I hope this isn't a silly Question, But for example on the Carbo-lite chocolate bars it says Carbs 18--but then 0 "net carbs" ????

Thanks for all of your help in advance!!!!

Most so called low-carb bars are not required to list sugar alcohols. So that bar has 18 sugar alcohols. See the ingredient list to see what type(s) of sugar alcohols they used.

Basically you dont count the fiber or sugar alcohols. THere is other stuff that they also subtract from those foods. Sugar alcohols arent usuable carbs, but for some people, they are. So just be careful, some people can eat these, others cant. Im still not sure where I stand on the issue.

You don't count Fiber, Sugar Alcohols, or Glycerine when calculating Net Carbs. Fiber is not absorbed at all...and causes no glycemic response.

Sugar Alcohols are partially absorbed, ranging from 5% (Erythritol) to 75% (Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates.) They produce almost no glycemic respose. Their glycemic index is usually in the single digits and their glycemic load is normally between 0 and 1. But, it should be noted that your body will burn any absorbed Sugar Alcohols before burning fat...just as it would with drinking alcohol. So, as long as you have any Sugar Alcohols in your system, you aren't burning fat.

Glycerine isn't even a carb at all. But, by law...food makers use the "difference formula." Basically, if it isn't a lipid (fat/cholesterol), protein, ash (vitamin/mineral), or water, then it counted as a carb. Some LC Food makers list the amount of Glycerine in their foods, so that it can be deducted by the buyer.