11 Unobvious Sources of Trans Fats

French fries

Many restaurants and fast food establishments fry French fries, fish, chicken, and donuts in partially hydrogenated oil and shortening, which is why these products contain high levels of trans fats. In the US, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils is being considered, but they are still present in many processed foods. Unless you're in New York, Philadelphia, or California, where trans fats are banned in restaurants, fried foods are likely to be a source of trans fats. The exception is large restaurant chains, which have switched to unprocessed oils due to the public scrutiny surrounding trans fats.

Store-bought baked goods (donuts, cakes, cupcakes, scones)

Baked goods are a common source of trans fats. In mass-produced donuts, cakes, and buns, butter is often replaced with partially hydrogenated oils, which are high in trans fats. Solid saturated fats still play a significant role in baked goods, and trans fats "masquerade" as them—but actually cause even more harm to your health. Homemade baked goods will be trans fat-free if you use canola oil and butter instead of margarine and shortening.

Cereal bars

Cereal bars may look healthy, but don't be fooled. Many contain partially hydrogenated oils, as well as a fair amount of sugar and artificial colors. If you love cereal bars but want to avoid trans fats, read the nutrition label carefully. If you see the words "partially hydrogenated," they're not for you.

Peanut butter

Natural peanut butter (made only from peanuts and possibly salt) is rich in healthy unsaturated fats, but some brands contain partially hydrogenated oils. Others may also include fully hydrogenated oils, which are free of trans fats (however, these are saturated fats, meaning they're not healthy), so check the ingredients.

Energy bars and granola bars

There are many bars on the market, and their ingredients vary greatly. One of the largest brands, while boasting a wealth of fiber and antioxidants, contains partially hydrogenated palm oil—not exactly a healthy product.

Instant oatmeal

Oatmeal is healthy and high in fiber: it's truly a healthy dish. It's a different story when food manufacturers add flavorings. Some brands of instant oatmeal (like semolina porridge) with additives contain partially hydrogenated soybean oil. The healthiest oatmeal is the one you make yourself.

Dry cream

If you buy coffee lightener because you like the taste, it might make sense to simply switch to flavored coffee. Powdered creamers often contain partially hydrogenated oils, a source of trans fats. Incidentally, even fat-free coffee lighteners are usually higher in calories than a mixture of milk and cream (which has only 20 calories per tablespoon). Therefore, for both heart health and a healthy weight, it's best to avoid powdered creamers. It's better to choose flavored coffee and milk, or a mixture of milk and cream.

Dry mix for making gravy

If you're using dry gravy mixes to speed up holiday meal prep, you may be unknowingly consuming trans fats. Many of these mixes—like some dry sauces—contain partially hydrogenated oils. Replace them with homemade gravies.

Hamburgers

It's no secret that hamburgers contain saturated fat. But trans fats? It turns out that many fast food restaurants add partially hydrogenated oils to their patties, making them a source of trans fats. Keep hamburgers an occasional treat. Or make them at home using lean ground beef or, even better, lean ground turkey.

Tortillas

Soft, tender tortillas shouldn't contain any trans fats, but some types do. Again, check the ingredients: some brands of tortillas may contain partially hydrogenated oils.

Crackers and snack mixes

You probably already think snack mixes aren't the healthiest foods. And they are. In addition to countless dyes, sugars, and flavorings, they often contain partially hydrogenated oils. Even the most innocuous-looking crackers (like Goldfish) contain trans fats in some flavors, though unflavored crackers don't.




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