IN MARKET GROWING DEMAND Serving up new re When Australians patterns, which have remained fairly think about stable over the past 20 years. healthy eating, The research also shows: they don’t think of • people are getting most of food pyramids – they think of their nutrition information in the easy, everyday meals. retail setting And when it comes to eating red • while nutrition and health are meat, research shows consumers topics of interest, value for don’t need convincing: it’s already money is top of mind for most the most popular protein in the when planning meals and Australian repertoire. purchasing meat The new MLA Healthy Meals Report • consumers are more interested uses consumer insights such as in product information than these to provide clear guidance nutrition facts. on the role of red meat in a The biggest impact of the report so healthy diet. far was seen during the COVID‑19 Veronique Droulez is MLA’s Senior lockdown period in Australia. Food and Nutrition Manager. It’s Beef mince was a huge her role to understand the report’s insights about popular meals, seller during this time typical practices and sources of as people stayed home, nutrition information to promote ways consumers can enjoy red and the report helped meat in healthy, balanced meals. to identify how the red She said the report demonstrates meat industry could to health professionals such as respond to consumers’ dietitians and general practitioners – who use MLA’s nutrition resources need for practical tips to provide dietary advice – the and meal ideas. benefits of using a ‘meals‑based approach’ to explain healthy “They want freezing and thawing eating in line with the Australian tips, to know how to cook the Dietary Guidelines. “We found Australians think about nutrition within the context of healthy meals,” she said. “They want to receive information about nutrition through meal ideas they like to eat, because they’re unlikely to adopt dietary advice if it’s outside their typical meal habits.” MLA Healthy Meals While Australians understand red Nutrition Communication Insights meat is a nutritious food, they’re less confident about the amounts HEALTHYMEALS POPULARMEALS PRACTICESTYPICAL A relevant andAn easy way toA user-friendly way recommended for good health. engaging topic formost Australiansenjoy variety andbalanceto explain portionsize “The report findings suggest Australians can enjoy recommended amounts in three 1 to four meals a week, alternating between smaller and larger portion sizes,” Veronique said. Above: The Healthy Meals Report outlines These recommended amounts are ways to help dietitians and GPs provide guidance on red meat consumption in a consistent with current consumption healthy diet. 36