To meet these health demands, research project leader Justin Cooper-White will work with Unilever UK to devise healthier formulations for the industry.

Australia, like many Western countries, has become increasingly concerned with dietary health, resulting in growing pressure on its processors to reformulate foods and their advertising practices.

The AUS$240,000 (€146,400) in funding, supplied by the Australian Research Council (ARC), is part of a drive to create innovative food and beverage products with specific health and vitality benefits.

Last year, both the government and health organisations proposed a number of strategies to achieve this aim. These included proposals on reducing the presence of salt and trans fats within food products, and on banning junk food advertising aimed at children.

Cooper-White highlighted areas such salt, sugar and fat reduction as good examples of the work the research would aim to improve.

"In addition, these foods will contain beneficial additives such as anti oxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients targeted to specific consumer groups according to their lifestyle, age, medical condition or nutritional requirements, thereby contributing to healthy ageing," he said.

The funding forms part of an overall AUS$6.4m (€3.9m) package to the university which aims to form strategic alliances between researchers and industry representatives.

Other projects granted funding will include studies to improve both crop and mine production, which could have significant effects on raw material and packaging supply for the food industry.