New labels on reduced carbohydrate nutrition bars from the US company EAS are designed to help consumers identify bars which will have a minimal effect on their blood glucose levels.
The new labels, which will appear on EAS' AdvantEdge, Carb Control and Myoplex Carb Sense bars, were designed to comply with the US Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) ruling that all makers of low-carb bars must include the carbohydrate content of low-glycemic ingredients on the nutrition facts information panel.
"As a leader in the industry, EAS wanted to use this change as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of consumers who are concerned about carbohydrate consumption," said David Lumley, EAS' president and CEO. "While the calculation and explanation is simple, the importance of this message plays a large role in the lives of many who maintain a low-carbohydrate lifestyle."
The new label design features a new section called "Important Carbohydrates Information," located beside the standard "Nutrition Facts" panel. In this section, the number of carbohydrates which can impact blood glucose levels - a figure calculated by subtracting the low-glycemic ingredients (glycerin and dietary fibre) from the total carbohydrate count - are clearly stated.
The company has also included information to help consumers determine what is and what is not an impact carbohydrate. The label reads:
"This bar delivers three grams of impact carbs. Impact carbs, including sugars and starches, are the carbohydrates that have a significant impact on insulin and blood glucose levels and should be monitored as part of your low-carb lifestyle. Other carbs, including glycerin and dietary fibre, have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. 'Total Carbohydrates' in the Nutrition Facts box includes dietary fibre, impact carbs and other carbs."