The Healthy Kids Association (HKA) is a NSW-based not-for profit, non-government, health promotion organisation offering a product registration scheme to support NSW schools in identifying and selecting healthier foods and beverages to sell from their school canteen. This report describes the key nutritional characteristics of food and beverage products registered with the HKA (formerly the New South Wales School Canteen Association). Nutrient content data were obtained from the product nutrition information panels for each product, within popular product subcategories, registered as of October 2009. The level of key nutrients (including saturated fat, sugar, calcium and fibre) was identified and analysed in relation to the nutrient criteria threshold levels for green and amber products specified by the HKA. The results indicated that for most product subcategories, the nutrient content of products clustered just below the nutrient criteria thresholds for total energy, saturated fat, sodium and sugar, while the nutrient content for the positive nutrients (calcium and fibre) frequently clustered just above the thresholds. In addition, small package sizes were found to be common among products classified as amber. The distribution of key nutrients around the criteria thresholds suggests that products are formulated with reference to these thresholds, although manufacturers may also achieved the nutrient thresholds through smaller portion sizes. The potential of nutrient thresholds as levers to influence the nutritional profile of foods needs further research and industry dialogue
