Today I am sharing a "roundup" of the misleading products I've been sharing on Facebook lately. Just in case you missed some or need a friendly reminder...please don't let the food industry fool you with these products!
Taco Seasoning
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Pasta "Plus"
This is the pasta I used to buy before we cut out processed food because I thought it was the "healthier" stuff. But, the thing that makes pasta "real" is being made with whole grains. The first ingredient in this pasta (and what it contains the most of) is "semolina" flour, which is actually a refined grain. The whole grain version of semolina is called whole durum wheat.
Real Food Alternative: Whole-wheat pasta is pretty easy to find and usually only contains 1 ingredient: whole durum wheat. And the word "whole" is very important! If you are new to understanding grains check out our post about grains for more info.
Breadcrumbs
It's amazing how the food industry can take something as simple as plain breadcrumbs and make them full of so much junk. This one has more than 30 ingredients including high-fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (a.k.a. trans fat)! Not to mention it's made with highly refined white flour (labeled as enriched flour).
Real Food Alternative: It's easy to make your own bread crumbs (there's a recipe at the end of this post), but if you don't have time I like "Ian's Whole-Wheat Panko Bread Crumbs" made with only a few simple ingredients. It comes in a yellow bag and is available in some grocery stores and on Amazon.
Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
Out of all the label reading I do this one really upsets me. Quaker (you know the "heart healthy" breakfast) says this on their website about their Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal, "Imagine a warm summer morning and a fresh bowl of juicy, sun-ripened strawberries topped with rich, dairy cream. Now imagine all of that warmth and rich flavor in a bowl of Quaker Oats." Yet, when you actually read the ingredients you'll find that the pictured red fruit chunks aren't even strawberries! They are dehydrated apple pieces treated with artificial strawberry flavor and red dye. Not to mention this product also contains partially hydrogenated oil (a.k.a. trans fat), and a few other strange things I would never make oatmeal with at home.
Crystal Light
This "lemonade" product is another one that's rather disturbing. Crystal Light's "Natural Lemonade" mix doesn't even contain a single drop of lemon or lemonade! Plus both its sweetener (aspartame) and yellow tint (yellow 5) are completely artificial. There are currently no regulations for slapping the word "natural" on a food package so don't let this terminology fool you.
Real Food Alternative: Unfortunately even if you make REAL lemonade from scratch at home it calls for quite a bit of sugar. You are better off just squeezing a little fresh lemon juice in your water or saving lemonade for an extra special occasion!
Ranch Dip
This packet of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning looks pretty innocent...you just add sour cream and you have yourself a zesty dip for veggies. Except the fact that, according to the ingredients, it contains more maltodextrin (an additive made from corn), salt, and MSG than it does any actual herbs or spices.
Real Food Alternative: I find this unfortunate when it's super simple to make your own ranch dip at home. My recipe has been adapted from the $5 Dinner Mom's ranch salad dressing!
Cool Whip
I know "Cool Whip" is quick and easy, but I find it strange that it contains more water, hydrogenated vegetable oil (might contain trans fat), high-fructose corn syrup, and corn syrup than it does cream, which happens to be the main ingredient in REAL whipped cream. I know this product doesn't claim to be "whipped cream" and instead calls itself a "whipped topping," but let's face it...we all know what this is trying to imitate!
Real Food Alternative: In case you've never tried making your own homemade whipped cream before it's actually pretty easy...check out the simple instructions at the bottom of this chocolate torte recipe.
Uncrustables
Uncrustables seem to be a pretty popular school lunch item. Just be sure to know they contain high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, AND sugar as well as partially hydrogenated oil (a.k.a. trans fat). This variety also uses bread made from refined white flour, dough conditioners, and quite a lot of other ingredients I cannot even pronounce and would never cook with at home.
Real Food Alternative: I don't know about you, but when I make PB&J at home it doesn't contain any of that junk. And you can even make your own "Uncrustable" sandwich with one of these handy little sandwich cutters/sealers from amazon (just wrap it up and throw it in the freezer when you are done)!
"Wheat" Crackers
This product comes to you from the health food store (where you STILL have to read ingredient labels). The front of this healthy-looking brown box says "Crispy Wheat Crackers" but don't let that lead you to believe there is anything "whole-wheat" about them. Even refined white flour comes from the wheat plant so if it doesn't say the word "whole" then it's not a "whole-wheat" product. I don't understand why our society has given "whole-wheat" the nickname "wheat" because they are NOT the same thing and it makes things confusing! If you look at the ingredients on this box you can see these crackers contain no "whole wheat" flour at all...only refined "wheat flour" a.k.a. white flour.
Strawberry Syrup
I am guilty as charged because I used to buy this stuff for my kids. It was right there by the chocolate syrup, and I thought it would be a fun way to switch things up. But soon after my real food wake-up call I started raiding our pantry and fridge, and I was shocked to see (according to the ingredients) that this "strawberry" syrup doesn't even contain any strawberries at all. The flavor and color are both completely artificial.
Real Food Alternative: If you are looking for a berry flavored drink try making this homemade berry sauce instead and sieve out the seeds...it would be great in some nice cold (organic) milk.
Bread
If I were to make sandwich bread at home it would take about 5 ingredients (whole-wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and honey) and even if I were to add a few extras like nuts, seeds, and a different type of flour maybe we are up to 10 ingredients. So why does it take "Arnold" 31 ingredients including white flour (a.k.a. unbleached enriched wheat flour) to make their whole grain "Health Nut" bread?
Nutella
Lori says
NICE article!!!
I am so on your same page. I read all labels too and it is tricky business.
While working on a recent project I've been going to Whole Foods, Smiths and Trader Joe's just to read ingredient labels.
Whole Foods had a lot of products that contained artificial flavor, color and even hydrogenated fats!
Now, Trader Joe's, who advertise no artificial flavoring or coloring or hydrogenated fats - well, they stayed true to their claims. After looking at everything - really - the only discrepency I could find was in beef jerky - a couple of questionable ingredients, so I asked the manager who said he stood behind their word, but would call the manufacturer and find out and call me the next day. He did in fact call the next day and shared the information with me and I stood corrected. Trader Joe's remained true to advertising - no artificial flavor or color!! (or trans fats).
Love your website! I agree, read ingredients! :O))
Karen says
Hi all, I urge each of you to take the time to read the fine print on the front of the packages first. It may tell you what you need to know without reading the ingredient list (although, I also encourage you the read that as well).
I am a food scientist, as well as a mom who is concerned with what her kids are eating, so I balance my science-nerd understanding of the food terms with my mommy side. The front of the Cystal Light actually says "Natural Lemonade flavor with other natural flavors". This means that the flavor is natural, not necessarily the whole product (and yes, this is legal and we have clear standards for labeling natural flavors in the US). Within the pink rectangle ont he front of the oatmeal box, it says "Artificial Strawberries and Cream Flavors Artificially Flavored Fruit Pieces and Non-Dairy Creamer". I agree with 100 Days, make the plain oatmeal and flavor it with real food - it tastes so much better and the texture is so much better!
For the taco seasoning, I would add a touch of flour to the mix. That will thicken up the added water, along with any meat juices, so that it goes into your taco instead of leaving that good flavor in the pan.
For the bread crumbs, I don't toast them like 100 Days, I just let our heels of bread (my family won't touch them), stale burger buns, rolls, etc., sit on the counter for a couple days until completely dry - and no waste since these are things we wouldn't eat anyway.
I run them through the processor and keep them in the freezer since the naturally-occuring fats from the whole grains can get rancid-tasting quickly at room temp. Then I always have bread crumbs that I can flavor and use anyway I need.
On my last note, please be very careful with reading the word "natural" on foods. As was stated by 100 Days, there is no legal definition for natural foods (the rules for labeling flavors as natural are clear though - which is why all the small print on the Crystal Light and on the oatmeal). Keep reading the labels - front and back!
Gigi says
All I can say is wow! My eyes were really opened after reading this, not just these products but the fact that mostly everything I consume has these same ingredients and is extremely processed. I am on my way to reading part 2 of this series. I can't wait until I am eating 100% unprocessed because I know I will feel so much better! Thank you!
Stacey says
Do you add the water the same way the taco seasoning package states? I missed a part on how to prepare the meat with the seasoning. I"ve got my batch all made. Thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Stacey. If it seems too dry when added, I would mix in a little water until you reached the consistency the you desire. ~Amy
Lisa says
I do not personally add any water, but I don't think it would hurt.
Charlie H says
I think some of this stuff, like someone said above, is a "duh" judgement and I think it's good to hold companies responsible for their misleading statements. BUT is it all really that bad? Take the bread for instance, there's only 4 of the 31 ingredients that I couldn't buy off the shelves at the grocery store to make myself. Let's look at MSG too. Did you know that it's natural? Found on seaweed? It's currently made by bacterial or microbial fermentation. Similar to beer ... or bread. It was a common food additive used by the Romans. The Japanese call it "umami" or the fifth flavor. It's not bad for you at all. Look it up. Some people do have some adverse reactions to it but it's rare. Just like wheat allergies.
Don't get me wrong, I don't buy most of the gross artificially flavored things. Natural flavor is just that though. That's an all encompassing term used to protect the recipe. That means that there probably is lemon flavoring in that gross crystal "drink".
Allie J. says
I am a highly allergic to MSG, as most people with gluten or wheat intolerances are. The problem may seem minute to some but for the millions of people who have now discovered that they are gluten intolerant, this poses as a serious health concern. If you remember 20 years ago, no one was allergic to gluten or wheat but the issue is with the fact that food practices are changing and more and more food is being manufactured with ingredients that have been HIGHLY compromised from its natural state. These ingredients that you are reading on the label aren't actually what they seem. "Natural flavoring" may seem harmless and may not require a second thought, however these natural flavors could be almost anything. It's essential that those who are concerned about their health and well being pay closer attention to what we are putting in our bodies. Most of you don't trust the government as far as you can throw it... why would you put all of your trust in the chemicals, biochemically engineered and altered "food products" that are being manufactured by the government?
The definition of natural flavor under the Code of Federal Regulations is: “the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional†(21CFR101.22).
Mac nut says
While I agree with most of the items on your list, there are so many more worse and misleading products. Hershey's Chocolate Syrup is just as bad as the Strawberry flavor. The Arnold's brand "health nut" variety has included nuts and nut products as most of those 31 ingredients.. It isn't claiming to simply be "whole wheat." While it contains calcium propionate as a preservative (an anti mold inhibitor), most research shows that this is one of the least harmful. Why not go after all of those cereals with TBHQ? While I agree Nutella's advertisements are misleading, peanut butter has 14-18 grams of fat and 3-4 grams of sugar. Add the 12 grams of sugar from your average jelly or jam and you are right up there with Nutella on the classic pb&j.
Kim says
Pampered Chef also sells a metal round "press & seal" that takes off the crusts and seals the edges for making your own uncrustables. It's about $10 I think but you can also use it for other things like appetizers, if you want a more multi-purpose tool than the one on Amazon. Other places may sell a similar product for a lower cost as well. But I can only vouch for the Pampered Chef one which I used as a kid (about 20 years ago) and absolutely loved! :)
Jill says
I love your instructions for the taco seasoning and totally want to follow them - one thing I'm just not clear on. The chili powder that I got from the store is actually a mix of chili pepper, cumin, salt, garlic, and oregano. Do you take this and mix it with more cumin, oregano, and salt? Or is there another kind of chili powder I'm supposed to use?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jill. Yes, that is in addition to what is already in the chili powder. Jill
Susan says
Another FYI on reading labels: yeast extract, hydrolyzed anything, autolyzed anything, spice extractives, and even "spices"; can all be "hidden" forms of MSG. So sadly, given our boycott of MSG, we also avoid buying anything that has these ingredients in the label. Some soups say "NO MSG"..yet they have autolyzed yeast extract, or hyrdrolyzed soy protein...both = MSG. Also true of salad dressings and especially true of "cheesy" snacks that people think are healthy like Cheese Nips, Cheez-Its or even GOLDFISH! We buy Annie's organic Cheddar Bunnies, and make our own soups.
Colette S @JamericanSpice says
Very interesting. For the first time I used that taco seasoning the other night. Maybe it explained why I've been going to the loo.
I have wondered about the whipped cream too.
Erica says
Good information, but a lot of it has me thinking, "well, duh!" Do you really mean to tell me that you gave your kids strawberry syrup expecting there to be real strawberries in it? You don't have to read the label to figure that one out. Same with Chrystal Lite. Anyone who thinks that stuff is natural sure is naive. I don't know anyone who was conned into thinking there were real lemons in it. It's a powder, after all!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Erica. This blog is geared towards all levels of people on their real food journey. Having said that, while these things may seem obvious to you, for some they are not. Hope that helps. Jill
Stefani says
I think you missed the point of the article. It was not about products that are fooling people into thinking they are natural. It was about products that are misleading PERIOD. This can include misleading consumers into thinking they are overall healthy, natural, or contain the ingredient they claim to be (i.e. strawberry syrup). These products try to pretend to be something they are not in some form or fashion and that was the point of this article. I agree with Jill in saying that not all consumers are on the same level of awareness. These things are deliberately misleading and the information about the ingredients are intentionally hidden from the public. Nutella is VERY misleading with their ads. Instead of trying to belittle others, maybe it would be nice to just thank these wonderful people for trying to get the word out. I know I am very grateful for what they do even when I already know what the post is about!
Arjay says
(I know this is an older post/comment, but) a few months ago, my child & I were eating lunch at the local public library as part of their summer free lunch program. I overheard one of the librarians telling another that "she didn't know why" kids seemed to love the chocolate milk so much. The other one (his patience strained, but trying) explained to her that it has sugar in it, to her great surprise. This woman was in her 50s.
Linda Hoffman says
love this!!!!!!! I cook from scratch, always have, love it when articles like yours are posted on Facebook, I definitely will be sharing this!
Susan says
The one that got me this week is Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup. Right on the lable it claims it's made with all natural ingredients, but when you read the ingredients list it has MSG! Ugh!
Holly says
Yes, this got me too!!! It was one of the chunky varieties and I unfortunately ate it before reading the label....will never make that mistake again!
Margaret says
They can get away with saying it's "all natural" because some of these ingredients that are terrible for us are "naturally occurring". Just because it comes from nature and hasn't been processed by mankind doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy or good for us.
Lori says
I love your posts. We are making great changes in our household every day. Keep up the great work. It is because of people like you that make it so much easier for people like me to become educated on the foods that we eat. Thank you so much for all that you do.
Valerie says
I like to make fresh squeezed lemonade sweetened with grade B maple syrup instead of sugar. It tastes great and you get all the health benefits of the maple syrup as well! It actually sweetens it well with only a little bit and doesn't taste maple-y.
izzi says
Great post. We don't use any of these items really, but only bc i've read the horrifying labels also! Sometimes I feel very upset in the grocery store b/c everything is so unsafe. And I have to read EVERY label. The other day i was trying to save time and buy a greek dressing, and out of the 20 greek dressings in Publix every one had Soybean oil. So i just didn't get any (usually make my own). But it's very frustrating! I mill my own flour and make my own bread but i've gotten so tired of doing it but now I need to start again - i bought a few loaves of Nature's Own and I really shouldn't!
Susan says
WOW! Interesting reading. I, too, was appalled at Quaker's misleading advertising in their packaging of artificial flavors and colors. I was just thinking the other day, as I made my kids plain oatmeal, how much I liked Quaker and how they seemed to make quality foods. So, imagine how disappointed I was to read your post. I let them know as much by sending them a comment on their website. Thanks for pulling back the curtain on the Wizards of Oz.
Krystal J. says
I eat a pretty strict "clean" diet... however I just wanted to clarify that maltodextrin is used to keep seasoning mixes like your Taco Seasoning and Ranch Seasoning from clumping. Would you prefer they come out in a chunk or nice fine powder?
Valerie says
That is interesting that something needed to keep it from clumping is the #1 ingredient, meaning there is more of that than any other ingredient.
Tammy says
While that may true as to why it's there in the packet...I often have my 13 year old daughter whip up a triple or quadruple batch of taco seasoning from spices in our cabinet. It takes her just a few minutes. Then the seasoning blend sits in a little container with a lid for weeks and I never have an issue with clumping. Just so much nicer to use your own spices and have nothing extra in it. :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Krystal. Thanks for the information. Yes, it may be necessary to prevent caking in the store bought version since it has such a long shelf life, but, it's not necessary when making it yourself so we don't choose to use it. Jill
Lauren says
I love your site!! I have been following it for about a month now. You are slowly helping me to see what I have been feeding my family! It's overwhelming to think about changing everything, which is what needs to be done. I going to start w a few things and go from there. I have 3 picky eaters and my daughter has severe allergies to may foods. The things I have changed so far have helped her allergies and I hope to help her more, but also me and my other 2 kids eat heathy. Lifestyle change!!! Thanks again for all the great info!!
Anne Hernandez says
The Nutella sold in the US is different than the Nutella sold in Europe. Ours is made for the "typically" American palate, which is much sweeter (more sugar) than the "typical European" palate. The real original version is better.
Gin says
Here's a recipe for homemade Nutella that I made at Christmas: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/12/better-than-nutella
While it does contain white sugar, you could experiment and try alternatives--and it's delicious!
Mary says
What I find very interesting are products that claim to be "buttery" and what not, but do not contain a single dairy ingredient in them. ie: Pillsbury Big and Buttery Crescent Rolls http://www.generalmills.com/ColorBoxImage.aspx?ImageId={25C030ED-BD23-4E0A-B815-673FE1834ADD}&Width=720&Height=492
or many tubs of "cream cheese frosting" which again, contain no dairy....
Heather says
I found your blog on Facebook. I must say kudos to your blogs! I have gone Paleo for the main reason...my health. After reading the ingredients on boxed items, it just makes me scared and sick. I believe that anything soy is harming us as well as any by-product. I am of sane belief that shopping and eating whole foods such as veggies and fruits and meats is the way to go. I also follow the rule that if I can identify it, then I can eat it. For example, an apple is an apple, an egg is an egg. There are no other "things" added. Whole is the only way to go anymore. And if I really want something I make it. Once in a while I fall off the wagon, which is only human, but I quickly get back to my real food. It just makes sense and it makes me feel way better! Keep up the blogs!
melissia says
Hello
I want to thank you for all your hard work I'm grateful for the things you take time to write about it is very eye opening. I have been slowly trying to make alot of things from scratch over the last year but taco seasoning and ranch dressing has been very trying to say the least... every recipe seems very salty and flavorless. Is your recipes taste anything close to the store bought packages?
Lisa says
I think they do...they are certainly worth trying! Good Luck :)
Kristan says
Bought a box of Whole Foods brand pasta that said durum wheat on the front and thought I was good to go. When I got home I actually looked at the back and it said semolina durum wheat. I was so aggravated! I felt tricked!
Jennifer says
Kristan...this was kind of my question. I bought organic whole wheat and then when I read it, it is Organic Durum Wheat Semolina. Which isn't good, right? I feel tricked too!
Gina says
Great information. It's bad enough when obviously-bad Pop Tarts are out there, but when food labels are deceptive it is even worse.
Another reason to skip the Nutella (has less to do with your own family): who has any idea where they source their palm oil? Although some tout the benefits of this, entire ecosystems are being demolished for its production. Sorry, but as much as my daughter may love this stuff, I can't see the loss of animal habitats and farming villages so she can have some chocolate. Thanks for posting.
Deb Fox says
Thank you for this great information! I knew a lot of it, but continue to learn more from your blog. I appreciate the link to alternative recipes! I look forward to trying more of your recipes!
Jennifer says
Thank you for all your great information. I am checking my pasta now. The ingredient is; Organic Durum Wheat Semolina. Thoughts? I went back and re-read your post and I'm still confused. I would appreicate your thoughts.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jennifer. It will usually say whole wheat. I know the Bionaturae brand I believe says whole durum wheat. Jill
Nicole says
Thank you for this great information. I find the more I look the more OCD I have become about what we eat. Until last March - when I was diagnosed w/ gluten and dairy allergy, due to my newborn crying 15 hours a day, I never thought about what I ate. I was 'fit', now I have about 3 of the same foods in the pantry I used to have - quinoa, honey and vegetables (potatoes, winter squashes). Keep up the great work!!
TS says
I so agree with everything said here! So tired of foods marketed as "multigrain" because people confuse it with wholegrain. They are not the same! I do like Barilla Plus though. I can't get my family to eat 100% wholegrain pasta. Barilla Plus is healthier than the plain white stuff. Wholegrain crackers are fairly easy to find, thankfully, and palatable. Ak-Mak is great! I wish it was easier to find wholegrain pretzels.
Beth says
Thank you for all this information! My daughter has recently been diagnosed with PCOS and as a family we are making some major changes in our diets as a result. She's been advised to go on a low carb,high protein,diabetic type diet. There are so many additives in foods & I have no idea what alot of them actually are made of- this post has helped clear up some things, and made me more aware of some more things we need to avoid!
Mary Jo Creech says
Beth my sister has PCOS and has been diagnosed for almost 10 years. There is a great pcos group on Facebook, where people bounce ideas off each other. Back to basics with simple ingredients is the best way! Good luck with helping her control it!
Dree says
I'm suprised that Cool Whip has any milk in it! I was raised on it, though I never liked it--the texture is weird and slimy.
I have had several relatives tell me that whipped cream is "too hard" to make, and be shocked when I do it in 2 minutes and can sweeten it to taste because everyone thinks cool whip is too sweet. I think cool whip still exists because the generation the grew up whipping cream by hand thought it was awesome (especially when whipping cream for a family of 8 or 10), and now their kids (and grandkids!) think whipped cream is "hard." Sad, but that is how it goes.
Cassie D says
I see you have an alternative for the strawberry syrup how about the chocolate syrup that my hubby lives on EVERY day??????I'm trying to find a healthier alternative for him.
margaret says
A few years ago I read the miserly moms book, and I have used her recipe for chocolate syrup. It is so simple.
1 cup cocoa powder
2 cups sugar1/4 t salt
1-1/2 cups water
Cook all in a saucepan over medium heat; stirring occasionally without letting it boil. Cook until sugar has melted.
Once you syrup has cooled, add 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Easy peasy. Which is good, because we also go through a lot of choc syrup here. We make homemade mochas :)
Cassie D says
How long does that last? that seems like a lot of sugar. I"m trying to cut sugar out but not having much luck with the hubby and his chocolate milk loving self.
liz says
have you tried carob powder? tastes very similar to chocolate but much better for you.
Cassie D says
attempted to without sweetener and it didn't go well. Carob powder actually tastes like coffee to me.
Amy says
Here is a link to a homemade chocolate sauce from Deliciously Organic: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/chocolate-sauce-syrup-hersheys-recipe/
They use maple syrup to sweeten their chocolate sauce.
Jan says
I love this chocolate syrup. I make it every two weeks. I use Hershey's dark chocolate and love it. It is great in coffee or in chocolate milk. I love her site too. She makes a lot of good things.
Jan
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Cassie. Here is a recipe from our friend Carrie over at Deliciously Organic...http://deliciouslyorganic.net/chocolate-sauce-syrup-hersheys-recipe/. Jill
Erika says
Sad to say, I'm not surprised by much anymore when I turn an item around to read the label. Probably the bread crumbs and the Arnold bread are the most upsetting to me. I know what is needed to make bread, and a lot of the listed ingredients are unnecessary!
It's also funny for me to think that I used to buy many of the items listed above, thinking I was being a smart consumer with Crystal Light's zero-calories and Whole Wheat pasta and so on. I'm so thankful for all of the resources, including your blog, that have taught me so much about the food industry and have led me to make the change to a whole foods lifestyle instead! :)
Dawn says
Hi Lisa,
I found out several years ago that Great Harvest Bread Company switched sweeteners, from honey to high fructose corn syrup, at least at our local franchise. So disappointing!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Dawn. Yes, I have heard other readers state the same thing about their local franchise. Each one is different. Perhaps you can try making your own with this recipe? https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/17/recipe-honey-whole-wheat-sandwich-bread-for-bread-machine/. Jill
Chris says
Our GHB uses high fructose corn syrup in some recipes but not all... You may want to check
Em says
I would be interested in seeing a more in depth look at other foods. The important thing to note is that it teaches folks to look at the marketing/advertising of a product and think critically about the foods they are buying. Perhaps they haven't even read the ingredients or buy those crackers assuming they are healthier because of the "look" of the box, the nice natural colour, the words used on the packaging etc.
Manuela says
Hi! I grew up in Germany and we always used to have Nutella. The funny thing is that in Germany the first ingredient of Nutella are actually the hazelnuts. It tastes much better over there too. You can really taste the hazelnuts... not trying to imply that Nutella is good for you, just sharing an observation. A lot of European products that are sold over here in the US contain different ingredients than they do overseas. In Germany, foods are not allowed to have artificial colors or partially hydrogenated oils.
Michelle says
Thank you for your blog! I have learned a lot and always look forward to your new entries. I tried your homemade strawberry syrup when I made "Santa Milk" for my kids. It was a hit! I also made snowmen for them out of hard-boiled eggs. :) Thanks for all you do to share this important information and yummy, healthy recipes.
Ursula says
I kept you in mind the other day when I went to the grocery store. I ended up getting Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain bread...it had a very decent list...no enriched flour nonsense and I could pronounce all of the ingredients! I feel good giving my daughter this bread. In addition, I am getting a bread maker so that I can make my own. Just got babycakes, the gluten free cookbook...really liking it.
Love what you do. Keep up the good work!
Cari says
AWESOME!! Thanks for the post! I find it amazing that people are still blinded by convenience foods!!!