Where do I find Sugar Alcohols on my lables

[Doug Varrieur]

Hello,

I have enjoyed reading your book and would love to change what I eat to a healthier diet.   But, my question is... when I read labels I can't find the "sugar alcohol" content?  I can find the fiber, sugar, etc.   Am I missing something?  I am trying to figure out the Net Carbs of products.

Thank you!

Susan

[Doug Varrieur]

Sugar Alcohols will only be listed on labels of sugar free products like candy and ice cream. If you don't see them listed on the label there not in the product and don't need to be addressed in your net carb calculations.

[Cyndi]

I had that same question...now I see...ok... I have much cleaning through from from cupboards etc.. and So when I look at the labels on all my reg. products(not sugar free) there is no 'sugar alcohols'....so total carbs is just that...total carbs which include the sugar and fiber  ..no subtracting right...sorry...very very new to me, never was a label reader...blessings~

[Doug Varrieur]

No problem Cyndi, we all start at the beginning Keep moving forward.  Thanks for the prayer on the other thread.

[LambsthatRoar]

Im still confused about this. So if there are no sugar alcohols on the label do we still deduct the fiber from the carbs? thank you and GB

[Doug Varrieur]

yes

[Cyndi]

I have to be sure my brain is understanding this correctly...LOL
EXAMPLES:
When a label says "4 Carbs"
and under that it says "2 fiber"
and under that "2 sugar"
I then can subtract the "2 fiber" from the "4 Carbs" and that will make 2 net carbs then, right...

AND/OR

When a label says "4 Carbs"
and under that it says "2 DIETARY fiber"
and under that "2 sugar alcohols"
I then can subtract the "2 DIETARY fiber" from the "4 Carbs" and "2 sugar alcohols" so that will make 0 net carbs then, right...

thank you~~  
(i had not been subtracting the "Fiber" count on products ...only "DIETARY Fiber" counts when listed...)

[Doug Varrieur]

You are correct with this scenario

[schultzkr01]

Hi Doug & Umpa,

While on vacation I read your book and am totally motivated to lose those extra 10 pounds I always wish weren't there.  I've been keeping my fridge stocked with lots of low carb foods.

My issue is that I have a HUGE sweet tooth.  Chocolate, peanut butter, ice cream, cookies, candy...I have to have something like that every day, multiple times a day even.  A habit I should try to break, clearly...

My first question is around Sugar Alcohols.  I know you say that we can subtract Sugar Alcohol grams from Total Carbs to get Net Carbs, but I've also read a few articles that say this is misleading and that for some people, Sugar Alcohols do cause a spike in blood sugar (which I'm assuming means it can still turn into fat?).

My second question is that I notice a lot of low-carb products (e.g. Atkins bars, snacks, shakes) quote very low Net Carbs, but when I subtract the Fiber & Sugar Alcohols, there are still leftover "hidden carbs".  What are these, and why does Atkins subtract them?  Are they correct in doing this?

Example:  Atkins Advantage Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar (front of package says "Only 2g Net Carbs")

Total Carbs:    22g
Dietary Fiber:  10g
Sugar:             1g
Sugar Alcohols: 0g

Wouldn't that be 12g Net Carbs?  What is the other 10g that Atkins subtracts??

Thanks for your help!
Kristin

[Doug Varrieur]

Welcome to the party! If you look in the recipe exchange you'll find recipes for home made candies, easy to make and very inexpensive. This way you'll always have a sweet on hand. I walked around with sugar free hard candies in my pockets for a year so I know your sweet tooth. They are a goodway to get a quick sweet fix without allot of candy...they last longer in your mouth. Yes it's true sugar alcohols can cause a Spike in some people but this is usually centered around diabetics. All I can say is play around and find a balance that will work for you....we are all different. As far as Atkins bars are concerned they have never given me a satisfactory answer to their methods. If Dr. Atkins were alive today the products wouldn't exist but today's Atkins is more about sales of food products than anything else...my advice, stick to my formula, and YES, as far as I'm concerned you figured the net carb count correctly on the Atkins bar.

[Alex Cruz]

Ive used the Atkins bars in the pass but found that they only open my sweet tooth cravings.. Ive already decided that I will stay away from them.. I did try the crystal light candies and they were pretty good...

[umpa]

I am not a fan of the atkins products.I think they are ridiculously expensive and too high in carbs,

[Alex Cruz]

I agree Umpa and they are ju ok.. nothing out of this world..

[Dianna]

Hi Doug....I have just received and read your book.   I am anxious to get started but am being a bit thick headed about the "sugar alcohols" subject.   I reside in Canada and our labels do not show this.   I did see a post that indicates that this only appears in "sugar-free" products.   Just to reassure me that I have this right I picked a can of beans in tomato sauce from my cupboard and the readings are   ...  carbs 27g ... Fibre 6 g ... sugars 8 g.  I know I can subtract the fibre from the carbs but what about that 8 g. of sugar ..... how does it factor in ?   Seeing as we never see sugar alcohols listed in our ingredients am I right in assuming that I can just ignore that 8g of sugar.....subtract the 6g of fibre from the 27 of carbs, leaving 21g total.....obviously not a wise choice to eat ??

[Doug Varrieur]

Yes you are correct on your math with the beans. And no...not a wise choice, send them to the food bank S/A's will only be found on sugar free products like candy. They are the non sugar sweetener that sweetens sugar free products that contain them. You subtract them because they have little effect in most people on blood sugar but are indeed a carbohydrate and as such will be listed in the total on the product label. Does that clear it up for you?

By the way, welcome to the family