AUT Food Network develops new healthy snack bar
The AUT Food Network has developed a healthy new snack bar under the University’s Nothing Else brand. The Lifesaver bar has unique nutritional features such as a low glycaemic index, which can help consumers keep hunger pangs at bay for longer, thanks to better blood glucose control.
The AUT Food Network was established in 2013, drawing together University academics involved in various aspects of food research, including Food Science, Health & Nutrition, Hospitality, Branding and Design, Retailing, and Research & Innovation.
Professor of Nutrition Elaine Rush says, “New Zealand produces food for 30 million people, yet we have one of the highest rates of obesity globally. That’s a sign that our food supply is not health-promoting. We need to talk more about consuming combinations of healthy, whole foods and ensuring consumers understand what’s in the food that they eat – the central principle of the Nothing Else Brand developed by Dave Brown from AUT’s Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies .”
She adds, “The AUT Food Network wants to change food choices, by taking steps to improve the quality of food presented to people. That’s what we’re doing with the Nothing Else Lifesaver bar.”
Two years in the making, the snack bar consists of whole grains, dates, almonds, honey, egg white, cinnamon and sea salt.
“That’s it. Our label shows up front what’s in the Nothing Else Lifesaver bar, and it contains nothing else. That’s the whole concept – nothing but eight natural, nutritious ingredients,” says Professor Rush.
The snack bar serves as a source of protein, is high in fibre and low in sodium. It was developed through the research initiatives of the AUT Food Network group, which is focussed on using research to support both healthier lifestyles and the business endeavours of external organisations.
The Nothing Else Lifesaver snack bar has debuted at AUT University’s North and South campus gyms, selling at $2.00 per 50 gram bar.
For more information on the Nothing Else range, or to discuss a potential research partnership with the AUT Food Network, please contact Professor Elaine Rush (+64 9 921 9758, elaine.rush@aut.ac.nz).