Woolworths introduces major change at checkouts
The changes will roll out across the country at the end of July.
Confectionery aimed at children will be removed from Woolworths' checkouts and will be swapped with healthier options under a welcome change the supermarket giant is rolling out nationwide.
Only foods with a Health Star Rating (HSR) of 3.5 or above will be available near the registers to allow families to make better food choices, the supermarket giant announced this week.
Cost of living pressures were also taken into account and all items available will cost $3 or less. Items including nut bars, popcorn and almonds will replace most chocolates and lollipops from the end of July.
The end-of-aisle displays will also look different and will include healthier options. However, "sometimes foods" and treats such as chips that are on special will still be promoted, the supermarket says.
"These are small but important steps in the right direction as we work to make healthier choices easier for our customers," Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director, Natalie Davis said of the change.
"There’s no replacement for wholesome food like fruit and veg, but removing kids' confectionery from checkouts and helping customers make small swaps on food they pick up at the end of an aisle or at the checkout, can help make a positive impact on their shopping habits."
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The move follows changes to checkouts introduced last year by Woolworths, where it increased the range of healthier options, including wholegrain crackers and bars. Now, at least 80 per cent of snacks at checkouts have a Health Star Rating of 3.5 stars or more, based on the Government’s Health Star Rating system.
It also follows the introduction of Woolworths' Free Fruit for Kids program in 2015 which allows kids to pick up fresh fruit for free while in stores.
"We want to make healthier easier for all Australians and this builds on many changes we’ve made over the years to help our customers make healthier choices," Ms Davis added. "We’ll continue to look at ways to create affordable healthier options across our range, together with our supplier partners."
Other ways Woolworths is promoting healthier food
Health Star Ratings on Own Brand products: Woolworths has added Health Star Rating to the packaging on all intended own brand products to help customers make informed decisions.
Product reformulations: Woolworths has a strong focus on making its own brand products healthier by continually reducing salt, sugar and saturated fat, and adding more vegetables and whole grains.
‘Healthier Options’ online: On select product pages on the Woolworths website and app, customers are shown similar products with a higher Health Star Rating. This allows them to make a choice on whether they may want to opt for a healthier option.
Are other supermarkets doing the same?
A spokesperson for Coles told Yahoo News Australia the supermarket is always looking at ways to make healthy food more accessible for customers.
"More recently, we have made an effort across our aisles to make healthier alternatives available next to their traditional counterparts in every grocery aisle," the spokesperson said.
Aldi said it had little unhealthy food or drinks on end-of-aisle displays given limited space. Additionally, no price promotions on unhealthy foods and drinks are on checkout displays.
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