When I run the stats on the "Chocolate Coconut Bar" put out by Atkins through the Hidden Carb calculator, I do not understand the results. On the bar's label, it says, "For those watching their carbs, count only 2 grams, as all other carbs (including fiber) have a minimal impact on blood sugar".

The stats are:
kCal 230
Fat 11
Protein 19
Carbs 21
Fiber 9

Actual Carb Count is 17.90 g

On another flavour, "Creamy Berry Cheesecake", it says, "Polydextrose and glycerine, while included in the "Calories" count have been omitted from the "Total Carb" count as their impact on blood sugar/insulin levels is negligble".
The stats are:
kCal 220
Fat 11
Protein 18
Carbs 2.5
Fiber 2

Actual Carb count is 16.18 g

How can either of these bars be sold by Atkins as "Low Carb"?

Can they be used in a low-carb plan? Are they "legal" because they do not contain maltitol?

Has anyone had good weight loss while using these bars?

Thank you in advance for your help and wisdom!

Some folks can eat the bars and still lose weight, others can't. All you can is try em!

I can get away with eating them, maybe two a week. The 'net' carbs are those carbs left, minus the fiber, that have any impact on blood sugar levels.

So, technically, they are 'low carb' bars.

I've found, overall, that the less processed foods I eat, the better, LC wise and health wise.

Hi Skyspinner!

I have to agree with Soteria. Low carb bars are a YMMV thing. Some people seem to be able to eat as many as they like and still lose weight, others will stall even eating them occasionally. Overall, you are better off sticking with as many unprocessed foods as possible and using the bars as only an occasional treat instead of a daily part of your menu, but you'll have to find out for yourself how they affect you.

Thank you very much for your input, ladies, but you really answered a question I hadn't asked! I think I figgered out for myself that I can try them and see what happens.

What I am actually trying to get at is whether or not the Atkins products are to be trusted. Just now I think they are really not any different from any of the rest of the stuff on the market.

And when I'm in the store, trying to make the "buy decision" on a can of shake or bake mix that costs $25.00, the name "Atkins" really should mean something! I do not want to get stuck w/ a can of something horrible that cost more than my week's supply of cream cheese.

Thanks again....

I trust Atkins and his company because this is his baby and his reputation is one the line here.

He isn't doing anything immoral or sneaky or underhanded. He's not trying to 'put one over on us' or anything. All low carb products have 'net' or 'ultilizable' carbs as opposed to 'real' amount of carbs. As I understand it, it's how fast or intensely the carbs affect the blood sugar levels.

In fact, he's changed his labels to be as honest and open about them as possible.

If you want to get the shakes cheaper, shop around!

www.vitaminshoppe.com has them for under $14.00!!! I'd never pay $25.00 a can for them! Way too much.

Thanks! I'll try that!!