Phytosterol Food Reviews

O C T O B E R 2 0 07
Phytosterols – Nature’s Cholesterol Fighters
M
a ny people are turning to foods before trying drugs to lower their LDL
cholesterol, and the food industry is responding with foods fortified with
phytosterols, which are naturally occurring compounds found in plant cells.
Phytosterols can be found naturally in small amounts in oils, nuts, legumes, fruits,
and vegetables but to get the 2 g of plant sterols recommended to lower LDL cholesterol, you would need to ingest 1 cup of oil, 150 apples, 210 carrots, 425 tomatoes,
11 cups of peanuts or 70 slices of whole-grain bread each day.
FYI
A typical Western diet contains approximately 0.2 to 0.4 g of phytosterols per day.
For cholesterol management, the recommendation is 2 to 3 g per day. How can you
make up the difference? By eating foods fortified with plant sterols.
What are Phytosterols and How do They Work?
Plant sterols and stanols (collectively called phytosterols) are the plant counterpart to cholesterol. Because they are
structurally similar to cholesterol, they compete with cholesterol as they travel through the digestive tract and are
absorbed into the bloodstream instead of artery-clogging cholesterol.
FER
Corazonas Tortilla Chips
Corazonas Tortilla Chips
Rating Claims
★★
All-natural, fiber,
phytosterol
Allergens Milk, soy, wheat
$
$1.29/2 oz bag
$2.99/7 oz bag
☛ Distribution SM, CS,
IO, ND
www.corazonas.com
Our mission statement
To provide objective,
balanced, and science based
information on new food
products, health issues,
food labels, trends, and
educational resources.
FREE OF
If you like to snack on chips, opt for a chip that can
FREE OFFER lower your cholesterol. Corazonas tortilla chips say A 2-oz bag of Corazonas Heart Healthy Tortilla Chips
“Heart Healthy” because they contain 0.4 g of phytoster- Contact: [email protected]
ols in a 1-oz serving. This heart-healthy chip (corazón
means “heart” in Spanish) with whole grain flavor is made with 100% natural ingredients and
whole oats. Although the fat (7g) and saturated fat (0.5 g) are similar to other chips, Corazonas
chips do provide 3 g of fiber. Chip varieties include Original, Salsa Picante, and Jalapeno Jack, but
look for new flavors in the coming months, including Margarita Lime, Cilantro Salsa Fresca, and
Baja Bean Dip. (See the chart on page 4 for nutrition information.)
Pros: Two servings a day, about 20 chips, gets you the recommended minimum of phytosterols
(0.8 g). Lower in sodium than typical tortilla chips (70 to 115 mg compared to 100 to 200 mg.)
Cons: With two servings, you’re also getting 14 g of total fat, 1 g saturated fat, and 280 calories.
Corazonas Heart Healthy Tortilla Chips were named one of the Best New Products for 2006
by New Products Magazine.
Key to information boxes
Rating
★★★
Recommended
Recommended (see ‘Cons’)
★ Not Recommended
★★
☛ Distribution
SM= Supermarkets
H/N= Health/Natural Food Stores
GS = Gourmet & Specialty Stores
DC = Drug & Convenience Stores
CS = Club & Super Stores
ND = Nationally distributed
RD = Regionally distributed
TM = Test Market
MO= Mail Order
IO = Internet Order
FS = Food Service
NA = Information not available at the time
of publication
FREE OFFER
= Free product sample offer
= Editorial comments
inside
Phytosterol Food Reviews...... 1-3
Phytosterol Comparison Chart...4
Phytosterol Tip Sheet.................5
Kid’s Food Reviews................ 6-7
Halloween Treats Chart..............7
New Food Reviews............... 8-10
Promise Activ Light Spread
Rating ★★
Claims
Phytosterols, non-hydrogenated, reduced calories
& fat
Allergens Milk, soy
$ $3.59 to $4.39/8 oz
☛ Distribution SM, ND
www.promisehealthyheart.com
Pros: Excellent source of phytosterols. The only sterol-enriched spread to add vitamin B6
(35% DV) and B12 (20% DV).
Cons: Promise Activ is still 100% fat calories so be portion conscious.
Promise Activ is one of the lowest cost sources of phytosterols.
FYI
Promise Activ Light
Spread
With just two tablespoons a day, Promise Activ Light Spread (which is changing names from
Take Control), contains the most phytosterols (2 g) of any of the fortified spreads. Derived from
soybeans, this reduced-fat spread (5 g compared to 8 g total fat per tablespoon in the regular)
contains 1 g of phytosterols per tablespoon and zero trans fats (traditional margarines average
3 g ). The regular Promise Activ also contains 1 g of phytosterols per tablespoon. (See the chart
on page 4 for nutrition information.)
Phytosterol Health Claim
The FDA has approved the following health claim: “Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include two servings of foods that provide a daily total of at least 1.3 grams of plant sterol esters, 0.8 g of plant sterols, or 3.4 g of
plant stanol esters in two meals may reduce the risk of heart disease.” The FDA permits products to carry the hearthealthy claim provided the foods are also low in saturated fat (1 g or less per serving), low in cholesterol (20 mg or
less per serving), and contains no more than 13 g total fat and 480 mg of sodium per serving or per 50 g. In addition,
the food must contain at least 10% of the Daily Value for one or more of the following nutrients: calcium, iron, protein,
dietary fiber, vitamin A and C.
CocoaVia Chocolate Bars
CocoaVia Chocolate Bars
Consuming the recommended two chocolate bars a day would amount to an extra 180 to 220
calories, 10 to 14 g of total fat, and 6 to 7 g saturated fat, depending on which flavor you choose.
(See the chart on page 4 for nutrition information.)
Pros: Contains 0.6 to 0.9 g of phytosterols per bar.
Cons: High in total fat (5 to 7 g) and saturated fat (3 to 3.5 g).
The dark chocolate taste is great.
FYI
Rating ★★
Claims
Heart healthy
Allergens Peanuts, tree nuts,
wheat, eggs, milk
$ $4.99/5 bars
☛ Distribution SM, CS,
DC, ND
www.cocoavia.com
Don’t look for this Mars chocolate bar in the candy aisle; you’ll find them with the health
foods. The CocoaVia line of heart-healthy snacks (see review in SUPERMARKETSAVVY, November
2005) was the first to combine the nutritive compounds found naturally in cocoa beans (flavanols) with plant sterols derived from soy. The chocolate bars come in Original, Crispy, Blueberry
& Almond, Milk Chocolate, and Milk Chocolate Almond flavors and are roughly half the size of an
average chocolate bar (22g).
What is the Difference between Plant Sterols, Plant Stanols, and Sterol Esters?
Foods naturally contain plant sterols and plant stanols in different amounts. Chemists have found a way to remove
sterols and stanols from plants. These new compounds, called sterol and stanol esters, are more soluble in fats and
oils and can be added to food products in higher amounts than available naturally.
Promise Activ SuperShots
Promise Activ SuperShots
Rating ★★★
Claims Lowers cholesterol
Allergens Soy, milk
$ $3.99/4, 3.2 oz bottles
☛ Distribution SM, ND
www.promisehealthyheart.com
For a quick, easy shot of phytosterols, give Promise Activ SuperShots a try. In Strawberry,
Peach, and Raspberry flavors, these 3-oz milk-based beverages make for an easy addition to meals
or as a snack. With no saturated fat and only 70 calories per palm-sized serving, Promise Activ
SuperShots can be enjoyed on the run and provide 2 g of phytosterols, the NCEP recommended
daily amount needed to lower LDL cholesterol. (See the chart on page 4 for nutrition information.)
Pros: Excellent source of phytosterols (2g) and contains omega-3 ALA (15% of DV) and vitamin E
(10% of DV).
Cons: Expensive. Drinking one a day to get the recommended amount would add $7 a week to
your grocery bill.
They are a tasty snack.
Supermarket Savvy October 2007
FYI
★★
Heart
healthy, phytosterols,
O-3s, antioxidantss
Allergens Soy, peanuts, tree
nuts, milk, eggs
$
$1.79-2.09/1.3 oz bar
☛ Distribution H/N, IO, SD
www.aristohealth.com
FER
FREE OF
Aristo (which means “the best” in ancient Greek) is a small, New Jersey-based company devoted to functional foods. Their premiere product is a chewy granola bar with of-the-moment flavors like Goji Berry &
Orange, Acai/Blueberry & Lime, and Pomegranate & Cranberry. In addition to the trendy super fruits, the bars contain no trans fats, refined
sugars, or high fructose corn syrup. (See the chart on page 4 for nutrition information.)
Pros: Contain 100 mg omega-3s, 0.65 g of phytosterols, antioxidants,
and a thin base of chocolate just for fun.
Cons: Depending on the flavor, eating the recommended two bars a
day adds an additional 280 calories and 8 g total fat.
They’re currently available online at www.aristohealth.com, at
the Vitamin Shoppe, and at limited supermarkets.
FREE OFFER Three Aristo Wellness Bars
– one of each flavor
Contact: [email protected]
Put “SUPERMRKET SAVVY Free
Offer” in the Subject Line.
Nature Valley Healthy Heart Granola Bar
Nature Valley Healthy
Heart Granola Bar
Rating Claims
NCEP recommends a daily intake of about 2 g of either plant sterols or stanols to reduce LDL cholesterol by about
5 to 15%. This should be in addition to eating a diet reduced in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol.
Aristo Wellness Bars
Aristo Wellness Bars
Rating Claims
National Cholesterol Education Program Recommendation (NCEP) for Phytosterols
With a crunch of almonds in every chewy bite, the Heart Healthy line
from Nature Valley provides half of the recommended amount of phytosterols (0.4 g), 3 g fiber (11% of the DV), and a good source of
whole grains (at least 8 g). Easily portable, this is the first
granola bar to add the cholesterol-lowering benefits of phytosterols combined with whole-grain rolled oats. (See the chart
on page 4 for nutrition information.)
★★
Heart healthy,
phytosterols, fiber,
whole grains
Allergens Soy, peanuts,
tree nuts
$
$2.89/5 1.4 oz bars
☛ Distribution SM, ND
www.naturevalley.com
Kroger Active Lifestyle
Fat Free Milk
Rating ★★★
Claims Fat free, phytosterols
Allergens Milk
$
$2.19/half gallon
☛ Distribution SM, RD, ND
www,kroger.com
or
www.corowise.com
Pros: Plenty of almonds, phytosterols, whole grains, and fiber.
Cons: The ingredients list high-maltose corn syrup (second),
honey, fructose, sugar, and high fructose corn syrup. Two servings provide 28 g of sugar, about 7 teaspoons.
We tasted the Oatmeal Raisin Bar that is no longer available but not the Honey Nut Bar that
is available. We found the taste hearty but too sweet.
Kroger Active Lifestyle Fat Free Milk
Phytosterols have just begun to make their way into dairy products, and
Kroger Active Lifestyle Fat Free Milk is one of only two products we could
find (the other being Promised Land Dairy’s Y.U.M Your Ultimate Milk - see
review in SUPERMARKETSAVVY, March 2007) in major supermarkets. Drinking a glass of this milk twice a day with meals is one of the easiest ways to
incorporate the cholesterol-reducing benefits of phytosterols into your diet.
In addition, you will receive good to high amounts of calcium (30% of DV),
vitamin A (10% of DV), and vitamin D (25% of DV). (See the chart on page 4
for nutrition information.)
Pros: Contains 0.4 g of phytosterols in an 8-oz serving. The milk is fat-free.
Priced similarly to other store brands.
Cons: Only available at Kroger stores nationwide and local banner stores
such as Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and Food 4 Less.
We could not detect a difference in the taste of the milk containing phytosterols compared to regular fat-free milk.
Supermarket Savvy October 2007
Phytosterol Comparison Chart
4 SS Picks = Meet FDA requirements for a Phytosterol Health Claim in 2 servings (see below)
Serving Size
Total
Phytosterols
(g)☛
Saturated Carbohy- Protein
Calories Fat (g) Fat (g)
drate (g)
(g)
Sodium
(mg)
Fiber
(g)
Cost of
Recommended
Daiily Amount
Beverages
4 Promise Activ Super Shots - Strawberry
3.4oz
2✽
70
3.5
0
8
1
25
<1
$1.00/1
4 Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise Orange
Juice
8oz
1✽
110
0
0
27
2
20
0
$0.56/8 oz
4 Promised Land Dairy - Your Ultimate Milk
(Y.U.M)
8oz
0.4✜
92
0
0
14
9
126
0
$2.24/24 oz
4 Kroger Active Lifestyle Fat Free Milk
8oz
0.4✽
90
0
0
13
8
125
0
$0.55/16 oz
4 Rice Dream Heartwise Original Rice Milk
8oz
0.4✜
130
2
0
27
1
80
3
$1.87/24 oz
1 bar/37g
0.4✜
130-140
4-5
1
21-22
3
40-50
3
$3.58/2 bars
4 Thomas’ Hearty Grains Oatmeal & Honey
Bagel
1 bagel/104g
0.4✽
290
2
0.5
58
11
460
3
$1.16/2 bagels
4 Thomas’ Hearty Grains Oatmeal & Honey
English Muffin
1 muffin/57g
0.4✽
130
1
0
25
5
180
2
$1.20/2 muffins
1 bar/40g
0.4✽
160
4
0.5
28
3
115
3
$1.16/2 bars
1 slice/38g
0.3*
90
1
0
17
4
180
3
$0.58/3 slices
1 cookie/40g
1.3✽
150
6
2
24
2
150
5
$1.00/1 cookie
1 bar/22g
0.9✜
80
2
1
13
2
65
1
$1.00/1 bar
13 almonds/28g
0.7✜
140
11
3.5
12
3
0
3
$2.00/2 bars
1 bar/22g
0.6✜
100
6
3.5
12
1
0
2
$2.00/2 bars
1 brownie/55g
0.4✽
100
1.5
0.5
21
3
140
6
$2.50/2
brownies
1 top/55g
0.4✽
100
1.5
0.5
24
4
140
6
$2.50/2 tops
10 chips/28g
0.4✽
140
7
0.5
16
2-3
70-115
3
$0.86/2 oz
1 chew/5g
0.2✪
20
0
0
4
0
15
0
$0.92/4 chews
4 Promise Activ Light Spread
1 T/0.5 oz
1✽
45
5
1
0
0
85
0
$0.25/1 T
4 Promise Activ Regular Spread
1 T/0.5 oz
1✽
70
8
1
0
0
85
0
$0.25/1 T
1 T/0.5 oz
0.45✽
80
9
2.5
0
0
90
0
$0.16/2 T
4 Lifetime Low Fat Block Cheddar
1" cube/1oz
0.4✜
55
2.5
1
1
7
200
1
$1.00/2 oz
4 Lifetime Low Fat Cheese Singles
1 slice/2/3 oz
0.4✜
30
1
0.5
2
4
180
0
$0.67/2 slices
Benecol Light Spread
1 T/0.5 oz
0.2✪
50
5
0.5
0
0
110
0
$1.22/4 T
Benecol Regular Spread
1 T/0.5 oz
0.2✪
70
8
1
0
0
110
0
$1.22/4 T
Bread
4 Aristo Wellness Bars
4 Nature Valley Healthy Heart Honey Nut Bar
Oroweat Whole Grain & Oat Bread
Snacks
Right Direction Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 CocoaVia Snack Bar
Cocoa Via Chocolate Covered Almonds
CocoaVia Chocolate Bar
4 VitaBrownie Dark Chocolate Pomegranate
Brownie
4 VitaTop Dark Chocolate Pomegranate
Muffin
4 Corazonas Tortilla Chips
4 Benecol Caramel Smart Chews
Spreads/Cheese
Smart Balance Omega Plus Buttery Spread
☛NOTE: All amounts have been converted to grams of sterols in order to provide equivalent measures per product.
0.8g sterols = 1.3g sterol esters = 3.4g stanol/stanol esters
✽ contains plant sterols
✜ contains plant sterol esters
✪ contains plant stanols/stanol esters
The FDA Health Claim for Phtosterols reads “Diets low in saturate fat and cholesterol that include at least 1.3 g of plant sterol esters, 0.8 g of plant sterols, or 3.4 g of plant
stanol esters consumed in two meals with other foods, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
Additionally the products must meet the requirement for low saturated fat (1 g or less per serving), low cholesterol (20 mg or less per serving), and contain no more than
13 g of total fat per serving.
©2007 Linda McDonald Associates, Inc., dba, SUPERMARKET SAVVY®, Houston, TX 77042, www.supermarketsavvy.com
Supermarket Savvy October 2007
Aisle
by
Aisle
Tips
Phytosterols
What are phytosterols?
What is the Phytosterol Health Claim?
Plant sterols and stanols (collectively called phytosterols) are the plant equivalent to the animal cholesterol found
naturally in small amounts in a wide variety of foods. Foods
can be fortified with phytosterols in much higher amounts.
The FDA has approved the following health claim: “Diets
low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include two servings
of foods that provide a daily total of at least 1.3 grams of plant
sterol esters, 0.8 g of plant sterols, or 3.4 g of plant stanol
esters in two meals may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
Why eat phytosterols?
The main benefit of adding phytosterols to your diet
is to help reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke by
lowering your LDL cholesterol. Because the structure of
phytosterols is similar to cholesterol, phytosterols block
the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines and lower
the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
The FDA permits products to carry the heart-healthy
claim provided the foods are low in saturated fat (1 g or less
per serving), low in cholesterol (20 mg or less per serving),
and contain no more than 13 g total fat and 480 mg sodium
per serving or per 50 g. In addition, the food must contain
at least 10% of the Daily Value for one or more of the following nutrients: calcium, iron, protein, dietary fiber, and
vitamins A and C.
How much Phytosterol is recommended?
Plant sterols
Plant sterol esters
Plant stanol/plant
stanol esters
1.3 g or more per day
3.4 g or more per day
FDA Health Claim for prevention
of heart disease.
0.8 g or more per day
NCEP* recommendation to lower
LDL cholesterol
2 g sterols or stanols per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and
cholesterol and high in soluble fiber
* National Cholesterol Education Program
Tips for Eating Phytosterols
❖ To lower LDL cholesterol and keep it low, plan to eat at
least 2 g phytosterols every day.
❖ Split the 2 g phytosterols into two 1-g servings a day.
❖ If you do not need to lower your cholesterol, the recommended daily amount is 0.8 g phytosterols eaten in two
0.4-g servings.
❖ Mix different phytosterol-fortified foods. Enjoy a glass
of phytosterol-fortified orange juice or milk with breakfast and a tablespoon of sterol-enriched spread on your
vegetables at dinner.
❖ Switch regular foods with phytosterol-fortified ones.
❖ Choose phytosterol-fortified foods that are low in fat,
saturated fat, and calories.
❖ Watch your portion size. Consuming more than 2 g plant
sterols per day has not shown that it increases the cholesterol lowering benefits and it may interfere with the
absorption of some vitamins.
❖ Look for the Phytosterol Heart Health Claim on the
label. This means that the product has at least 0.4 g
plant sterols per serving.
©2007 Linda McDonald Associates, Inc., dba, SUPERMARKET SAVVY®, Houston, TX 77042, www.supermarketsavvy.com
Supermarket Savvy October 2007
New Foods for Kids
Yoplait Go-GURT Fizzix
Yoplait Go-GURT Fizzix
Rating ★★
Claims
Calcium
Allergens Milk
$
$2.79/8 2.25 oz tubes
☛ Distribution SM. ND
www.NewFizzix.com
Are you ready for carbonated yogurt that will start your day with
your tongue tingling? This probably won’t appeal to adults but kids will
love the fizzy feeling on their tongues of Yoplait’s new Go-GURT Fizzix.
Fizzix offers the same nutritional benefits as regular Go-GURT yogurt—
one tube contains 80 calories, 2 g of protein, and is a good source of
calcium (10% DV). Fizzix takes favorite kid flavors and ratchets them
up a notch—Blue Raspberry Rage, Triple Berry Fusion and Strawberry
Lemonade Jolt are just a few examples.
Pros: This is a yogurt that your tweens will like. Good source of calcium
(10% DV) and provides the benefit of live and active cultures.
Cons: After milk, the top ingredients are sugar and high fructose corn
syrup. Contains lots of artificial colors. Fizzix is best eaten right from the refrigerator, but can be frozen
for lunchboxes and travel.
Yoplait Go-GURT Fizzix
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 tube (64g)
Servings Per Container: 8
Calories 80
Calories from Fat 15
% Daily Value
Total Fat 2g
Saturated Fat 1g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5mg
Sodium 35mg
Potassium 100 mg
Total Carb. 13g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 11g
Protein 2g
Vitamin A 6%
Calcium 10%
3%
6%
2%
2%
3%
4%
0%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Iron 0%
Kettle Valley Fruit Snacks
Kettle Valley Fruit Snacks
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 bar (20g)
Servings Per Container:
Calories 68
Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 15mg
Potassium 130mg
Total Carb. 16g
Dietary Fiber 1.5g
Sugars 11.5g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 0%
Calcium 0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
4%
5%
6%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Iron 2%
There is an apple in every bar of Kettle Valley 100% Fruit Bars. Each
bar equals ½ cup of fruit. Kettle Valley Fruit Snacks are 100% natural
containing no preservatives or added sugar, artificial colors or flavors.
They are available in 7 flavors—Strawberry, Raspberry, Wildberry, Sour
Apple, Tropical Blend, Watermelon, and Grape. A line of organic fruit
snacks are also available in 6 flavors—Orchard Blend, Berry Blend,
Cherry, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Cranberry.
Pros: Free of added sugars, corn syrup, preservatives, artificial flavors
and colors.
Cons: Although the sugar is natural, there is still almost 3 teaspoons of
sugar (11g) in every bar.
These fruit bars will make a great Halloween handout.
Kettle Valley Fruit
Snacks
Rating ★★
Claims
Natural, kosher
Allergens None
$
$0.42/20g bar
☛ Distribution SM, H/N, ND
www.everydayfruit.com
FruitaBu Organic Smoooshed Fruit Sploooshers
For a fun, fruit snack for kids, try FruitaBu Smoooshed Fruit Sploooshers, an organic fruit puree that kids can squeeze and slurp. Each
Fruita Bu Fruit Sploooshers tube is made using more than 90% real
organic fruit and fruit juice. Flavors include Smoooshed Strawberry,
Raspberry, and Grape.
FruitaBu Organic
Smoooshed Fruit
Sploooshers
Rating ★★
Claims Organic, vitamin C
Allergens Soy
$
$3.79-$3.99/5,
1.5 oz tubes
☛ Distribution H/N, SD
www.fruitabu.com
Pros: Real organic fruit and 25% DV of vitamin C.
Cons: Although there are no added sugars, the sugar content is 11 g
equal to about 3 teaspoons.
FuitaBu also makes Organic Smoooshed Flats (1/2 serving of fruit)
and Twirls (1 serving of fruit). Fun packaging makes this a great Halloween treat. “Sploooshers” and “Smoooshed” are intended to be spelled
with three “O’s”. This is not a typo!
Supermarket Savvy October 2007
FruitaBu Organic
Smoooshed Fruit
Sploooshers
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 tube (42g)
Servings Per Container: 5
Calories 50
Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 5mg
Potassium 35g Total Carb. 12g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 11g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 0%
Calcium 0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
4%
4%
• Vitamin C 25%
• Iron 0%
Sipahh Straws
Sipahh Straws
Rating ★★
Claims
None
Allergens None
$
$3.79/10 straws
☛ Distribution SM, DC,
SD, IO
www.sipahh.com
Sipahh Straws
If you want your kids to drink more milk, try Sipahh Straws. These
straws are a fun and easy way to make milk even more delicious for
kids. Each straw is loaded with flavor beads that dissolve as kids sip
their milk. Flavors include chocolate, strawberry, banana, and cookies
& cream. They contain only 15 calories and 2 g of sugar because of the
inclusion of 2 nonnutritive/artificial sugars—sucralose (Splenda) and
acesulfame potassium.
Pros: Great way to get kids to drink milk.
Cons: Uses artificial sugars—sucralose and acesulfame potassium
Can be used with any type of drink—cow’s milk, soy beverages or
other milk alternatives.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 straw (3.5g)
Servings Per Container: 10
Calories 15
Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 5mg
Total Carb. 3g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 2g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 0%
Calcium 0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Iron 0%
Healthier Halloween Treats for Kids
Serving
Size
Calories
Fat (g)
Carbohydrate
(g)
Sugar
(g/tsp)
Protein
(g)
Fiber (g)
FruitaBu Smooshed
Flats
12g
40
0
10
8/2
0
1
Organic
FruitaBu Splooshers
42g
50
0
12
11/3
0
1
Organic,
25% DV
Vitamin C
Kettle Valley Fruit Bars
20g
68
0
16
11.5/3
0
1.5
FruitaBu Smooshed
Twirls
21g
80
1.5
16
13/3
0
0.5
Kellogg’s Yogos Bits
23g
90
2
18
14/3.5
0
0
100% DV
Vitamin C,
10% DV
Calcium
Barbara’s Mini Cookies
– Oatmeal, Ginger,
Chocolate
25g
100
2
18-19
8-9/2
1
0
Organic
Nabisco Teddy Grahams
22g
100
3
16
16/4
1
1
EnviroKidz Crispy Rice
Bar - Chocolate
28g
110
2.5
20
7/2
1
1
Organic, 10%
DV Iron
EnviroKidz Crispy Rice
Bar – Peanut Butter
28g
110
3
20
7/2
2
1
Organic
EnviroKidz Crispy Rice
Bar – Berry
28g
110
3
20
7/2
1
1
Organic
Sun Maid Raisin Box
42g
130
0
33
30/7.5
1
2
Annie’s Chocolate Chip
Bunny Grahams
28g
140
4.5
22
8/2
2
0.5
Annie’s Cheddar
Bunnies
30g
150
7
19
0/0
3
1
Food
Thanks to Andrea
Loera, University
of Houston
Dietetic Intern, for
assistance with
researching and
writing information
on Phytosterols
and Halloween
foods.
Supermarket Savvy October 2007
Additional
Information
Organic, 10%
DV Vitamin C
Organic, 20%
DV Calcium
Organic
October 2007 Food Reviews
Newman’s Own All-Natural, Less Sodium Marinades
As families look for healthier, all–natural meal solutions, Newman’s
Own is delivering with new all-natural marinades that offer families
more flavorful fish, poultry, meat, and vegetables with less sodium. The
marinades have 12% to 46% less sodium than leading brands (see FYI
below). Flavors include Lemon Pepper, Mesquite with Lime, Teriyaki,
and Herb and Garlic.
Rating ★★★
Claims Less sodium, natural
Allergens Soy, wheat
$
$3.19/12.25 oz
☛ Distribution SM, H/N, ND
www.newmansown.com
FREE OFFER Coupon for a free product
Contact: www.newmansown.com
Click on ‘Contact Us’ – Request
the ‘SUPERMARKET SAVVY
Free Offer’ in the Comment Box.
Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt for
Digestive Health
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 4 oz cup
Servings Per Container: 4
Calories 110
Calories from Fat 10
% Daily Value
Total Fat 1.5g
2%
Saturated Fat1 g
5%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10mg
3%
Sodium 70mg
3%
Potassium 190mg 5%
Total Carb. 21g
7%
Dietary Fiber 3g
10%
Sugars 17g
Protein 4g
Vitamin A 10% • Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 15% • Iron 0%
Think5 Bars
Rating Claims
★★★
Gluten free,
omega-3, fiber
Allergens Soy
$ $2.69-$3.99/2.5-oz bar
☛ Distribution IO, H/N, SD
www.thinkproducts.com
Pros: Lower in sodium (see FYI below). No high fructose corn syrup.
Cons: None
Find ideas for quick and easy recipes at www.newmansown.com.
FYI
Newman’s Own AllNatural, Less Sodium
Marinades
FER
FREE OF
Sodium Amounts in Marinades
Lemon Pepper
Mesquite with Lime
Teriyaki
Herb and Garlic
Newman’s Own
300 mg
190 mg
330 mg
370 mg
Leading Brand
390 mg
350 mg
560 mg
420 mg
Difference
-23%
-46%
-41%
-12%
Newman’s Own All-Natural,
Less Sodium Marinades Mesquite with Lime
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tbsp. (15mL)
Servings Per Container: 24
Calories 20
Calories from Fat 5
% Daily Value
Total Fat 1g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 190mg
Total Carb. 3g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 2g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 2%
Calcium 0%
1%
0%
0%
8%
1%
0%
• Vitamin C 2%
• Iron 2%
Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt for Digestive Health
You may not realize it, but your digestive system contains a lot of bacteria—both friendly and not friendly. The trick is to maintain a healthy
balance of bacteria. And that’s where Yoplait Yo-Plus yogurt can help.
Yoplait Yo-Plus contains Optibalance, which is a blend of probiotics
(Bifidobacterium lactis) plus a prebiotic fiber, inulin, which enhances the
actions of probiotics. In addition, Yo-Plus is a good source of fiber (3 g),
calcium (15% DV), vitamin A (10% DV), and vitamin D (10% DV). Yo-Plus
comes in four flavors: Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, and Peach.
Pros: Contains prebiotic cultures and natural fiber (3 g). Good source of
calcium and vitamins A and D.
Cons: Contains added sugar for a total of 17 g (about 4 tsp).
Yoplait recommends trying it for 10 days to see if it changes how
you feel.
Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt
for Digestive Health
Rating ★★
Claims
Probiotics and
prebiotics, calcium, fiber
Allergens Milk
$
$2.59/4 4-oz cups
☛ Distribution SM, ND
www.yo-plus.com
Think5 Bars – Red Berry
Think5 Bars
It is hard to believe that you can get five servings of fruits and vegetables in one 2.5-oz bar. Think5 says that they pack five cups of apples,
cranberries, spinach, and broccoli in their new bars. The Think5 bar
comes in two flavors: Red Berries and Chocolate Covered Red Berries.
The bar is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (130 mg) and contains
naturally occurring fiber (3 g). Other Think5 ingredients that also provide essential nutrients include acerola berries, sweet potatoes, brown
rice, carrots, parsley, alfalfa grass, watercress, chlorella, and grapes.
Pros: Five servings of fruits and vegetables. Excellent source of vitamins
A (210% DV), and C (110% DV), and calcium (30% DV).
Cons: The fruits and vegetables are reduced to a powder for incorporation into the bar.
Unfortunately, we did not receive samples of this new bar in time
to taste. We did taste their Think Green Bar and the Think Thin Dark
Chocolate Bar, which was very tasty.
Supermarket Savvy October 2007
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 2.5 oz bar
Servings Per Container: 1
Calories 240
Calories from Fat 40
Total Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 1g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 140mg
Potassium 610mg
Total Carb. 48g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 7g
Protein 4g
% Daily Value
7%
6%
0%
6%
17%
16%
11%
Vitamin A 210% • Vitamin C 110%
Calcium 30% • Iron 8%
Sun Shower Nectarine Juice
Did you know that a nectarine is a mutant version of the peach and,
like peaches, was first cultivated in China? It was so tantalizing that they
called it the ”drink of the gods” or nectar, the word from which nectarine is derived. Sun Shower juices are made from 100% pure nectarine
juice with no added sugar or preservatives. They are high in potassium;
vitamin C; antioxidants; and phytonutrients, such as beta carotene. New
flavors (Nectarine Pomegranate and Nectarine Acai) join present flavors
(Nectarine, Nectarine Berry, and Nectarine Mango).
Sun Shower Nectarine
Juice
Rating Claims
Allergens $
FER
FREE OF
★★★
Antioxidants
None
$2.99/12 oz
$4.99/28 oz
☛ Distribution SM, CS, ND
www.nbijuiceworks.com
FREE OFFER Coupon for one bottle of
Sun Shower Nectarine Juice
Contact: moreinfo@
nbijuiceworks.com –
Put “SUPERMRKET SAVVY
Free Offer” in the Subject
line.
Check out the Store Locator
for a supermarket near you.
Pros: Good source of vitamins A (20% DV) and C (100% DV).
Cons: Sucralose is added to even out the sweetness due to the disparity
in the sweetness of the fresh nectarine varieties. The amount must be
small because “sucralose” is listed at the end of the ingredient statement.
These juices are smooth, light, and refreshing.
Sun Shower Nectarine Juice
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 8 fl oz
Servings Per Container: 1.5
Calories 90
Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 15mg
Potassium 350mg
Total Carb. 21g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 17g
Protein 1g
0%
0%
0%
1%
10%
7%
8%
Vitamin A 20% • Vitamin C 100%
Calcium 1%
• Iron 4%
Sun Shower Halloween Punch Recipe
1 12-oz bottle Sun Shower Nectarine Juice
2 10-oz packages frozen strawberries, defrosted
1 quart ginger ale
Mix Sun Shower Nectarine Juice and strawberries in a blender until smooth
and thick. Gradually add half the ginger ale. Transfer the beverage to a punch
bowl. Stir in the remaining ginger ale. Makes 8 8-oz servings.
Ghoulish suggestion: Add some raisins and gummy worms
Nutrition Information per 8-oz serving: 80 calories, 1 g fat, 20 g carbohydrate,
16 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 12 mg sodium, 0.5 g protein, 70% DV vitamin C.
SOYJOY Bars
Here is a soy bar that tastes more like a fruit cake than a bar. SOYJOY
is made from whole soy and real dried fruit. The 8 g of whole soy provides 3 to 4 g soy protein, which unfortunately is not enough for a soy
health claim. But the 3 g fiber in the 120- to 140-calorie bar is beneficial.
The ingredient statement is very clean with no hydrogenated oils; no
artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners; and no preservatives. Flavors
include Apple, Berry, Mango Coconut, and Raisin Almond.
SOYJOY Bars
Rating Claims
Allergens ★★
Pros:Made with whole soy and dried fruits that provide soy protein
(4 g), omega-3s, and fiber (3 g).
Cons: There is not enough soy protein (6.25 g required) for a soy health
claim.
The pound cake-like texture and pleasant taste was enjoyable.
% Daily Value
Total Fat 4.5g
Saturated Fat 2g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 15mg
Sodium 50mg
Potassium 240mg
Total Carb. 17g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 12g
Protein 4g
7%
10%
4%
2%
7%
6%
12%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Iron 4%
SOYJOY Professional Resources
The SOYJOY Web site offers two courses that have been approved for continuing
education credits by the American Dietetic Association: Soy and Health (3 CPEUs)
and Soy Nutrition Basics: Composition, Processing and Soy Foods (2 CPEUs).
You can also request samples of SOYJOY bars for your next event by clicking on
Just Add Joy.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 bar (30g)
Servings Per Container: 1
Calories 130
Calories from Fat 40
Vitamin A 2%
Calcium 2%
FYI
Gluten free
Soy, eggs, milk,
tree nuts
$
$1.29/1.06-oz bar
☛ Distribution SM, H/N, ND
www.soyjoy.com
SOYJOY Bars – Berry
FER
FREE OF
Supermarket Savvy October 2007
FREE OFFER Coupon for a FREE
SOYJOY Bar
Contact: SOYJOY Coupon
McCormick Steamers
SUPERMARKET
SAVVY®
Editor/Publisher
Linda McDonald, MS, RD
Director of Consumer
Relations
Sharise Amante
Copy Editors
Tara Terry
Ginger Bertrand
Advisory Board
Amanda Archibald, RD
Arch Consulting
Shirley Chambers, MEd,
RD, LD, CDE
Memorial Hermann Katy
Hospital
McCormick Steamers
Rating ★★
Claims
None
Allergens Milk, wheat
$
$1.79/4 to 6 servings
☛ Distribution SM. ND
☎ Contact 1.800.632.5847
www.mccormick.com
Lynne Scott, MA, RD
Assistant Professor
Baylor College of Medicine
Sharon Smalling, MPH,
RD, LD
Clinical Dietitian Specialist,
Memorial Hermann Hospital
Subscriptions:
Newsletter:
1 year - $34.50
2 year - $69.00
Wish-Bone Salad Spritzers
Information & Resource
Service:
1 year - $69.00
2 year - $118.00
VISA, MC, AMXP, or
Discover.
Aristo Wellness Bars............ p. 3
CocoaVia Chocolate Bar..... p. 2
Corazonas Tortilla Chips...... p. 1
FruitaBu Smoooshed Fruit... p. 6
Halloween Punch Recipe.... p. 9
Halloween Treats Chart....... p. 7
Kettle Valley Fruit Snacks.... p. 6
Kids Foods........................... p. 6
Kroger Active Lifestyle Fat Free Milk................... p. 3
McCormick Steamers........ p. 10
Nature Valley Healthy Heart
Bar................................... p. 3
NCEP Recommendation..... p. 3
Newman’s Own Marinades.. p. 8
Phytosterol Comparison Chart............................... p. 4
Phytosterol Health Claim..... p. 2
Phytosterol Tip Sheet.......... p. 5
Phytosterols......................... p. 1
Plant Sterols, Stanols, & Sterol Esters................ p. 2
Promise Activ Light Spreadp. 2
Promise Activ SuperShots... p. 2
Sipahh Straws..................... p. 7
SOYJOY Bars...................... p. 9
Sun Shower Nectarine Juice................................ p. 9
Think5 Bars......................... p. 8
Wish-Bone Salad Spritzers........................ p. 10
Yoplait Go-Gurt Fizzix.......... p. 6
Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt.......... p. 8
10
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Container: 2 tsp (4g)
Calories 15
Calories from Fat 5
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0.5g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 270mg
Total Carb. 2g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 0%
Calcium 0%
1%
0%
0%
11%
1%
0%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Iron 0%
Pros: Great way to cook seafood, potatoes, or
veggies without added fat.
Cons: The sodium is high and ranges from 270
to 560 mg per serving.
You can mix-and-match these steamers
with a variety of veggies, potatoes, and fish.
SUPERMARKET
SAVVY™
published 10 times per year
Index
The humble microwave has emerged as the
go-to appliance for family dinners. Now you
can ”steam” in your microwave. Steaming is
quick and easy; maintains more vitamins and
minerals in foods than boiling or baking; and
requires no added fat. McCormick now has
a line of Steamers for Veggies, Seafood, and
Potatoes. Simply combine the food with the
specially developed spice and herb mixture
in the bag, close, and microwave. The Seafood
Steamers come in Lemon Garlic and Garlic
Butter. The Potato Steamers come in Roasted
Garlic & Rosemary and Italian Herb. And, the
Veggie Steamers come in Garlic & Basil and
Cheddar Cheese.
McCormick Veggie
Steamer – Garlic & Basil
Wish-Bone Salad
Spritzers
Rating ★★★
Claims
None
Allergens Milk, wheat, soy
$
$3.29/7-oz bottle
☛ Distribution SM. ND
These salad spritzers are great for limiting
the amount of dressing needed to season a
salad. Figure one calorie and 10 mg sodium per
spray and limit yourself to 10 sprays per cup
of salad. Flavors include Balsamic Breeze, Italian, Red Wine Mist Cabernet, Caesar Delight,
French Flair, Raspberry Bliss, and Asian Silk
Vinaigrette.
Pros: Great for portion control.
Cons: Don’t get carried away spraying. More
sprays mean more calories and sodium.
We tried and enjoyed the Raspberry Bliss
and Balsamic Breeze.
Wish-Bone Salad Spritzers
– Asian Silk
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 10 sprays (8mL)
Servings Per Container: about 26
Calories 10
Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0.5g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 100mg
Total Carb. 2g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 1g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 0%
Calcium 0%
1%
0%
0%
4%
1%
0%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Iron 0%
SUPERMARKET SAVVY™ (ISSN: 1094-2440) is published monthly by Linda McDonald Associates Inc., 11102 Lakeside Forest Lane, Houston, TX
77042. For subscription information and customer service call 1-888-577-2889 or email to [email protected]. Copyright 1997 – 2007 by
Linda McDonald Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. Linda McDonald Associates, Inc. makes this newsletter available to subscribers for their
use, and assumes no responsibility for that use. This newsletter is not intended to provide advice on personal health matters, which should
be provided by a qualified health care provider. No money or other compensation is accepted from food manufacturers for food reviews in this
publication. We strive to remain completely independent and objective in our review of food products.
Supermarket Savvy October 2007