The 2021 update of New Zealand food composition database (NZFCD) was released online on 31^st March 2022. This release is particularly significant because it is the first time FoodCASE has been used, replacing a food information management system (FIMS). Plant & Food Research is grateful for modifications made to FoodCASE to meet their needs.

Plant & Food Research and the New Zealand Ministry of Health (MoH) jointly own NZFCD, which is the most comprehensive collection of high-quality nutrient data for more than 2700 foods commonly eaten in Aotearoa New Zealand. NZFCD enables a wide range of users – from government, health and research organisations to the food industry and the public – to understand the composition of the foods New Zealanders are eating.

In this latest release, 380 food records are new or have been updated since the last release in 2019 (e.g., FOODfiles 2018). The new food reflect changing dietary patterns of Kiwis and include gluten-free, spelt and quinoa flours, hemp products (flour, protein powder, seed and seed oil) and kombucha. A number of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables are also included, such as fruit used in smoothies, baby leaf spinach and kale. In addition, this year’s updates include the new Plant & Food Research-bred purple kūmara (New Zealand sweet potato) ‘Purple Dawn’ and Zespri’s RubyRed™ kiwifruit. Commonly consumed foods, like milk, chicken and eggs, have been updated to reflect changes in their compositions, altered farming and production practices, and improved analytical methods. At the same time, just over 380 foods were archived and are not available in the current version because products have been withdrawn from the market or newer data have been added to NZFCD.

Data are published in three different formats in parallel with an updated manual providing guidance for users:

• New Zealand FOODfiles™ 2021: This provides the complete data set for the NZFCD as a downloadable desk reference with a series of Excel files. Data are presented for 2,763 foods: 85 core components in the Standard Version and up to 360 components in the Unabridged Version.
• Concise New Zealand Food Composition Tables 14th Edition 2021: These tables contain selected data on key nutrients for commonly consumed foods and are ideal for quick reference. They are downloadable in PDF and Microsoft Office Excel file format and contain data for 38 components for 1,281 foods.
• Online search: This search tool you to search by food and find the detailed composition or by nutrient to find the best sources of them. It provides information on percentage daily intake of nutrients and nutrient content claims.

Visit the New Zealand Food Composition Database here