Protein bar "net carbs"

nichell88

So often times protein bars do this funny thing where they're like "I have 27 carbs but I have 2 net carbs". Now, I feel like this is cheating. Yes, fiber is a carb. It counts as a carb. Sugar alcohol is a carb. You can't just take it away. Carbs are not only sugar. So I feel like this "net carb" thing is misleading. What do other people think? Do you put in the net carb versions or full carb versions in your diaries? I've noticed mfp usually has both options, often verified

inertiastrength

It doesn't really mattter unless you're diabetic. My diabetic uncle goes by the net carbs because fibre and sugar alcohols don't affect his blood glucose but if you're just counting calories pay it no mind

livingleanlivingclean

I hate net carbs. And deceiving packaging - in aus, we often get things "with 2g carbs", completely disregarding the rest. Our nutrition labels show net carbs, with fibre separate (if there at all).... I edit most of the entries I find to include the fibre in the carb count.

I count everything - fibre, sugar alcohols...

DietPrada

It matters if you're watching your carbs. Not only if you're diabetic, people restrict carbs for many reasons including staving off insulin related cravings and hunger. As one of those people who watch carbs, I don't trust this "net carbs" BS. From experience. Some people metabolise up to 50% of sugar alcohols as sugar, so the whole calculation on the package is very rubbery IMO. I tend to count total carbs. And avoid these bars. But that's just me.

bodybytacos

EbonyDahlia wrote: »

Some people metabolise up to 50% of sugar alcohols as sugar...And avoid these bars. But that's just me.

You are correct. Further, the only sugar substitutes that I am aware of that have a GI (glycemic index) of zero is erythritol and mannitol. (aside: erythritol causes less gastrointestinal discomfort than other sugar alcohols as 85-90% of it is absorbed in the small intestine, and it cannot be metabolized by oral bacteria - it does not contribute to dental caries).

The "net carbs" in regards to sugar substitutes I think depends on what the substitute is. For example, Atkins products sometimes use maltitol (and maltitol syrups). The GI of these can be 30, 40, even 50 (where sugar=100).

Fiber, undigested by the body, can generally be disregarded when counting carbs as it does not impact blood glucose.