Some cheap snacks still pack trans fat

Ever since food companies had to start being more forthcoming about the trans fat content in their products, consumers have been more educated about what they're eating. But a new study on cheaper snacks reveals that we're still a long way from a trans fat-free world.

As some of you may know, the FDA demands that foods be properly labeled if they contain this substance. But cheaper snack foods, which are manufactured with small amounts of trans fat, still boast 0 grams even though they contain certain amounts of it. The reason being is that they are allowed to round down if the amount is less than half a gram of trans fat.

Is this misleading the consumer? Perhaps, but in the end it's up to us to check out the ingredients before eating it. Knowing what we're putting in our mouths is called personal responsibility, so don't be afraid to turn the box or bag over to look for "partially hydrogenated" oils. Until the technology becomes cheaper to produce trans fat-free products, those of us who are health-conscious will have to keep a sharper eye out.