Trans fats: what foods contain them?
Posted by kathryn in Fats & oils
Trans fats are definitely bad for us, but what foods contain them?
They’re mainly found in processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable fats:
- deep fried fast foods
- manufactured biscuits, pastries and cakes
- mass produced sausage rolls, meat pies
- croissants
- some margarines.
Trans fat rich foods are found in the supermarket, fast food outlets, pub and some bakeries.
In 2005 Choice magazine tested more than 50 processed foodstuffs and found about a third contained trans fats. At present food manufacturers are not required to list trans fats on their nutrition panel, unless they are making a claim about cholesterol or unsaturated fat.
Until food manufacturers are legally required to note the level of trans fats in their products, the best ways to avoid them are:
- keep away from fast food
- don’t buy mass produced pies, sausage rolls, biscuits and cakes
- ask your local bakery and fast food outlets whether they use partially hydrogenated vegetable fats and make choices accordingly
- use one of the margarines or spreads that is low in trans fats. Alternatively use ricotta cheese, avocado or hummous on your toast and sandwiches.
More information
- The Choice report on trans fats in margarines and spreads: CHOICE test: butter and margarine
- To test your level of fat knowledge in general, take a look at the ABC’s online quick quiz: get your fats right
13 December, 2006
Comments
I think I manage to avoid them most of the time…nasty stuff!
Yes Cooking Chat, for me it’s a relatively easy task to avoid these fats, as I eat very few processed foods that would contain the partially hydrogenated vegetable fats. For others, it’s going to be much harder though, as these foods comprise a larger proportion of their diet.
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