Ingredients List

All manufactured foods sold in Australia must display an ingredients list. Ingredients must be listed in descending order with the main ingredient (highest weight) listed first and the smallest ingredient last. At a glance you can gain valuable nutrition information just by assessing the content and order of the ingredients listed. For example, if sugar is listed near the start of the list you can be sure that it forms a significant proportion of the food and it is not a healthy option.

Food additives are listed by name or an approved numbering system. Parents with children who have allergies or behavioural responses to particular additives need to be aware of both the name and number of the additives that may affect their children. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) provide a comprehensive food additives list on their website.