I’m a paediatric nutritionist and you’re being tricked by 'no sugar’ ice blocks

"I was shocked to learn how many food products with a health star rating over 2.5 contained some extremely harmful ingredients."

No Sugar Zooper Dooper's are a popular choice for parents. Image: Supplied

Parents feel more relaxed knowing they're giving their children a treat with a 3.5 health star rating, but just how healthy is the 'No Sugar' alternative to regular Zooper Dooper ice blocks? 

According to Sydney-based paediatric nutritionist Mandy Sacher, not very. Which is something parents don't necessarily want to hear as the weather begins to warm up!

Passionate about healthy eating for the whole family, Mandy took to social media to share a few discoveries she made when looking into the 'healthier' summer treat. 

"When you hear the phrase Health Star Rating - you think, there's a regulation I can trust, right? This is exactly what I thought until I did some digging," she wrote on her Instagram post.

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Ice blocks are a popular way to cool down on a hot summer day. Image: iStock

Does a good health star rating mean it's healthy? 

Mandy explains that the health star rating used on supermarket products ranks food items based on their macro nutrients, but sadly a high star rating doesn't always translate to the food item being healthier to eat. 

"The truth is, the Health Star Rating system is a self-regulated and deceptive marketing hoax that allows products that contain potentially harmful ingredients to get a seal of approval or a 'health halo' by intentionally failing to consider all of the ingredients within a product," Mandy insists.

"It considers the levels of protein, fibre, fat and sodium, but ignores the extremely ultra-processed ingredients and inclusion of preservatives, colours and additives, some of which, by the way, have been banned in several countries."

Shopping for groceries is a hard enough task for parents. There's remembering the items you need, deciphering what is actually healthy and what isn't, and if you're crazy enough to take the kids with you, you'll know how hard it is to keep them in line (and out of the confectionary aisle!).

It's for this reason that Mandy says food items like this are often overlooked. 

Speaking to Kidspot about her post, Mandy admits she is often surprised by the amount of parents to message her about items they thought were OK to give their kids.

"The amount of parents who daily message me that they never used to read labels or realise that food labels are tricking them is gobsmacking," she admits. "A lot of them are angry and upset that they’ve been tricked by marketing. They’re being fooled and are not sure how it’s allowed." 

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Hidden nasties lurking in your kids' snacks

It doesn't stop at ice blocks, either. Mandy claims there are many other food items marketed to children that carry hidden nasties that don't make it to the package labels. 

According to the mum-of-two, the worst combination in kids' snacks is colouring and preservatives. 

"Healthy breakfast biscuits that are marketed as low sugar, low carb, like muesli bars. The list of ingredients is filled with ultra-processed and cheap fillers," she says. 

Breakfast drinks, breakfast cereals and pouch yoghurts are also ones to take a close look at before buying. 

"We know these additives and preservatives have a negative impact on growth and wellbeing and should not be part of kids' everyday foods," Mandy adds. 

The No Sugar Zooper Dooper's have a 3.5 star health rating. Image: Image: Instagram / @mandy_sacher

The hidden numbers you should know about in kids' snacks

Now, it's one thing to tell parents to take the time to read the front and back of the packaging, but it's a whole other task to actually understand what is being listed in the item. 

Mandy goes on to list the dangerous numbers hidden in the list of ingredients and the health dangers they pose to our little ones devouring them. 

For example, the number 122 (or Azorubine) is a red flag for Mandy as it may cause eczema, hyperactivity and may promote inflammation. 

Sunset yellow (110) may also cause problems with hyperactivity, DNA damage, asthma and allergic reactions, she claims. 

And then comes Amaranth (123), which Mandy claims is so bad it's banned in the USA as it may be carcinogenic and can cause hyperactivity, skin issues and hypersensitive reactions. 

What parents need to be aware of. Image: Instagram / @mandy_sacher

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What's a healthier option? 

Obviously making your own is the best way to go because parents will know exactly what is in the fresh snack or treat.

But if you're looking for a healthier alternative in the ice block section at the supermarket, there are other options available. 

"Juicies are absolutely a good option, but just look for real ingredients not numbers and things you don't recognise as a real food," she says. 

Mandy told Kidpsot that by sharing the important ingredients, she hopes to better inform parents of what they're buying if they're solely relying on the health star rating listed on items.

She also hopes that by bringing awareness to the issue will help schools make more informed choices with what is offered to children in school canteens. 

You can read more about her post on Zooper Doopers here. 

Originally published as I’m a paediatric nutritionist and you’re being tricked by 'no sugar’ ice blocks