What's the healthy take on Grand Final day snacks?

Media release: Wednesday 24 September 2025

New data prompts nutrition advice for heart healthy crowd pleasers

Imagine having burgers, tacos and pizza without compromising your heart health? The Heart Foundation says that with a few tweaks, you can!

Finals fever is here for the big footy codes and it’s time to score big in the kitchen with Grand Final entertaining options that are both nutritious and sure to please a crowd.

With new data revealing people in Australia are snacking more than ever on processed food¹, the Heart Foundation is cheering for footy fans to make simple swaps this Grand Final week, with gameday get-togethers serving as the perfect opportunity to enjoy food that fuels the fun – without compromising on flavour.

Kick heart health goals with lighter takes on footy classics

Heart Foundation registered nutritionist Rachel Mackey said heart-healthy eating was all about balance, and if you were attending traditional barbecues this week or bringing a plate to a potluck, there were simple swaps to make the menu healthier.

“Events like the footy are all about coming together, and food is such a big part of that,” Ms Mackey said.

“When you serve plenty of variety, from colourful platters to lighter takes on classics, there’s something healthy for everyone.”

Newly published ABS data on food and nutrition showed people in Australia are increasingly reaching for snack foods.

According to the data, sourced from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2023), on average one-third (31 per cent) of daily energy intake of people in Australia came from discretionary foods such as biscuits, processed meats, confectionery, pastries and salty snack foods.

The research showed a 20 per cent increase in median daily snack food consumption compared with 2011-12 figures. Ms Mackey said discretionary snack foods such as potato chips and savoury pies are high in salt and saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease when eaten in excess.

"Heart-healthy choices aren’t about missing out on fan favourites,” Ms Mackey said.

“It’s about simple swaps that keep the foods and flavour you love, with a healthier twist. That way, you’re still enjoying your favourites but cutting back on saturated fat and salt, which can impact your heart.”

Top tips for football feasting with a healthier twist

Ms Mackey encouraged footy fans to serve food that’s flavourful and fun this Grand Final week, with heart-healthy options that were sure to be a winning choice.

“Make small swaps like choosing wholegrains, lean proteins and always include plenty of vegetables,” she suggested.

This Grand Final week, try these ideas for a heart-healthy twist on your main event:

DIY Burger Bar

Burgers are a popular pick on gameday and this recipe made with lean mince and packed with fresh vegetables is a winner for nutrition

“Beef burgers with lean mince or veggie burgers packed with fibre-rich legumes are a great option,” Ms Mackey suggested.

“Use wholegrain buns, pile on the veggies and swap mayonnaise for Greek or natural yoghurt.”

Taco station

A simple spread to prep and serve, guests will enjoy helping themselves to a variety of nutritious toppings

“Try pan-fried fish tacos for healthy fats and lean protein, or bean tacos for a plant-based option,” Ms Mackey suggested. “Load your tacos with zesty salsa and veggies of choice.”

Quick homemade pizzas

Pizzas are a go-to when feeding a crowd and this recipe opts for a flavoursome take on the traditional version, with extra fibre that will keep your guests fuller for longer

“Use wholemeal flat bread topped with plenty of veggies, lean proteins, cheese and flavour bursts from olives and herbs for a speedy pizza,” Ms Mackey suggests.

“Not only does wholemeal flatbread boost fibre, but this recipe is quick to make when you have a crowd to feed.”

Up your grazing platter game

Another tip for your gameday menu is swapping bowls of chips for a grazing board as a colourful centrepiece for guests to snack on siren to siren. 

“Fill your grazing board with colour and flavour. Think fruit, veggie sticks, olives, nuts, cheese and wholegrain crackers or bread,” Ms Mackey said. 

Heart-healthy tips for grazing boards include:

• Opt for hard cheese like a cheddar or for a soft cheese option try a herb-baked ricotta
• Add refreshing seasonal fruit slices for natural sweetness, fibre and colour
• Pair with vegetables or legume-based dips such as beetroot, avocado or hummus and choose the dip with the lowest sodium content on the nutrition label and vegetables listed as the first ingredient.

Download the Heart Foundation’s free Fresh Entertaining recipe e-book for ideas

The Heart Foundation has a recipe hub packed with quick, affordable and heart-healthy ideas for every occasion.

For more inspiration, visit the Heart Foundation’s online store and download the free Fresh Entertaining recipe e-book.