Hi all,

Is anyone familiar with Fontana SF Syrups - available at Starbucks? I bought a bottle yesterday. On the Nutritional Content Label it read 0% and 0g for Calories, Fat, Sodium, Carbs, and Protein. However, in the ingredients list it listed aspartame with a * which read: Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine.

What's that all about?? Is is aspartame or not? I have successfully given up aspartame (3 months now) and don't want to get back into it. Any thoughts on this product??

Although I was not able to find any info about Fontana SF Syrups...many varieties out there but seems not much listed for Fontana...maybe someone else who has a Starbuck"s handy could investigate this ...was able to find some info in regards to Phenylalanine:

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is a neuro-transmitter (a chemical that transmits signals between the nerve cells and the brain) used to promote alertness. Because of its relationship to the action of the central nervous system, this amino acid can elevate mood, decrease pain, aid in memory and learning, and suppress the appetite.

Phenylalanine is available in three different forms, designated L-, D-, and DL-. The L- form is the most common type, and is the form which is incorporated into the body's proteins. The D-type acts as a painkiller. The DL- form is a combination of the two forms. The D form being a painkiller has been known to help such symptoms as arthritis.

The best natural sources are soy products, cottage cheese, dry skim milk, almonds, peanuts, lima beans, pumpkin, and sesame seeds.

Supplemental phenylalanine should not be taken by pregnant women or by people who suffer from anxiety attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, phenylketonuria (PKU), or preexisting pigmented melanoma.


Bonnie

Thanks Bonnie - very interesting information!

hi folks,

All products containing aspartame/nutrasweet/Equal MUST by law carry the warning that it contains phenylalanine. The aspartame sweetener is made by joining together aspartic acid and phenylalanine ... both are amino acids, and thus are not used as carbohydrate energy in the body. The chemical bond between the two amino acids is unstable, meaning they separate easily. That's why it loses sweetness when you cook with it, or when exposed to the air for a period of time.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn defect of some children, whereby they lack the gene that enables them to convert phenylalanine into tyrosine, an essential amino acid necessary for the energy production/utilisation cycle in the body (called "the Kreb's cycle"). In PKU, levels of phenylalanine rise to toxic levels in the blood, leading to brain damage and mental retardation. Note that the ketones produced are a direct result of the build-up of phenylalanine, and not the same thing at all as ketones from fat-burning.

This is one of the main reasons why pregnant and nursing women need to avoid products containing aspartame-nutrasweet, as the phenylalanine can cross the placenta, and may also enter breastmilk.

Doreen

Holy Cow all this research into these foods we are putting in our mouths is really alarming really makes one realize how fortunate the folks are that are able to be self sufficient from foods raised and grown on their farms etc...I put in a garden every year but the meat; poultry etc. that I purchase in the supermarkets really causes one to really think about what one is eating...

Bonnie

http://www.davincigourmet.com/produ...58a7f8c805c482d

The link above is for the DiVinci syrup web site. I was amazed at all the flavors and the sugar free is made with Splenda!~~~bella

... they add glycerin ("hidden carbs") whereas DaVinci does not.

The Fontana syrups, as well as the Oscar's brand (common out here in the West of Canada), are still made with aspartame.

If looking for a Canadian source for the DaVinci, JJ Bean coffeehouse (in Vancouver, for sure) carries 4 flavours in stock... I carry every available flavour by e/mail order (click on the logo below). I'm not aware of anyone else who does (yet!).

What's the deal with Canada and the aspertame?
Thanks for the info.......

Not quite sure I understand your question...there are many differing viewpoints on aspertame worldwide not just in Canada...for me personally Splenda is the one sweetner that the Eades (PP) recommend using in moderation...if your searching for more info in regards to Splenda there are several threads dealing with this very subject here at the forum...we have been using Splenda here in Canada for quite some time whereas I understand it has been recently introduced to the USA...the use of any artifical sweetner is a personal choice

Bonnie

I'm not looking for any more information on Splenda. It just seems to me that many Sugar-Free products sold in Canada use aspertame, whereas in the US these same products are sweetened with splenda. My sweetener of choice is Splenda and I personally find it frustrating.

You and me both... am so hoping to see a diet caffeine free cola sweetened with Splenda introduced in Canada like Diet Rite...


Bonnie

Yeah - soda would be SO great! I haven't had a Diet Coke (my previous #1 beverage!) in months....

and Splenda "owners" are in the States.

Therefore, Canada tags along behind the US as products are made available, even though it's been "legal" here 10 years longer... and in Australia and much of Europe too.

C'est La Vie Canadienne...

well, I finally located the diVinci syrup here in Idaho at Wal-Mart's. Very disappointed the choice of flavors in stock (Hazelnut and Irish Cream) but it still tastes great. I know the DiVinci web site offers many more flavors and kind of miss my pre-diet days of latte's with DiVinci's Peanut Butter-Chocolate flavor syrup. On a up-note--I found a delicious diet drink made with Splenda--found it quite by accident when shopping. It's called Diet Ice Botanical, it's made by Talking Rain Water. It's zero everything and has a delicious fruit flavor.~~bella