Let it Flow

Today Dunkin Donuts announced it would be eliminating trans fats across it’s entire menu. The chain expects products to have 0 grams trans-fat across all U.S. stores by mid-October. International locations will begin using the new oils in the next couple of years.

Baskin Robbins - also a Dunkin Brands Chain (ice cream) expects products to have 0 grams trans fat by January 1.

Dunkins is NOT claiming to be Trans Fat Free. Companies are allowed to report 0 grams trans fats for any amount under 1/2 gram per serving. Therefore, it is important to know the ingredients of your foods for complete trans fat information. If ingredients include partially hydrogenated oils and has reported “0 grams trans fats” on the packaging, then that food has less than 1/2 gram of trans fats per serving. If that is the case, you are in fact consuming trans fats and the more servings you eat, the more trans fats you consume.

As the media reports that Dunkin Donuts is creating a “Healthier Donut” I wonder: will donut lovers eat more donuts and how might that affect rising obesity levels in this country? Regardless of trans fats donuts will still contain high amounts of fat and sugars. I appreciate that Dunkin Donuts executives are stating that they have not created a “healthy donut” simply a better donut. Which message will the general public hear - “healthier donut” as reported by the media or “better donut”. It probably doesn’t matter, Dunkins will most likely sell more donuts as a result.

Can we just admit that with or without trans fats, donuts are not the best food nutritionally. However, they do taste delicious and when fresh really do melt in your mouth! Instead of making a donut your daily breakfast of choice, eat one occasionally,without guilt, and truly savor it bite by bite. It’s when we stuff one in our mouths in only two bites that we crave a 2nd.

For more on the Dunkin Donuts story click here.

Now that Dunkin Donuts is going to 0 Trans Fats, will you eat more donuts?

Tags: Fitness and Exercise, Food and Diet //