Foreman's Fat Substitute

Say the name George Foreman - and generally you think of the excellent George Foreman grill. I've even seen it listed on many a Christmas gift guide. Now Mr Foreman has decided to add his name and image to something else - Z-Trim - a fat substitute that results in reducing calories in many otherwise fatty foods.

The fat substitute product has a consistency similar to mayonnaise and mimics products such as butter, said Efrem Gerszberg, Foreman Enterprises president.

Z-Trim, made from hulls of corn, rice, barley and other grains, was developed within the U.S. Department of Agriculture by Dr. George Inglett and is licensed to Circle Group.

The product can reduce harmful trans and saturated fats as well as add insoluble and soluble dietary fiber when used in foods, (source)

The product (from Fiber-Gel Technologies) is intriguing. Instead of adding 2 sticks of butter to your recipe, you add 1 1/2 sticks, and 4 tablespoons of Z-Trim. Thus reducing the fat calorie content by 25%. The ingredients of Z-Trim are: Water, Corn bran fiber, Citric Acid, Salt, Sodium benzoate (to preserve freshness), and Natural Color.

Maybe one day all our food will be filled with fat and sugar substitutes. Of course, you could just eat foods that are naturally lower in saturates...

Written By J. Foster

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4 Comments

Randy Smith

I have tried to eliminate the use of butter or margarine in foods, however this product may be worth a try. The words “made from hulls of corn, rice, barley and other grains” do concern me a little.

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Spectra

It sounds like it might be a pretty good idea. The thing I'd be worried about is the digestive "side effects" that might present themselves. I know my husband can't tolerate any Olean products because of the diarrhea and gas it causes. This stuff might do the same thing, so it'd probably be best to use it in moderation.

Jan

Since this is from grain and not an artificial fat like Olestra, it might not have the digestive side effects. It might be interesting to use to improve texture in things that I already don't use fat to make, like hamburger buns. I make them whole-grain and while they are healthy, they could double as doorstops, even though I use fat-free yogurt to replace the fat.

Mr. Machine

This deal has fallen through, and Foreman is suing Circle Group.