Although the Eades (Protein Power) were the first to introduce the notion of subtracting non-caloric fiber-carbs to the Low-Carbing public ..... and now it seems as though Atkins is hopping on the bandwagon ...... NEITHER of these two groups can lay claim to anything special.

The fact is ... subtracting calorically insignificant fiber grams is in the process of being legislated by governments and FDA's internationally ... as part of a GLOBAL move toward more accurate food labelling. Many manufacturers have already started pre-subtracting fiber before calculating the calories in a product, especially if there are 4 or more grams of fiber per serving. Since it's not LAW yet, though, not everyone is doing it ... so you still have to do the math. Otherwise, if you subtract the fiber AGAIN, you will end up thinking the food has less (fewer??) carbs than it does ... and unwittingly go way over your daily carb allowance. Personally, I think this is a wise and sensible move ... since we will be able to look at a label and with one glance, see the carbs listed and know for sure that's how many we count for the foood, and not have to worry about subtracting fiber, it's already been done. Hopefully, this should become law in 2002 ... and then everyone will be doing it consistently.

The sugar alcohols are carbs, but under hot, hot HOT debate. The manufacturers who use them want to de-emphasize their carbiness for obvious marketing reasons. Consumer groups, and in particular International Diabetes Organizations are pressing for full disclosure and inclusion in the carb counts. This is not law yet either, but I notice some manufacturers are complying with this voluntarily ... Atkins has started disclosing the polyols in the bars as part of the carb counts (they used to not declare at all, only listing the glycerin and polydextrose as ingredients)

Yes, it's very confusing. But just another reason to eat real whole foods ... at least you can be sure what's in it.

Doreen