Partially Hydrogenated Oil (or Fat) aka "Trans Fats"

Hydrogenation is the process of heating an oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it. The fatty acids in the oil then acquire some of the hydrogen, which makes it more dense. If you fully hydrogenate, you create a solid (a fat) out of the oil. But if you stop part way, the result is a semi-solid partially hydrogenated oil that has a consistency like butter, only it's a lot cheaper.

Because of that consistency, and because it is cheap, it is a big favorite as a butter-substitute among "food" producers. It gives their products a richer flavor and texture, but doesn't cost near as much as it would to add butter.  It cannot be detected by taste or smell. Therefore, trans fats are a popular choice to add to any product without ruining the flavor. Too bad they don't consider your health first??! 

So why does the label say "No Trans Fats per serving" but still has partially hydrogenated oils in the ingredient listing? The answer is simple. It's a rounding numbers game. Think back when we were in elementary school and we were taught about rounding numbers .4 equals 0 and .5 equals 1. Well, when it comes to ingredients listing the same rounding rules are applied. Legally, .4 means 0 (zero). So manufacturers can add just enough to save money and add shelf life to their product but not enough of the ingredient that it registers on the nutritional profile. A true buyer beware scenario!

Therefore, anytime you see this on a food package...walk away!

HEALTHY MINI BAR™ understands no means no. You will never find any partially hydrogenated oils in any of our products. This is our promise!