Moved from the Budget Board: anyone else eliminating High Fructose Corn Syrup

[fairycat]

I am so thrilled with this thread! I have been working at cutting out HFCS, HTF and enriched flours for quite a while. I am so glad to see I am not the only one.

Besides the brands mentioned I wanted to mention two you can get at regular stores that are great.

First for Peanut Butter I can't believe no one mentioned Laura's Scudder's, I grew up on this stuff and I love that even their non-organic PB has only Peanuts and Salt as ingredients. Yes you have to stir it but its good and healthy!
http://www.laurascudderspeanutbutter.com/products.aspx

Also I found a brand called Eating Right it seems to be a new store brand for Vons/Safeway. I have found many of these and their Organics breads to be free of HFCS and don't have enriched flour. They are pretty damn tasty too!

 

[KT27]

Hi folks,

I'm the OP and I'm really thrilled with the response. Your posts have helped me find the resolve to really fight this nasty chemical. Thank you!

An earlier poster mentioned she'd start putting together a list. I'd like to work with her and have the list posted.

Here is a sample site. I can change the URL to StopHFCS (I bought that today---yes I was very inspired by you all).

I would just really appreciate feedback so I can know what folks want. The only working page is the Welcome page.

TIA for your input and thank you so much for all the support. Way to go DISboard!

The sample site is at http://www.lfsh.com/stophfcs/

BTW, I've contacted the other two sites that I know of to get their ok to cross promote our lists. Hopefully we can all get a large, comprehensive list out there soon!

What a great idea I must have missed your earlier post about the website. Working together would be great!

 

[KT27]

Diet Danger: High Fructose Corn Syrup
The Effects of Corn Syrup Aren't So Sweet
-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian
Trying to save money, food companies introduced High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) into the food market in the 1970s. Sweetening manufactured foods this way is profitable, because it is less expensive and much sweeter than sugar, yet easy to transport because of its liquid state. Today HFCS is found in a variety of foods from soda pop to ketchup, fruit drinks to salad dressings, cereals, breads, flavored yogurt, and sauces.

What is Fructose?
Fructose, a monosaccharide, is sometimes called “fruit sugar” because it is naturally found in fruits. Fructose is also found in honey, and is a component of table sugar (sucrose), which is a disaccharide composed of fructose and glucose.

When we eat most carbohydrate foods, the blood sugar level increases and insulin is secreted to transport the sugar into the body’s cells. Besides helping to transport blood sugar, insulin also triggers the release of a hormone called leptin. Leptin helps control hunger by signaling the brain that the body is full and therefore to stop eating.

The interesting fact about fructose is that it is metabolized in a totally different way than other carbohydrates. It does not stimulate or require insulin for transportation to the cells. Since there is no need for insulin release, there is also no secretion of leptin. Therefore the feeling of satiety is altered—you continue to eat and possible overeat.

Is Fructose the Enemy?
Fructose should not be eliminated from your diet. It is primarily found in fruits, which provide a wealth of nutritional benefits to the body. Fructose found in fruits is fine! However, are we setting up our bodies for damage by constantly feeding it foods that have been filled with sucrose (fructose and glucose) and heavily loaded with HFCS, which is approximately one-half fructose?

What the Research Says…
A few studies have demonstrated that participants who consumed soda sweetened with HFCS did not reduce their total caloric intake to compensate for excess calories consumed as HFCS (compared to subjects who drank artificially sweetened soda). The data suggests that HFCS does not provide the body with a sense of fullness. This may cause an increase in excess calorie intake, leading to weight gain.

A recent study conducted by the University of Cincinnati provided additional information. Mice freely consumed either water, fructose-sweetened water, or soft drinks. The researchers found increased body fat in the mice that drank the fructose-sweetened water and soft drinks—even though these animals decreased the amount of calories they ate from solid foods.

The Smart SparkAction!
Whenever possible, avoid food products that contain HFCS and refined table sugar. This is not a magical cure for weight loss, but the preliminary research indicates that it may play a role. These foods often have little—if any—nutritional value.
Take inventory of your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Start reading the fool labels. If HFCS is one of the main ingredients (which are listed in descending order on the food label), scratch it off your grocery list—permanently.
Try to limit foods that have “sugar” as one of the first ingredients.
Start shopping around the perimeter of your grocery store; this is where you will find the foods in their natural, unprocessed state.
Fill your grocery cart with low fat dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, cereals and breads.
Although food manufacturers may lose out on your business, your body will thank you!

 

[Befferk]

Just thought you guys might be interested in the BS reply I got from Nabisco. To me, it actually sounds like they are defending their use of this stuff. (I wrote them the other day to let them know I wouldn't be buying their products b/c of HFCS and Trans Fats, etc.

Thank you for visiting http://www.nabiscoworld.com.

You recently contacted us about the hydrogenated oil in Kraft Foods. We are sensitive to consumers' concerns regarding ingredients in the foods they eat. Health experts advise against trying to eliminate any single type of fat or fat-containing food from our diets since it can make it difficult to achieve proper dietary variety and nutrient intake. As always, we follow government rules for all ingredients used in our products.

As you're probably aware, hydrogenated oil is a vegetable oil that has been converted to a more solid form. This process allows the oil to be used in a larger variety of products. Hydrogenated oil is a more stable ingredient and does not become rancid as easily as other oils.

High fructose corn syrup is a common liquid sweetener. It is a type of sugar that is very similar to common table sugar in sweetness and chemical composition. High fructose corn syrup is a useful ingredient because of its stability, consistency and functionality.

Thank you sharing your opinion with us. I will pass your comments along to the product marketing team. We appreciate you taking the time to share your point of view.

For more information about food nutrition, visit www.kraftfoods.com and click on Healthy Living.

Kim McMiller
Associate Director, Consumer Relations

Sorry, but I'm not buying it.......hahaha, get it.

I would find as many article links as you can similar to the one posted above me and tell them basically thanks for letting us know that you think your customers are STUPID, and treating us like we can't read. They must really think we are a bunch of uneducated dorks!

 

[fakereadhed]

I bought organic pancake syrup yesterday, it has 1.5 times the sugar than Hungry Jack (plus it was $10), I'm thinking about taking it back. DD doesn't like real maple syrup

My kids like jam(all fruit),berries, or peanut butter on their pancakes. Or butter and cinnamon. You don't really have to use syrup at all.

I totally agree about the HFCS. Spending over 20minutes turning over every loaf of bread at each new store is a real pain in the tush. Plus people stare, as they grab something and run by, and I know they're wondering why I'm reading all the bread.

 

[fakereadhed]

I know, right! I can't believe they think I'm that stupid! But, this is coming from the same people who market foods loaded with trans fat as health foods. I always picked wheat thins cause I thought they were healthy, but HFCS is one of the first ingredients on the list...... I also hate that they make people think granola bars are healthy (I used to). Most of them are LOADED with trans fats and HFCS, and are nothing but sugar, but they market them as healthy.

My kids love Clif Zbars for kids. I have seen them at Walmart, but Whole foods has the best price when you buy the case for about $8. Chocolate brownie is their favorite.
These are actually a well balanced option, not just free of junk.

 

[MKCP5]

This is an interesting thread. I am becoming more concerned about what I am putting into my body. I just never had the time to worry about it too much before. No flames please!! I am just trying to be honest. I am overweight, I work too much, I don't get enough rest or excercise and I rely on quick fixes too much like sandwiches or a granola bar and I am quite perfectly addicted to Diet Coke. At 45, I am finding I have no energy and often after I eat lunch it is all I can do to stay awake. HELP! Can anyone point me in the right direction to start making some small changes that will add up to big ones over time?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I know someone asked about sports drinks yesterday. Last night I checked DH's Vitamin Water, it seems to be okay, I didn't see any HFCS.

MKCP5, making small changes and adding on is the best way to stick to something, so you are on right train of thought. First step, I would substitute in water for the diet coke. And you can still snack, but find healthier alternatives. But really I would start with the water first. Artificial sweetners can make you crave real sugar. Plus the artificial sweetners mess with your metabolism.

 

[mom2grace]

This is an interesting thread. I am becoming more concerned about what I am putting into my body. I just never had the time to worry about it too much before. No flames please!! I am just trying to be honest. I am overweight, I work too much, I don't get enough rest or excercise and I rely on quick fixes too much like sandwiches or a granola bar and I am quite perfectly addicted to Diet Coke. At 45, I am finding I have no energy and often after I eat lunch it is all I can do to stay awake. HELP! Can anyone point me in the right direction to start making some small changes that will add up to big ones over time?

I just quit regular Coke cold turkey (today is day 8) ! It is definitely taking some effort, right now I am drinking the italian sodas, much more $$ than Coke, but that's only temporary. I like the Wild Oats grapefruit, and Izze grapefruit and orange. For me, I miss the carbonation. I bought a case of La Croix Pure (plain) sparkling water in cans (like soda) and am mixing it with 100% juice to make it less $$. It's working so far, but this morning I really wanted a Coke. I waited a few minutes and was okay.

I also love the La Croix Lime, DH likes the orange and lemon. The La Croix waters are just water and flavoring, no sugar, no color, nothing artificial. The ingredients are water, natural flavor. While they don't define "natural flavor", I know it's way better than the Coke!

I take some drinks with me now, when I know there will be soda choices only!

I am drinking a lot more flat water, and know that I am getting healthier. I am not overweight, but could lose 10 lbs., and I think my tummy is already getting a little smaller, or at least much less bloated? (And I never thought I was bloated before! )

I also LOVE the chocolate cherry Kashi bars, I don't like regular granola bars, I 2nd getting them at Target, or stocking up when they are on sale, I can find them for $2.50/box on sale. Another way I look at things, is what is the real price difference? I bought organic frozen ravioli at Meijer this week, it was 40 cents (About 10%) more than the regular ravioli (same brand).

I also find that since there are less junk foods available, I buy less of that stuff anyway & save $$! We love the Annie's cheese crackers (like goldfish) and their version of teddy grahams.

And since I quit Coke, I felt good that I was saving $10 on my grocery bill!

 

[IDoDis]

I am so thrilled with this thread! I have been working at cutting out HFCS, HTF and enriched flours for quite a while. I am so glad to see I am not the only one.

Besides the brands mentioned I wanted to mention two you can get at regular stores that are great.

First for Peanut Butter I can't believe no one mentioned Laura's Scudder's, I grew up on this stuff and I love that even their non-organic PB has only Peanuts and Salt as ingredients. Yes you have to stir it but its good and healthy!
http://www.laurascudderspeanutbutter.com/products.aspx

Also I found a brand called Eating Right it seems to be a new store brand for Vons/Safeway. I have found many of these and their Organics breads to be free of HFCS and don't have enriched flour. They are pretty damn tasty too!

Laura Scudder's peanut butter rocks!!! I'm addicted to that stuff and will never eat the other peanut butters again. Now whenever I taste it (that's what my kids eat), it tastes sweet and has a "lardish" quality.

 

[mom2grace]

My kids like jam(all fruit),berries, or peanut butter on their pancakes. Or butter and cinnamon. You don't really have to use syrup at all.

I totally agree about the HFCS. Spending over 20minutes turning over every loaf of bread at each new store is a real pain in the tush. Plus people stare, as they grab something and run by, and I know they're wondering why I'm reading all the bread.

I read everything! I am the OP from the syrup, I have a picky kid........she will eat the syrup that Cracker Barrel serves, I think I will try that next!

I love butter and powered sugar on my chocolate chip pancakes! HFCS free!

 

[IluvKingLouis]

What a great idea I must have missed your earlier post about the website. Working together would be great!

I look forward to posting this info. Once you get somewhat of a list together, PM me and we can exchange emails. I have a small list myself from recent grocery trips and I will start posting.

Someone earlier asked if HFCS goes under any other names. From what I have researched it does not. I have a good friend who is a nurse and a nutritionist and I will run this by her.

 

[IluvKingLouis]

This is an interesting thread. I am becoming more concerned about what I am putting into my body. I just never had the time to worry about it too much before. No flames please!! I am just trying to be honest. I am overweight, I work too much, I don't get enough rest or excercise and I rely on quick fixes too much like sandwiches or a granola bar and I am quite perfectly addicted to Diet Coke. At 45, I am finding I have no energy and often after I eat lunch it is all I can do to stay awake. HELP! Can anyone point me in the right direction to start making some small changes that will add up to big ones over time?

MKCP5,
I was hooked on Died Mountain Dews but gave them up several months ago. I'm convinced artificial sweetners are just as bad, but folks seem to know that unlike HFCS. I now brew tea everymorning for ice tea. I alternate between regular Lipton and Celestial Seasonings Green Tea. Green Tea took me a little while to develope a taste for, but now I love it and it's so full of good antioxidants!

I think sandwiches are great and fast! I would just make sure your deli meats are free of HFCS (ask to see a label) and find a good bread. There are several out there. I've been using Orowheat Light 100% Whole Wheat. It's only 40 calories/slice and VERY high fiber. It's also an acquired taste, and you might find something tastier.

I find staying away from the highly processed stuff, shopping the perimeter of the store, and reading labels when I do buy something prepackaged really helping. And it's really not all that drastic. Best of luck!

 

[buckler]

I know someone asked about sports drinks yesterday. Last night I checked DH's Vitamin Water, it seems to be okay, I didn't see any HFCS. )

Check the vitamin water again. In reading more about HFCS, I came across another sweetener to watch called crystalline fructose. It is being used in a number of vitamin waters. More info on it here:
Cyrstalline Fructose and HFCS Info

 

[fofinia]

If you have a Sam's Club nearby, you might look at getting the large "#10" can of Del Monte fruit. I get this and then scoop it into 1/2 cup tupperware type containers to send in my DH's lunches. I personally prefer fresh fruit, but he likes canned so this is our compromise....he gets his canned, I get a half decent price.

Thanks! That is a good idea. I bought some little tupperware type containers for DD to bring to school. And I all ready send her with a spoon to bring back and forth. So I'm definitely going to try this way!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Check the vitamin water again. In reading more about HFCS, I came across another sweetener to watch called crystalline fructose. It is being used in a number of vitamin waters. More info on it here:
Cyrstalline Fructose and HFCS Info

Thanks! I don't drink it but I will tell DH.

 

[Shannon G]

Tons of great information - thanks everyone!

For those of you looking for a healthier snack bar / granola bar, I just tried one of the new Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch bars, and it was good (assuming you like nuts). It does contain corn syrup, but not NFCS. The ingredients are: almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. That's for the "almond crunch", there's also a "peanut crunch" variety, bt I haven't tried it yet. I'm always looking for easy, yet healthy snacks that are easy to eat on the go, and this is better than many of the other varieties out there.

I had already been reading labels to cut out most trans fats - now I'm looking at the HFCS too. Trying to teach my kids good eating habits...

 

[wowsmom]

Very interesting about the crystalline fructose.

Thanks for the tips on other snack bars. I will look for those Clif Zbars for my son. And those roasted nut crunch bars sound pretty good, too!

 

[IluvKingLouis]

I heard back from my friend who is a nurse (her DH is a doctor). She also struggles w/ diabetes (hereditary problem for her --- she takes excellent care of herself) so she is very label aware.

Here's her info:

As far as I know, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) does not have another name. While it is lab enhanced, it does have a base in corn syrup—but it is highly modified from there. It is generally used as a sweetener and is found in lots of food. Because it has been refined, the body doesn’t take a long time to digest it and it goes straight to the blood stream—problematic for diabetics or people with other metabolic dysfunctions.

 

[Princess_Michelle]

I did get some at Target this week on sale for $2.50, but their regular price in our store is about $2.99 and the local grocery stores charge $3.99-4.59.

Did TJs have peanut butter toast crackers with no trans fats? I don't think I've ever looked for those there.

I got him the ones that look just like ritz cracker sandwiches. He likes them a lot better b/c they have WAY less salt, and salt effects him the most. They are the TJ brand Organic mini PB sandwich crackers...they had cheese as well

Also, I don't think I've ever seen trans fats at Trader Joes...Don't they not sell it for policy reasons, or is that just Whole Foods?? I LOVE that I can buy baked yummy goods at Whole Foods and not have to worry about trans fats

We leave for Disney TOMMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When we get back though, I need to make a Whole Foods run