ReAL FOOD BLOG
Explore the latest product breakdowns, food label red flags, and clean eating tips — straight from Mandy Sacher and the Real Food Rating team.
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Summer Cool Downs: Rating Your Kids’ Favourite Frozen Popsicles
As the summer sun heats up, kids all around Australia are reaching for their favourite ice blocks to cool down. But while these colourful treats might look refreshing, not all ice blocks are created equal. Some are packed with artificial colours, flavours, and additives that could impact your child’s health and behaviour. In this guide,…
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Toxic Treats in Disguise: How Zooper Doopers Earned a 3-Star Health Rating Despite Cancer Concerns
As a leading paediatric nutritionist and mother of two, I am outraged by the blatant flaws in Australia’s Health Star Rating system. How is it possible that a product like Zooper Dooper, which contains an ingredient banned in the US for its links to cancer, can still earn a 3-star rating? As parents, we’re constantly…
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Why Parents Can’t Trust Products with the Health Star Rating – and What To Choose Instead!
The Health Star Rating is designed to help busy parents make healthy choices—but it’s actually doing the opposite! You’re standing in the cereal aisle, two boxes in hand, trying to do right by your kids. One has a gleaming 4-star Health Star Rating. You put the other back. Job done. Except, it’s not. What if…
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How to Read Nutrition Labels Like a Pro: A Parent’s Guide!
Navigating the supermarket aisles can be overwhelming for a parent, especially when you’re trying to choose healthy options for your family. Food packaging is filled with marketing claims like “low-fat,” “sugar-free,” or “low-carb,” but these often don’t reflect a product’s true nutritional quality. Learning to read food labels is the best way to empower parents…
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Peanut Butter: Why Kids Love It & What to Watch Out For!
Peanut butter is a staple in many households, especially for families with young children. It’s creamy, delicious, and versatile—perfect for sandwiches, smoothies, and even straight off the spoon! But as parents, it’s essential to know exactly what’s in that jar and how to choose the healthiest options for your children. This information is not just…
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How to Choose the Best Lunchbox Wraps for Your Kids!
WrapS are a go-to for quiCk, eaSy mealS — perfeCt for everything from lunChbox SnackS to family dinnerS. But be cautious: many store-bought options are packed with additives and unhealthy ingredients that aren’t suitable for everyday consumption, especially for kids. Selecting the right wrap can significantly impact your family’s nutrition. Let’s explore what to look…
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Ditch the BBQ and Tomato Sauce With These Simple Steps!
As parents, we all want to provide our children with tasty and nutritious meals. But in today’s world of convenience foods, many seemingly harmless condiments, like BBQ and Tomato sauce, are packed with ingredients that are often unsuitable for growing bodies. While it may seem like an easy way to add flavour to your child’s…
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8 Fridge Staples for Kids
As parents, we all want our kids to grow up healthy, happy, and thriving. One of the most effective ways to support their health and immunity is by nourishing them with a wide variety of nutrient-dense whole foods. An excellent way to do this is to keep a well-stocked fridge, filled with wholefood snacks to…
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My 6-Step Guide for Choosing the Best Yoghurt for Your Family!
Yoghurt is a popular and versatile food that can be a healthy addition to your child’s daily diet. It provides essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins while offering the benefits of probiotics for gut health. However, not all yoghurts are created equal, and it’s essential to choose wisely when purchasing yogurt for children. Some…