Atkins, girigheten och sagokakorna

Kan man äta kakor på en lågkolhydratkost? Atkinsföretaget påstår det och säljer kakor i alla möjliga smaker. Efter en titt på ingredienserna kan man bara skratta åt ironin.

I min nätpresentation ”The Food Revolution” använde jag kakorna som ett exempel på bluffprodukter som hindrar viktnedgång och som får folk att tappa all respekt för lågkolhydratkost. Jag kallade marknadsföringen för en ”saga”.

Efter mer än hundra tusen visningar av videon på YouTube så hörde Atkinsföretaget av sig via mejl:

Mejlet

Hello Dr. Eenfeldt,
I follow your site and recently watched your presentation ”The Food Revolution” on YouTube and thought you may be interested in seeing the latest research tables supporting Atkins and low-carb diets that Colette Heimowitz, VP of Nutrition Communication at ANI has generated. There are more than 80 independent, peer-reviewed studies backing the safety and efficacy of the Atkins Diet. As you know, low carbohydrate eating is a time-tested and scientifically validated diet plan. They are attached.

I also would like to provide you with correct information about Atkins products. Atkins products have been clinically tested for blood sugar responses using the glycemic load methodology; (http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/3/1/33). We take pride in offering our customers products that have a minimal glycemic impact. There are simply some consumers who need a low sugar alternative to high sugar habits for better compliance.

In your presentation you showcase an Atkins brand cookie and highlight it as a ”fairy tale” option that is high in carbohydrates, when in fact the Atkins cookies are a smarter option – than a regular cookie would be – as they contain zero sugar and only 5 grams net carbs. Here is a link to learn more about the nutritional content: http://www.atkins.com/Products/Endulge/Chocolate-Creme-Sandwich-Cookies.aspx

I’d also be happy to send you a copy of the new Atkins cookbook ”The New Atkins for a New You Cookbook” by Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc. featuring 200 simple and delicious low-carb recipes. Please let me know your mailing address.
Thanks for your consideration. Please let me know if you’d like to speak with Colette who can offer additional insights. I am happy to keep you informed about the latest news from Atkins.

Best regards,
Aliza Rothman

Marknadsföringen

Verkligheten

Här är kakornas näringsinnehåll från Atkins nätsajt:

Mitt svar

Hi Aliza,

The biggest ingredient in your cookie is wheat flour. It’s loaded with carbs, i.e. calling it low carb is obviously a fairy tale.

Also, subtracting 100% of the sugar alcohol from ”net carbs” is misleading to your customers as about half of the maltitol is absorbed.

Regarding the studies you attach I agree: low carb works fine. The problem is that your cookies are not low carb.

Sincerely,
Andreas Eenfeldt

Ett tips

Hur vet man om marknadsföringen av en paketerad lowcarb-produkt är en saga? Enligt min erfarenhet är följande enkla regel så gott som alltid sann:

Om de använder orden ”net carbs” (nettokolhydrater) så är det inte low carb, det är high carb.

Vad säger du?

Mer

Dreamfields bluffpasta: testet

Low carb bröd: Ännu en bluff avslöjas

Riktig lågkolhydratmat: LCHF för nybörjare