Nestle SA will begin revealing the nutritional value of its portfolio items as part of its annual reporting beginning with the 2022 annual report. It will use the Health Star Rating (HSR) methodology to evaluate the nutrition of its food and beverage items.
This new strategy is consistent with Nestle’s aim to “help consumers in making educated food choices,” according to the corporation.
HSR is a government project in Australia that gives health ratings to packaged foods and beverages. The grading method takes into account the overall energy in a food product, the number of vital nutrients and components such as fibre, protein, and legumes, as well as the amount of problematic nutrients such as sugar, saturated fat, and salt.
With ratings ranging from 12 to 5, the more stars, the healthier the option. According to HSR, its ratings offer “a quick, uncomplicated, standard approach to evaluate identical packaged meals.”
Nestle goods will continue to have locally applicable front-of-pack nutrition labels, such as Nutri-Score, on a voluntary or mandatory basis, according to the firm. Nestle also combines its products with consumption advice to promote healthy eating.
“These promises are based on the conviction that transparency is essential for trust,” Nestle explained. “They also build on the company’s long history of assisting customers in enjoying a range of meals and drinks as part of a balanced diet.”
Nestle will also begin reporting on local portfolios in 14 countries in 2023, utilising their national government-endorsed front-of-pack labelling systems. The firm stated that it will report separately on its specialist nutrition offerings in its Nutrition, Nestle Health Science, and pet care divisions because the majority of those products are not included by the HSR rating system.
“The promises are part of Nestle’s efforts to grow and extend specific parts of its portfolio, including healthy plant-based and children’s goods,” according to the firm. “The firm will use its R&D expertise and unique nutrient profiling technology to constantly increase the nutritional content of its meals and drinks.” It will also broaden its selection of low-cost, nutritional goods and drinks.”