The manufacturers of LeCarb frozen dessert, a low-sugar, low carbohydrate food, are stepping up distribution of the product so that it is available nationwide.
The dessert is made by SouthWest Foods Ice Cream Plant in Tyler, Texas and is available at Wal-Mart Supercenters across the US, as well as in Brookshire's, Super 1 Foods and Ole Foods stores in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.
The company claims it is the first commercially available finished product of its kind.
LeCarb is targeted at diabetics or those wishing to remain on a low-carbohydrate diet. Each serving contains three grams of sugar, compared with 14 grams in standard ice cream. Total carbohydrate content is six grams (of those, three are from glycerine which has very little impact on blood sugar) and there are seven grams of fat.
"Up until now, there really hasn't been a good frozen dessert for diabetics and those concerned about carbohydrates," said Fred Calvert, senior vice president of SouthWest Foods manufacturing. "But this really is a tasty alternative to regular ice cream. Reception to LeCarb has been extremely positive and we are encouraged by the fierce loyalty that has developed in such a short time."
LeCarb is currently available in chocolate, vanilla, lemon and strawberry flavours. Cinnamon, chocolate almond and homemade vanilla will be introduced in October 2002.