Heart-smart describes foods formulated or chosen to protect cardiovascular health — typically low in saturated fat and cholesterol, controlled in salt, and often rich in the unsaturated fats, fibre, and plant sterols that help manage blood lipids. The label appears on spreads, oils, cereals, and ready meals marketed to the cholesterol-conscious. While the concept is sound — dietary patterns low in saturates and rich in whole plant foods genuinely cut heart-disease risk — shoppers should read beyond the badge: a “heart-smart” product can still be high in sugar or refined starch. The strongest evidence favours overall dietary patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, over any single “smart” product.