Dyed Apple & Creaming Agent Oatmeal - misleading food labels - Brief Article

Quaker Instant Oatmeal--Fruit & Cream Variety--is one sneaky cereal. The "Strawberries & Cream" oatmeal has dehydrated apples that are dyed red, but no strawberries. Likewise, the "Peaches & Cream" has dehydrated apples that are dyed peach-color, but no peaches.

Meanwhile, the "Blueberries & Cream" has dried figs that are dyed blue, but only a touch of "blueberry concentrate." In fact, the only true-to-its-name flavor is the "Bananas & Cream." It's got "banana flake powder"--about a teaspoon's worth.

OK, so there's no cream either (just a "creaming agent" that's made largely of maltodextrin, partially hydrogenated oil, and whey). No one needs cream. But most of us could use a serving of fruit in our oatmeal. If you want one, add a sliced banana or peach to some plain oatmeal or throw in a handful of berries or raisins.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

COPYRIGHT 2001 Center for Science in the Public Interest
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group