (Added sugars, salt, preservatives, artificial flavors)
Health Impact	Promotes overall health	Linked to increased risk of chronic diseases
Preparation	Requires some preparation	Often ready-to-eat or requires minimal preparation
Example	Whole-grain oats	Sugary breakfast cereal
Example	Fresh fruit	Sweet biscuits or pastries

Water and Beverages

Water, while essential for life and health, is not categorized as a food group itself. It is fundamental for hydration and numerous bodily functions but does not provide energy or macronutrients like the five food groups. Other beverages, like coffee and tea, may also be consumed but are generally not considered part of a food group unless they are milk-based. Water remains the healthiest choice for hydration.

Navigating a Healthy Diet

Since foods not in the five basic groups are generally high in energy and low in nutritional value, limiting their intake is key for a healthy eating pattern. This doesn't mean complete avoidance, but rather consuming them only occasionally and in small amounts, as recommended by various health guidelines. Prioritizing a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods from the main five groups ensures you get the necessary vitamins, minerals, fiber, and energy to support your body's needs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a healthy and balanced diet is built on a foundation of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy, with a modest inclusion of healthy fats and oils. What is not part of the 5 basic food groups is largely the 'discretionary' category of foods and drinks loaded with added sugar, salt, and saturated fat. By focusing on nutrient-rich choices and consciously reducing discretionary intake, individuals can significantly improve their overall health and wellbeing. For further reading, consult authoritative sources on dietary recommendations such as the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Candy is not a food group because it is a discretionary food, meaning it is high in added sugars and offers very little nutritional value like vitamins, minerals, or fiber.

No, sugary drinks are not part of any food group. They provide empty calories from sugar and can increase the risk of chronic diseases when consumed regularly.

Yes, fats and oils are often included as the fifth food group. However, healthier fats (like those in olive oil) should be prioritized over saturated and trans fats found in many discretionary foods.

'Empty calories' are calories from foods that contain very little to no nutritional value, such as essential vitamins, minerals, or fiber. Discretionary foods are a primary source of empty calories.

Discretionary foods are typically those high in added sugars, salt, and saturated fat. They include items like sweets, savory snacks, processed pastries, and sugary drinks.

Yes, it is fine to have discretionary foods occasionally and in small amounts. They should be seen as treats rather than a regular part of your diet.

Ultra-processed foods are a concern because they often lack nutrients, are loaded with additives, and are linked to an increased risk of health issues like obesity and heart disease.