What Australian media revealed about our food this past week.
If you've ever stood in the supermarket wondering whether you're making the 'right' choice for your family, you're certainly not alone.
This week, three Australian media investigations tackled exactly that question.
The ABC published an investigation into how processed food marketing can make products appear healthier than they really are. SBS Insight explored the growing debate around ultra-processed foods (UPFs), while ABC Four Corners took viewers behind the scenes of the food industry in Duped: Food Exposed.
Although each program approached the topic differently, they all highlighted the same challenge:
It's becoming harder than ever for parents to separate marketing from meaningful nutrition information.
One quote from the ABC investigation summed it up perfectly:
"The kids deserve so much better."
As a health educator, and mum of two boys, I totally agree with this statement.
The problem isn't parents
Most parents genuinely want to feed their families well.
- They read labels
- They compare products.
- They look for Health Star Ratings.
- They choose foods with claims like 'high in fibre', 'contains wholegrains' or 'no artificial colours'.
The problem is that food packaging is designed to catch our attention, and these claims don't always tell the whole story.That's exactly what this week's ABC investigation highlighted.
What about ultra-processed foods?
Ultra-processed foods are often portrayed as something we should avoid completely. But the reality is more nuanced. Some ultra-processed foods provide valuable nutrients and can absolutely have a place in busy family life. Others are heavily refined, engineered to be highly palatable, and can easily become foods we eat far more often than we intend.
Nutrition isn't about one food. It's about overall eating patterns.
The 10 minutes I recommend you watch
If you're short on time, I'd encourage you to watch just ten minutes of ABC Four Corners. Jump to around the 37-minute mark.
A former food technologist explains how some packaged foods are intentionally developed to encourage us to keep eating.
You'll also hear Professor Mark Lawrence, former Principal Nutritionist at Food Standards Australia New Zealand, discuss food policy and the Health Star Rating system, saying:
"When it's a flawed design, mandatory is not the way to go."
Whether you agree with every point or not, it's a fascinating insight into how complex our food system has become.
So what can parents do?
We don't need to fear supermarket food or throw out everything in your pantry. Instead, keep coming back to a few simple principles.
1. Look beyond the front of the packet
Health claims are designed to attract attention. Turn the pack over and look at the ingredient list as well as the Nutrition Information Panel.
2. Build meals around whole foods
Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs and yoghurt don't need clever marketing to prove they're nutritious. Aim to let these foods make up most of what your family eats.
3. Progress beats perfection
Busy families rely on convenience sometimes – and that's okay. Nutrition isn't about perfection. It's about making small, realistic improvements that fit your family's life.
My biggest takeaway
After watching these program and reading the article, I feel motivated.
- Motivated to keep asking questions.
- Motivated to keep helping parents build confidence around food choices.
- And motivated to remind families that they don't need to be perfect– they simply need enough knowledge to see through the marketing.
Because our kids deserve food that nourishes them, not advertising that confuses us.
Watch and read for yourself
ABC News investigation: Processed food marketing and health claims Read here
ABC Four Corners: Duped – Food Exposed (Part 1) Watch on ABC iview tune on Monday at 8.30pm for Part 2
SBS Insight: Processed Food Fight Watch on SBS On Demand
I'd really love to hear what you think after watching them. Did anything surprise you?
Drop me a message on Instagram or send me an email.
