ABOUT REAL FOOD RATING
Australia's First Transparent, Science-backed Food Rating System
OUR MISSION
At Real Food Rating, we’re on a mission to transform how Australians understand and choose their food. Born from Mandy Sacher’s unwavering commitment to child nutrition and two decades of research, we created Australia’s first transparent, science-backed food rating system that empowers both parents and brands to make better choices—starting with what’s on the label.
In a world of confusing food labels and marketing claims, we provide clarity and certainty with our innovative Real Food Index (RFI). Our comprehensive approach evaluates food products against rigorous nutritional standards, making it easy for families to identify truly nourishing options.
In a world of confusing food labels and marketing claims, we provide clarity and certainty with our innovative Real Food Index (RFI). Our comprehensive approach evaluates food products against rigorous nutritional standards, making it easy for families to identify truly nourishing options.
Our Story
“Why is it so difficult for parents to identify truly nutritious food products in today’s market?”
Real Food Rating was born from this powerful question posed by our founder, Mandy Sacher. After more than 20 years spent analyzing food ingredients, consulting with families, and witnessing the real-world effects of poor nutrition on children’s health, Mandy knew that existing food labels and rating systems were failing families.
What began as her personal mission to protect her own family’s health has since grown into a national movement for food transparency. Mandy’s vision—paired with input from leading dietitians, scientists, and industry experts—became the foundation for the Real Food Index (RFI): a pioneering rating system that reveals what the Health Star Rating doesn’t.
THE ReAL FOOD RATING DIFFERENCE
Unlike other food rating systems that focus solely on nutrients or single ingredients, our Real Food Index takes a holistic approach that considers:
Whole Food Content
Prioritizing minimally processed ingredients rather than highly refined or ultra-processed components
Additive Analysis
Identifying potentially harmful additives, preservatives, colors, and flavors
Developmental Appropriateness
Assessing suitability for different developmental stages
Nutrient Density
Measuring beneficial nutrients per calorie and considering nutrient bioavailability
Processing Impact
Evaluating how manufacturing processes affect nutritional integrity
Processing Impact
Evaluating how manufacturing processes affect nutritional integrity
Every product rating is determined through our proprietary algorithm developed by our team of nutrition scientists, food technologists, and behavioral specialists.
Meet Our Expert Team
Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in nutrition science, food technology, behavioral psychology, and family wellness to create the most comprehensive and practical food rating system available.
Mandy Sacher
Mandy's extensive product expertise was honed through her pivotal role in the MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) program, where she co-developed training manuals for the world's leading childhood obesity treatment and prevention initiative. Working alongside leading dietitians and behavioral experts at the Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital in the UK, she developed a comprehensive approach to product evaluation and meal planning that forms the foundation of the Real Food Rating system.
Mandy's influence extends beyond institutional settings through her best-selling book, Wholesome Child: A Complete Nutrition Guide and Cookbook, which has become essential reading for families navigating food choices. Her expertise is regularly featured on programs like The Today Show, Today Extra, The Morning Show, Studio 10, and international platforms, as well as in leading publications including News.com.au, Kidspot, and Mamamia.
Dr. Paul Sacher
As co-founder of MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!), Dr. Sacher pioneered one of the world's largest and most successful evidence-based programs for families, which has been implemented across multiple continents and helped thousands of families adopt healthier lifestyles.
Dr. Sacher brings invaluable insights to translating complex nutritional and behavioral science into practical, accessible solutions that align perfectly with our mission. As a clinician scientist and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, his guidance ensures our platform maintains the highest standards of both scientific integrity and practical usability.
Kerry Rogers
Her extensive experience spans nutritional formulas, sports foods, novel foods, functional foods, healthy snacks, and plant-based products. This comprehensive knowledge allows her to evaluate products with extraordinary depth and precision for our rating system.
As a passionate advocate for healthy food and food-as-medicine approaches, Kerry's unique qualifications enable her to analyze the science behind food products and identify opportunities based on emerging technologies and trends. Her technical expertise ensures our rating criteria remain rigorous and aligned with regulatory standards across different markets.
- Public Health Researchers who ensure our standards align with the latest population health insights
- Registered Dietitians who validate the nutritional principles behind our evaluation criteria
- Recipe Developers who create family-friendly meals that showcase RFI-certified products
- Food Scientists who analyze the technical aspects of food processing and formulation
- Marketing Specialists who help translate complex nutritional information into accessible guidance
- Child Development Experts who ensure our approach considers the unique nutritional needs of growing children
Best
4.5 - 5 Stars
Exceptional whole food quality
Better
3.75 - 4.25 Stars
Good food quality / minimal processing
Okay
3.75 - 4.25 Stars
Good food quality / minimal processing
Limit
2.25 - 2.75 Stars
Fair food quality / significant processing
Avoid
0 - 2 Stars
Poor food quality / highly processed
Products in the “Avoid” category and are not recommended for regular consumption.
Ingredient Assessment
Detailed analysis of every ingredient for nutritional value and processing level
Nutritional Analysis
Evaluation of macro and micronutrient composition
Additive Screening
Identification of potentially harmful additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients
Production Method Review
Consideration of how processing affects nutritional integrity
Age-Appropriate Evaluation
Assessment of suitability for different developmental stages
Independent Verification
Third-party testing and validation when necessary
Products that meet our standards receive certification and can display the Real Food Rating seal on their packaging—a trusted symbol that helps consumers make better food choices at a glance.
Our Impact
Since launch, Real Food Rating has helped thousands of Australian families:
For Parents
Make more informed food choices for your family with our evidence-based guidance
For Brands
Lead with integrity and transparency with our certification
Join us in making real food simple again — and together, let’s raise the standard for future generations.