Everything You Need to Know About the New Health Star Rating of Orange Juice
We think we know what’s healthy and what’s not. We want to go to the supermarket with confidence that we’re making smart food and beverage choices. It can be shocking to hear that juice might be as bad for us as a regular soda, but according to the Health Star rating of orange juice, it’s true!
Did you just dramatically spit out your orange juice in surprise? Well, wipe off your device and keep reading, because you’re not alone. A new Health Star rating shows our favourite breakfast beverage isn’t so sunny after all.
You might want to change tomorrow’s breakfast order because OJ has a bad rap. Let’s take a look at the Health Star rating of orange juice.
What Is a Health Star Rating?
In Australia, the Health Star Rating system shows us the nutritional profile of a food, which is marked on the front of labels. Numbers go from 1/2 a star to 5 stars, and the higher number, the healthier it is. It is a simple way to compare food items at a glance.
The Health Star Rating Of Orange Juice
The country’s food regulation authorities recently turned down a proposal to give fresh juice a Health Star rating (HSR) of 5. Instead, it’s been knocked down from 5 to 2. This is due to ADA’s Oral Health Tracker showing that 48% of us are ingesting too much “free sugar” (or added sugar) these days.
Australian Dietary Guidelines say 125ml (1/2 cup) or less per day should be a person’s limit. The health star rating of fruit juice puts it on the same level as Diet Coke. The Health Star system’s lack of nuance is causing people to lose faith in this simplistic system.
Which Drinks Are Healthy?
Water should be your go-to beverage, but there are plenty of other healthy choices. Try to limit sugary drinks to the occasional 125mL (1/2 glass) per serving, as recommended by the Dietitians Australia. In a review of orange juice, they mention that it takes around 8 oranges to make 1 glass.
By drinking the juice instead of the whole fruit, you’re missing out on the fibre. The fibre in fruit is what makes you feel full. Also, remember that the acids and sugars in the juice can lead to tooth decay.
Alternatives to Water
If water isn’t your thing, try switching to plain soda water, herbal tea, or unflavoured milk. Chop up some fresh fruit and drop it into your glass of water for a refreshing alternative. If you must have juice, check the label so you can avoid “juice from concentrate” and “juice drink” and see your dentist for regular cleanings.
A Simplistic Solution With Odd Timing
The Health Star rating of orange juice is, strangely enough, being lowered at a time when Aussies aren’t consuming enough fruits and vegetables. Just use your common sense to guide you and your children in the right direction. All of these not-so-sweet orange juice facts serve as a wake-up call for all of us to break old habits and become healthier overall.
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