Food/Nutrition Bloopers from Restaurants,
Food Companies, Web sites and News Media
The following are actual quotes or observations (the latest entries are at the top). Click for our comments. Some of these errors/misinformation have been subsequently corrected by their source and some have not.
Nutrients in (and not in) Leafy Greens
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- Created on 01, June, 2013
A nutritionist/RD blogs that leafy greens are a "great" source of omega-3 and vitamin E.
Use of "Healthy" Claim for Granola
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- Created on 01, May, 2013
The web site for a granola product describes it as “healthy” and full of various nutrients from each ingredient.
Yogurt vs Kefir
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- Created on 01, April, 2013
A health writer for various magazines compares yogurt to kefir, and says a serving of kefir has 3 g fiber while yogurt has none.
Health Benefits of Pasta?
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- Created on 01, March, 2013
An online health article extols upon the inflammation/insulin/heart benefits of antioxidants in pasta.
Claims on Web Site Unsupported
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- Created on 01, February, 2013
The manufacturer’s web site and other sites that sell their snack bar advertise it as low in sodium, high in protein and low in sugar, in addition to making other claims.
Fructose vs Glucose in Fruit
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- Created on 01, January, 2013
In a major news magazine, the author of a book on obesity states that fructose is found in fruit in much lower concentrations than glucose.
Macadamia Nut Oil Claims
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- Created on 01, December, 2012
A celebrity chef promotes macadamia nut oil, saying it’s high in amino acids (protein), B vitamins, minerals, etc.
Inaccurate Data on Website for French Fries
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- Created on 01, November, 2012
A potato product company shows about 10 g total carbs and 10 mg sodium for its frozen fries online.
Antioxidants in Pasta?
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- Created on 01, November, 2012
An online health article describes pasta as having significant antioxidant content.
Nutrient Claims for Kettle Corn
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- Created on 03, September, 2012
A kettle corn product in 4 flavors claims “low calorie” and “good source of fiber,” and shows iron and vitamin E at 10% DV (good source).
Impossible Sugar, Carbohydrate Content On Label
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- Created on 01, August, 2012
A packaged meal containing rice, chicken, honey, fructose, brown sugar, etc. shows 0 g sugars on its nutrition label.
Sodium in Chicken Nuggets
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- Created on 01, July, 2012
An award-winning health writer states that a serving of chicken nuggets has a “whopping” 360 mg sodium.
Quinoa - Complete Protein?
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- Created on 01, June, 2012
An article in a major news magazine states that quinoa is the only vegetable that is a complete protein.