The Tick is the Heart Foundation’s guide to help people make healthier food choices. It is Australia’s number one food approval program 1. Nestlé recognises the importance of the Heart FoundationTick and introduced theTick to some of its product, making it easier for you to make a better choice.
What is the Heart Foundation Tick Program?
The Tick is an independent program which encourages food manufacturers and food outlets to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply, by meeting the Heart Foundation Tick’s nutrition standards1. All foods that areTick approved are identified on pack by the Heart FoundationTick logo.
Why are Tick foods a better choice?
The program sets strict nutritional criteria across 60 different food categories including over 1100 foods in the supermarket. The criteria aim to lower the levels of “negative” nutrients such as saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and kilojoules and increase levels of “positive” nutrients such as calcium and fibre in the food you buy.
The Tick program also includes a range of fresh foods: milk, fish, meat, poultry, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. All fresh fruit and vegetables qualify for theTick2.
Why chooseTick-approved foods?
The Heart FoundationTick sets a nutritional gold standard so when you“pick foods with theTick” you can be sure that the product you are choosing is a healthier choice. Foods carrying the Tick are a better choice in their category, for example bread with theTick is a healthier choice of bread because it will have less salt (sodium). It is important to note the tick is optional, so if a product does not have a heart tick, but has the same nutritional composition as a product with the heart tick, then it can be just as good a choice.TheTick is a time saver; it helps you make a good choice when you don’t have time to read all the nutrition information on food labels.
Foods displaying the Heart Foundation Tick are not specifically designed for people with heart disease or any other disease. Rather they are a healthier choice for the general population and all people who are concerned about their overall health and well-being.
How does a product becomeTick approved?
Food manufacturers cannot just choose to buy the Heart Foundation Tick; they first must meet strict nutrition criteria that have to be adhered to. Products must be tested by an independent laboratory, meet nutritional standards and routine spot checks. This process ensures that the Tick standards are always met 2. If a food item does not qualify for the Tick, the Heart Foundation can work with the food company to improve the nutritional profile of the product.
This fact sheet contains general information. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific advice for your personal situation.
To see the Nestlé range of Tick approved products please visit www. nestle.com.au/OurProducts/Pages/HeartTickProducts.aspx, or contact our Consumer Services Department during business hours on 1800 025 361.
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