Comprehensive Nutrition Review of Grain-Based Muesli Bars in Australia: An Audit of Supermarket Products

Abstract

Muesli bars are consumed by 16% of children, and 7.5% of adults, and are classified as discretionary in Australian Dietary Guidelines, containing “higher fat and added sugars” compared with core food choices. This study aimed to provide a nutritional overview of grain-based muesli bars, comparing data from 2019 with 2015. An audit of muesli bars, grain-based bars, and oat slices was undertaken in January 2019 (excluding fruit, nut, nutritional supplement, and breakfast bars) from the four major supermarkets in metropolitan Sydney. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for all nutrients on-pack, including whole grain per serve and per 100g. Health Star Rating (HSR) was calculated if not included on-pack. Of all bars (n = 165), 63% were ≤ 600 kJ (268–1958 kJ), 12% were low in saturated fat, 56% were a source of dietary fibre, and none were low in sugar. Two-thirds (66%) were whole grain (≥8 g/serve), with an average of 10 g/serve, 16% of the 48 g Daily Target Intake. HSR featured on 63% of bars (average 3.2), with an overall HSR of 2.7. Compared to 2015, mean sugars declined (26.6 g to 23.7 g/100 g; p < 0.001), and 31% more bars were whole grain (109 up from 60 bars). Although categorised as discretionary, there were significant nutrient differences across grain-based muesli bars. Clearer classification within policy initiatives, including HSR, may assist consumers in choosing products high in whole grain and fibre at the supermarket shelf.

Plant-Based Meat Substitutes in the Flexitarian Age: An Audit of Products on Supermarket Shelves

“…A recognised process was used to conduct an audit of plant-based meat substitutes [29,30] in the four major supermarkets (Aldi, Coles, IGA, and Woolworths) of metropolitan Sydney in June 2019, replicating a process that was conducted on the same category in 2015. These supermarket chains represent more than 80% of total Australian market share [31], and were chosen in an effort to reflect choices available to the majority of Australian shoppers.…”

Got Mylk? The Emerging Role of Australian Plant-Based Milk Alternatives as A Cow’s Milk Substitute

“…A cross-sectional survey of plant-based milk alternatives was conducted between November 2019 and January 2020 in Metropolitan areas of Melbourne and Sydney. The data collection process replicated a previously recognised procedure [10,52]; however, the examination included three market categories: retail supermarkets, health food stores and local independent cafes with non-dairy milk offerings. The following major supermarkets were surveyed: Woolworths Group, Coles, Aldi and Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA), which collectively constitute 80.1% of the Australian grocery market share [53].…”

Growing the Business of Whole Grain in the Australian Market: A 6-Year Impact Assessment

“…The system ranks packaged foods on a scale between 0.5 (1/2) to 5 stars, with more stars indicating a healthier product, and scores foods based on their 'negative nutrients' (kilojoules, sodium, saturated fat, and total sugars), and 'positive' points, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, or legumes, as well as dietary fibre and protein [47]. The HSR does not directly reward grain foods for containing whole grain, and research has shown this translates to only minor score differences between refined and whole grain foods, such as white and brown rice, or pasta [48], but also snacks, such as muesli bars [34], failing to adequately communicate whole grain's health benefits. This omission has been justified by the fact that some whole grain foods may achieve a higher score based on their dietary fibre content; however, fibre is known as a poor indicator of whole grain.…”

“…An audit is defined as a 'systematic review or assessment of something' [30]. This recognised process has been published previously [31][32][33][34], and was conducted in the four major supermarket chains (Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, IGA) in metropolitan Sydney, in order to capture the breadth of products available in Australia. Smartphones were used to record all on-pack information, including ingredients, nutrition information, nutrition and health claims, and any logos or endorsements, including the Health Star Rating.…”