Consumer Gram Scam

Do you know what a gram is? Is it a measure of size, weight or volume? As the United States has yet to adopt the metric system of measure, I wonder why the nutrition label on food packages, supposedly a source of consumer nutrition information, uses grams as a unit of measure as know one knows what it means.

A gram is a unit of weight. This means that a gram of fiber may have more or less volume than a gram of sugar. Can you picture a gram of sugar? When a 6 ounce cup of yogurt says that there are 31 grams of sugar does this mean anything to you? What if I told you that there are 4 grams of sugar in a teaspoon (which there are). This would mean that there are 7.5 teaspoons of sugar in that 6 ounce cup of yogurt. Now think about this, would you put 7.5 teaspoons of sugar in your tea or coffee cup? Probably not. Granted, some of these sugars are naturally occurring from the milk (lactose) and fruit (fructose), but much of it is added sugar.

Look at some other foods you eat. How much sugar is in a bowl of cereal, 8 ounces of juice, a can of soda? Did you know that you were drinking 7-8 teaspoons of sugar for every 8 ounces of a soft drink you drink(keep in mind the can holds more than 8 ounces)? Is it OK with you that your child is getting 16 grams (4 teaspoons) of sugar in a 1 cup serving of General Mills Oatmeal Crisp:Triple Berry, or 19 grams (almost 5 teaspoons) in 1 cup of General Mill Oatmeal Crisp:Apple Cinnamon, or in 1 1/4 cup of Kellogg's Crunch:Cran-Vanilla or Toasted Honey? Quaker 100% Natural Granola:Low Fat has 4.5 teaspoons of sugar (18 grams) in only 2/3 cup, even though its name implies health.

So beware. As our children are more likely to become overweight than ever before, know what you are buying. Look at the nutrition label and learn what it is really telling you. Don't be fooled by the use of grams or the manufacturers assurances that their product is good for you.