Analysis of Front-of-Pack labelling systems on packaged non-alcoholic beverages for Australian consumer guidance

Aim: Numerous Front-of-Pack nutrition labelling systems have been proposed in recent years to assist consumers in making healthier food choices, including reducing sugar intake. Packaged beverages represent one product category that has undergone significant diversification and has emerging new subcategories. The present study examined the implications of applying three different currently used or proposed Front-of Pack nutrition labels to a range of pre-packaged beverage products to descriptively assess their potential utility. Methods: The Traffic Light System, % Daily Intake label and the Health Star Rating system were applied in accordance with established criteria and standards on 31 non-alcoholic pre-packaged beverages representing eight subcategories. Results: There were often considerable differences between labelling system ratings for the same products. The Traffic Light System had similar labelling when comparing soft drinks and fruit juice and sodium content was marked as low for all tested products. Percentage Daily Intake reflected similar results for regular soft drinks and fruit juices; however, in terms of energy, liquid breakfast ranked highest followed by energy drinks, fruit juice and soft drinks. The Health Star Rating showed the fruit juice category to be healthier than other beverages, including water. Diet products scored 0.5-1 stars more than regular products. Conclusions: The Health Star Rating system was concluded to be more suitable to label beverages based on better utility, applicability and ease of identifying healthier beverage choices; however, this system would benefit from further refinement. Labelling simplicity, health representativeness, marketplace utility and consumer comprehensiveness are important considerations for future labelling development.