Neotame Quietly Added; Trans Fat Removed Without Fanfare

Given that I’m always on the watch for the latest developments in the processed food industry, I was especially intrigued by this article, "Kraft’s sweet little secret," from Crain’s Chicago Business.

In it, we learn all about how Kraft is quietly removing horribly unhealthy trans-fatty acids (trans fat) from their food products.

It was quite fascinating to learn, as the subtitle points out, that "Oreos are now trans fat-free, but the foodmaker isn’t bragging about its healthier cookie."

But the part I want to draw your attention to has to do with sweetening processed foods.

We learn, thanks to reporter Julie Jargon, that "Chicago-based NutraSweet Co. is helping food and beverage companies replace sugar or corn syrup with neotame, an artificial sweetener."

Apparently, this is all being down quietly, according to NutraSweet Co. CEO Craig Petray.

"The goal is to reduce the sugar without people thinking they’re getting reduced taste," Jargon quotes Petray.

Then comes one of my two favorite quotes from Jargon’s article:

"Although the incentive to use neotame is price — it touts 70% less than the real stuff — Mr. Petray sugar and high-fructose corn syrup will replace trans fat as the next food industry villains."
I have major-league mixed feelings about that statement.

As you can easily surmise from reading this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog, I am neither a fan of sugar nor chemically created sweeteners.

On the one hand, sugar and HFCS in abundance can be quite dangerous, as numerous studies reveal.

But, many experts whom I interviewed for my upcoming book SUGAR SHOCK! also convinced me that artificial sweeteners can also cause disastrous consequences to your health.

So my reaction to all of this is "Aargh!"

I’m simply saddened that people flock to nutrient-lacking, processed foods.

Now for my other favorite quote from Jargon’s article. This one comes from a Kraft spokeswoman:

"Oreo is a beloved icon."

Granted, there’s a context in which that statement was made — the company wanted to make a good-tasting, trans-fat-free product — but nonetheless the remark is quite telling about the role of Oreos and all processed foods in our culture today.

Americans are hooked. On sugary, processed, fiber-lacking, non-nutritive foods.

And it’s my mission — as journalist and ex-sugar addict — to help un-hook as many people from their over-attachment to potentially harmful, refined, culprit carbs so they, like me, can become more healthy, happy and more.

Need help kicking sweets? Join my free, online KickSugar support group.