KEY POINTS:
The humble tuckshop pie has just got a whole lot healthier due to a breakthrough by a Hawkes Bay pie-maker.
Goodtime Food is rolling out a range of meat pies today that has on average less than nine grams of fat per 100g, or 13g a pie.
Managing director Phil Pollett said: "Comparing our total fats with the industry average of 23 grams shows a considerable reduction in fat and is also a far cry from the 'golf ball of fat' claims of the past."
The range of pies is among the first to get the Heart Foundation's tick of approval. Jesters pies, based in Takapuna, Auckland, also claims to have several products which have been awarded the tick.
Based on current consumption, more than 150,000 pies are expected to be sold to schools each week throughout the country.
Mr Pollett said Goodtime was motivated to gain the foundation's tick to meet demand from schools to produce a healthier pie.
"We realised we needed to do something to change pies and their image for the better, otherwise the future for pies in schools is bleak."
The Heart Foundation Tick Programme has strict criteria limiting the amount of saturated and trans fats and sodium, along with increased levels of fibre. It also has guidelines ensuring responsible promotion of pies and other foods considered "occasional foods".
Mr Pollett said: "For a while we were stymied because we couldn't take the fat and salt out and keep the pies tasting like pies."
The company eventually found a low-sodium seasoning in the United States.
"The trick had been slowly removing the fat and reducing the salt while getting the taste right so children did not reject being offered something that was different and better for them."
Mr Pollett believed children could still enjoy eating the foods they liked, such as pies, as long as healthier choices continued to be created. The company has invested $100,000 and three years on research and development.
The pies will not be available in supermarkets for now because "Goodtime's commitment is to supply schools ... and keep the cost competitive", he said.
- NZPA
