Health Star Ratings are a quick and easy way to compare the nutritional profile of similar packaged foods and beverages. The Health Star Ratings range from ½ to 5 stars. The more stars, the healthier the choice.

The Health Star Rating (HSR) system is an Australian and New Zealand front-of-pack labelling initiative, in operation since 2014. The ratings are calculated using strict guidelines by manufactures then displayed on the front label of packaged foods and beverages.  The Australian Beverages Council fully supports the HSR system and has been actively involved in its creation, implementation, performance and review since inception.

How ratings are calculated

To determine a rating, the Health Star Rating Calculator first considers components of products associated with increasing the risk factors of chronic diseases and then balances against positive modifying components. There are six categories of products, two apply to beverages:

1. Non-dairy beverages (which also includes jellies and water-based ice confections). HSR value calculated based on energy and total sugars and then modified against percentage of fruit, vegetable, nuts and legume present.

1 D. – Milk and Dairy beverages (and alternatives). HSR value calculated based on energy, total sugars, sodium, and saturated fat, then modified against applicable positive components such as protein or percentage of fruit, vegetable, nuts and legume content.

In addition, certain products automatically qualify for a HSR and do not need to go through the calculator:

• Plain Water (still or sparkling) – a HSR of 5 applies
• Unsweetened Flavoured Water – a HSR of 4.5 applies
• Fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables – a HSR of 5 applies

How to use

When using the HSR, foods and beverages should only be compared to similar products that are in similar areas of the supermarket. Different products are calculated differently. For example, you can compare a soft drink to other soft drinks, but you cannot compare soft drinks to bread.

The HSR system does not consider other health effects of ingredients, products or nutrients like vitamins and minerals. It should be used by shoppers along with other information on the food package, such as the ingredients list and the Nutrition Information Panel.  The HSR does not replace dietary advice from a qualified dietitian or resources like the Australian Dietary Guidelines and New Zealand Eating and Activity Guidelines.

Who looks after the HSR system?

The Health Star Rating Unit within the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing manages the operations and administration of the system. Food Ministers are responsible for all decisions about the Health Star Rating system. In February 2026, Food Ministers agreed to request Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to prepare a proposal on mandating the Health Star Rating system in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This follows findings that uptake of the Health Star Rating system has fallen short of voluntary uptake targets set by Food Ministers in 2020.

For Further information

Health Star Rating System