A huge US survey by our sister organisation reveals six diet and exercise secrets of the slim.
22 Jun 2010 |
Are there key eating and exercise strategies that are trademarks of the slim? Learn the secrets of those who never get fat.
In today’s world of over-consumption and health issues, can the industry really justify ‘better for you’ sugar?
22 Apr 2010 |
In the past half-century we’ve increasingly sweetened our food supply. But are we eating too much sugar and is it affecting our health?
As a last resort, it can be an effective way to drop the life-threatening kilos.
19 Jan 2010 |
Gastric banding is promoted as a safe, easy and effective way for obese people to lose weight. CHOICE investigates the claims.
Body fat scales can be a better indicator of overall health than their conventional cousins. CHOICE weighs up the options.
10 Dec 2009 |
We tested 12 bathroom scales that measure body fat percentage as well as weight. But can they make you appear healthier than you really are?
Obesity in children has reached epidemic proportions.
22 Sep 2006 |
Children need better protection from unhealthy food marketing, and a large proportion of people we surveyed think the government should help.
A fresh salad perfect for any occasion.
2 Mar 2011 |
Try this delicious salad that combines broad beans, haloumi and red capsicum.
A simple salad that you can whip up in seconds
2 Mar 2011 |
An accompaniment to any meal.
With such a range of cooking oils on supermarket shelves, which are better for what purpose?
9 Aug 2010 |
Not all oils are equal. We tell you the right ones to use for the cooking purpose in mind.
Is what you buy the real deal?
22 Jun 2010 |
There’s currently no mandatory standard for extra virgin olive oil sold in Australia. CHOICE testing of 28 brands found you can't always trust an oil labelled "extra virgin" is the real deal.
Food science can't replicate the creaminess of oil and eggs
20 Oct 2009 |
Traditional homemade mayonnaise is a luscious blend of oil, egg yolk and vinegar or lemon juice. Supermarket mayo can be a different beast altogether, found our taste testers.
The internet is a world of information, which we rely on search engines to help us find. But does this free service come with a catch?
3 Feb 2012 |
With billions of pages on the internet, the ability to search accurately for information is vital. But there are some factors to consider before your next search.
We delve into the murky world of penny auctions.
18 Nov 2011 |
CHOICE looks into reports of dodgy dealings in online penny auctions, where you may win items for low prices.
CHOICE's latest survey reveals the ISPs worth celebrating.
27 Oct 2011 |
The survey results show which internet sevice providers performed best, how satisfied users were with service, speed, costs and billing, and trends in our use of the internet.
Jump online to ensure your complaints and compliments are heard loud and clear.
24 Aug 2011 |
Your online comments can help inform other consumers about products and services. CHOICE outlines how businesses are engaging with savvy consumers online.
Why does sending a parcel from Australia cost so much compared with sending it to Australia?
22 Aug 2011 |
Australians appear to be paying more than consumers in NZ, the US, UK and further afield for staple services such as international postage.
Don't assume you'll always find the cheapest flights on the most well-known sites.
9 Aug 2011 |
We surfed more than a dozen Australian flight comparison websites and found savings of up to $369 for flights leaving to and from the same destination on the same dates.
Finance comparison websites can deliver masses of information on financial products instantly, but you still need to be wary when using them.
27 Apr 2011 |
These websites can be used to explore many products, from bank accounts to home loans, but CHOICE recommends you approach sites with care.
Online group buying giant Groupon has entered the Australian daily deal market in a puff of smoke and mirrors.
4 Apr 2011 |
Daily deal website company Groupon, known as StarDeals.com.au in Australia, has entered the market with controversial offers that do not exist.
4 Jan 2011 |
CHOICE says advertising campaign launched today by minority of big retail players is alarmist red herring.
Avenues like Twitter and Facebook offer a lot more than just social networking.
20 Oct 2010 |
Forget hanging on the end of a customer service line if you have a gripe. Switch on your computer, log onto the internet and tell the world.
CHOICE explores risks of shopping and swapping second-hand items online.
14 Sep 2009 |
Despite the credit crunch, the second-hand trading market is booming as bargain-hunters turn to buying quality second-hand items online, from the latest plasma screens to designer togs.
Put your computer to work with these top money-saving tips.
15 Jul 2009 |
Your computer is a powerful tool, and there are ways to save a few dollars — or more — while using it.
Head for the cloud and work from anywhere with the new wave of web apps.
15 May 2009 |
Online office suites come under the category of cloud computing, in which the programs and documents are stored on the internet "in the cloud".
Clean up your inbox with these no-cost junk email fighters.
3 Mar 2009 |
Spam is not only annoying, but also potentially dangerous. Here's how to combat the ever increasing stream of junk.
Can using VoIP with Naked DSL cut your phone bill in half?
21 Jan 2009 |
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and uses an Internet connection to make and receive telephone calls.
Google polishes up its web presence.
1 Oct 2008 |
Do we need another web browser, when we already have Interet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera and others to choose from?
Deciding where to eat on Friday night? Check out a restaurant guide website.
29 Sep 2008 |
CHOICE's verdict on which ones offer the most useful information, and how to know which reviews you can trust.
How to create an online photo album.
13 May 2008 |
One of the advantages of digital photography is that your photos no longer have to be locked away within a physical photo album.
Ordinary people are making big profits using the online auction house.
26 Feb 2008 |
According to 2006 ACNielsen research, there are more than 52,700 professional eBay sellers in Australia gaining their primary or secondary income through the site.
Keep your child safe from internet nasties with net filtering software.
15 Jan 2008 |
Internet filtering software helps to block unwanted content. But is your child really safe to browse the Web unsupervised with one of these programs in place?
Virtual worlds could be the future of the internet.
13 Sep 2007 |
There are different types of virtual worlds — some are more like games, some are chat forums and others simulate a life-like world.
Is it worth the risk?
6 Jun 2007 |
Here’s a few tips on how to avoid being ripped off if you miss out on buying tickets first-hand.
Shopping comparison websites can help you sniff out a good deal.
3 Apr 2007 |
Where do you go to find the best deal? Let your mouse do the walking and search for the best price on one website.
With a few precautions, shopping on the internet can be a safe and enjoyable experience.
10 Jan 2007 |
With some simple precautions, shopping online can be relatively trouble-free.
Recipe software can help you take control of clippings, meal times and grocery lists.
5 Aug 2005 |
We tested six recipe software programs to find out how easy they are to use and what sort of features they offer.
Does Cupid web surf? Online dating sites have exploded in popularity but are they worth the money and what are the risks?
29 Jan 2005 |
We talked to some of the largest internet dating providers and checked out the sites ourselves to get an idea of how online dating works.
The internet is a world of information, which we rely on search engines to help us find. But does this free service come with a catch?
3 Feb 2012 |
With billions of pages on the internet, the ability to search accurately for information is vital. But there are some factors to consider before your next search.
We delve into the murky world of penny auctions.
18 Nov 2011 |
CHOICE looks into reports of dodgy dealings in online penny auctions, where you may win items for low prices.
Why does sending a parcel from Australia cost so much compared with sending it to Australia?
22 Aug 2011 |
Australians appear to be paying more than consumers in NZ, the US, UK and further afield for staple services such as international postage.
Ordinary people are making big profits using the online auction house.
26 Feb 2008 |
According to 2006 ACNielsen research, there are more than 52,700 professional eBay sellers in Australia gaining their primary or secondary income through the site.
The internet is a world of information, which we rely on search engines to help us find. But does this free service come with a catch?
3 Feb 2012 |
With billions of pages on the internet, the ability to search accurately for information is vital. But there are some factors to consider before your next search.
We delve into the murky world of penny auctions.
18 Nov 2011 |
CHOICE looks into reports of dodgy dealings in online penny auctions, where you may win items for low prices.
We've trawled our test results to bring you a range of great gift ideas.
16 Nov 2011 |
From digital cameras to kitchen gadgets, our gift ideas cater to all budgets.
5 Sep 2011 |
CHOICE says a review by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) into changes in the way people can pay for goods and services is an opportunity to put the consumer first.
Why does sending a parcel from Australia cost so much compared with sending it to Australia?
22 Aug 2011 |
Australians appear to be paying more than consumers in NZ, the US, UK and further afield for staple services such as international postage.
Online shopping goes viral as Australians look for a better deal offshore.
6 Jul 2011 |
Buying from foreign retailers has netted Australians big discounts. We look into the current state of play for online shopping.
Submission to Productivity Commission focuses on inflated markups.
26 May 2011 |
In our submission to the Productivity Commission, CHOICE calls on importers, distributors and retailers to pass on savings enjoyed thanks to the strong Aussie dollar.
Finance comparison websites can deliver masses of information on financial products instantly, but you still need to be wary when using them.
27 Apr 2011 |
These websites can be used to explore many products, from bank accounts to home loans, but CHOICE recommends you approach sites with care.
It's little surprise that overseas shopping sites are turning up some of the best bargains.
5 Apr 2011 |
Chain, independent or online book retailers – we size up the options.
Online group buying giant Groupon has entered the Australian daily deal market in a puff of smoke and mirrors.
4 Apr 2011 |
Daily deal website company Groupon, known as StarDeals.com.au in Australia, has entered the market with controversial offers that do not exist.
6 Jan 2011 |
CHOICE believes online shopping is motivated by more than just a GST dodge. The big retailers have spoken, now it's time for you to have your say.
CHOICE explores risks of shopping and swapping second-hand items online.
14 Sep 2009 |
Despite the credit crunch, the second-hand trading market is booming as bargain-hunters turn to buying quality second-hand items online, from the latest plasma screens to designer togs.
Put your computer to work with these top money-saving tips.
15 Jul 2009 |
Your computer is a powerful tool, and there are ways to save a few dollars — or more — while using it.
Size irregularities suit certain sectors of the fashion industry.
25 May 2009 |
While there is an Australian standard for children’s clothes sizes, there isn’t for adults. So designers and clothing manufacturers base their sizes on their sales history, marketing hunches and their ideal customer.
Deciding where to eat on Friday night? Check out a restaurant guide website.
29 Sep 2008 |
CHOICE's verdict on which ones offer the most useful information, and how to know which reviews you can trust.
Is it worth the risk?
6 Jun 2007 |
Here’s a few tips on how to avoid being ripped off if you miss out on buying tickets first-hand.
Shopping comparison websites can help you sniff out a good deal.
3 Apr 2007 |
Where do you go to find the best deal? Let your mouse do the walking and search for the best price on one website.
With a few precautions, shopping on the internet can be a safe and enjoyable experience.
10 Jan 2007 |
With some simple precautions, shopping online can be relatively trouble-free.
Food shopping in the fast lane
4 Feb 2004 |
In Australia, online food and grocery stores range from very large supermarkets to small, specialist shops like organic grocers, butchers and kosher-food stockists.
Not all organic baby food is created equal.
30 Nov 2011 |
Our review of 136 baby food varieties for under 1s has found there’s more to (or sometimes less of) these products than meets the eye.
They cost up to twice as much as supermarket products, but are health store hair dyes any healthier?
29 Jul 2011 |
They have a higher price tag, but is there any benefit to buying “natural” or “organic” hair dyes? CHOICE investigates the ingredients.
Why not woo with the classics this Valentine's Day?
11 Feb 2011 |
CHOICE gives you the lowdown on two Valentine's classics: chocolates and flowers.
Is what you buy the real deal?
22 Jun 2010 |
There’s currently no mandatory standard for extra virgin olive oil sold in Australia. CHOICE testing of 28 brands found you can't always trust an oil labelled "extra virgin" is the real deal.
The Australian market is being flooded with food made from genetically modified (GM) crops. Yet you'd never know from the label.
17 Feb 2010 |
Are GM crops jeopardising the safety and security of our food supply?
Are chemicals from plastic food containers and wrapping as safe as the industry and regulators claim or are they slowly poisoning us?
7 Jan 2010 |
There’s a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests some plastics are not as safe as we're led to believe.
CHOICE’s expert tasters find some of the best brews at very affordable prices.
5 Dec 2009 |
CHOICE asked three experts to rate 14 popular brands of ground coffee to find out which offer the best value. We uncover pointers for picking a winner.
Read the fine print, and you’ll find some "natural" toothpastes may not be as pure as you think.
1 Aug 2009 |
Many of the so-called “natural” brands aren’t so different from conventional toothpaste, yet they’re often far more expensive.
You pay the price for organic meat, but can you be sure that what you're getting is the real deal?
30 Jul 2009 |
Organic meat is expensive to produce so you’ll pay more. But how can you be sure you’re getting what you pay for? CHOICE investigates.
You'll be surprised at how well-travelled your food is.
28 Oct 2008 |
Food miles advocates are calling for localised eating to counter the number of imported products on our supermarket shelves. But is it even possible to eat well on food grown within about 160km of where you live?
How free are the hens that lay free-range eggs? Have big producers redefined free range to suit themselves?
20 Jun 2008 |
If you’re buying free-range eggs because you believe in animal welfare, the brands in the big supermarkets may not be meeting your expectations.
Thirty years of intensive farming practices means expensive organic and free-range chickens don’t taste any better than a standard factory chook.
3 Mar 2008 |
So what’s the tastiest chicken? Do the more expensive organic and free-range chooks really taste better than standard factory-farmed ones?
Should you trade in your supermarket trolley for food straight off the farm?
13 Feb 2008 |
There’s no legislation defining farmers' markets in Australia—each has its own charter which sets out what the market allows and doesn’t. So can you be sure that farmers and producers are the ones getting your custom?
We tell you how to choose the sweetest and tastiest — but our test found pesticide residues in most conventionally grown strawberries.
29 Jan 2008 |
We love our strawberries. They look beautiful and good ones taste delicious. But are there hidden dangers?
Choosing organic food is easier than ever. But is it worth the extra money?
17 Jul 2007 |
Not too long ago you had to go to special shops if you wanted organic food. Now you can find plenty in supermarkets, but mostly you’ll pay a pretty high premium over the cost of standard produce. Is it really worth it?
Frozen vegetables can have higher levels of important nutrients, such as vitamin C, than fresh.
13 Mar 2007 |
We wanted to compare the vitamin levels in a range of fresh raw, fresh cooked, frozen and canned vegies to see which were more nutritious.
If you buy free-range, how do you make sure you get what you pay for?
6 Mar 2007 |
Free-range can mean a variety of things — the only common bottom line is that the general welfare requirements under state-based animal welfare acts and codes must be met.
Our food in focus is oats, packed full of nutritional goodies, and yummy in our muesli recipe.
4 Dec 2006 |
This simple home made museli recipe is both delicious and healthy. It won't last long.
Today's sophisticated barbecue doubles as an outdoor kitchen.
14 Nov 2011 |
CHOICE reviews 16 barbecues; portables, balcony sized, and large four-burners to suit most situations.
Modern freestanding cookers look streamlined compared to their retro counterparts, but how do they perform?
10 Nov 2011 |
These all-electric cookers look sleek, with controls at the front so your splashback can run across the whole wall.
These sleek stoves are designed for use as either freestanding units or to fit between cabinets.
14 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE reviews dual fuel freestanding 90cm stoves, with test results for 6 dual-fuel ranges priced from $1999 to $3699.
With sleek stainless steel, glass or enamel surfaces, the right modern cooktop can improve any kitchen design.
11 Aug 2011 |
CHOICE tests 19 square and rectangular gas cooktops, with prices ranging from $379 to $3389.
CHOICE looks into the new air fryer to see if it the benefits are worth the cost.
13 Jul 2011 |
The Philips Airfryer promotes itself as a healthy alternative to traditional deep frying.
Does a wide oven really give you extra baking capacity and how do they stack up against the standard size?
23 May 2011 |
We compare multi-function ovens, with and without self-cleaning features.
A great entree for a dinner party
2 Mar 2011 |
A tasty dish that's great for everyone.
How to make lasagna step by step
8 Feb 2011 |
A delicious recipe for the whole family.
How to make lasagna step by step
8 Feb 2011 |
A delicious recipe for the whole family.
The perfect addition to any barbecue meal.
5 Nov 2010 |
Sample our tasty chicken recipe, best served with our fresh, summer salads.
Play around with some herbs to create a tasty oven roasted chicken
4 Nov 2010 |
Herbs add the final touch to your oven roasted chicken
Indulge in this deliciously sweet cake
4 Nov 2010 |
Bake up a treat using blood oranges and pistachios
Pizza is a popular dish but will this pizza making appliance just make its way to the back of your cupboard?
3 Sep 2010 |
We review 3 pizza ovens priced from $130 to $159.
Unless you wipe your oven clean after each use, you’ll need help with the dreaded job.
21 Jul 2010 |
If you don’t wipe your oven regularly after each use, you’ll need a lot of time or elbow grease to clean it, or a specially formulated oven cleaner.
CHOICE easy potato bake
24 Jun 2010 |
Six ingredients - definitely simple and very tasty - creamy potato bake.
Stylish overhead heating comes at a price.
17 May 2010 |
This appliance does the job, but is it worth the hefty price tag?
It steams, bakes and microwaves with surprising efficiency. This newcomer from Sharp gets the thumbs up from CHOICE.
18 Jan 2010 |
The Sharp Supersteam combines healthy multi-function cooking with a space-saving design.
We tested eight popular double ovens, for when a single oven won't do the job.
16 Oct 2009 |
Double ovens mean you can bake and grill at the same time, or simultaneously bake two foods that need different temperatures and baking methods.
It sounds out of this world, but can it deliver scrumptious meals in a flash?
5 Jan 2009 |
The DANOZ Flavorwave Oven Turbo claims to cook healthy meals, including frozen food, up to three times faster than ordinary methods, with no defrosting or preheating required.
Ovens aren't simple anymore – our buying guide takes you through the choices.
21 May 2008 |
But while looks may be important, they're only one of many things to think about when buying an oven.
Short on space? A combination microwave pizza grill could be the answer.
16 Apr 2008 |
If you don’t have room for a full-sized oven and don’t want to pay for a convection microwave, the Daewoo Pizza Oven Combo will make a crispier pizza than you’d get in a microwave.
Modern ovens do a lot more than just bake.
16 Apr 2007 |
If you haven’t been in the market for a new oven for a while, you might be surprised to discover what they can do these days.