Net Carbs on food labels in UK

[Gungadin]

I've just read this regarding Net Carbs:

Q: I just bought a can of imported tomatoes. The label says 3 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber. I checked it against another can of US tomatoes and that can says 4 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber. Does the imported tomatoes have less carbs???

A: Unfortunately no. International and European labelling laws are different. The total carbs listed in most International and European labels are Net Carbs no further subtraction necessary. If you're in doubt, use a Hidden Carb Calculator.

I'm in the UK, does that mean i don't subtract the fibre from the carbs on packaging? How do i know if it's carbs or net carbs on the label?

Cheers

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Net Carbs on food labels in UK

If the label wasn't a UK or EU label, you might have to actually subtract the fiber.

The best way to check as to whether or not you need to subtract or not would be to compare the item to a trusted source, such as www.fitday or the USDA at www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

On the can of US tomatoes, the net carbs would be 3 (4-1). So it "seems" that your can of imported tomatoes doesn't include the fiber.

[liv]

Re: Net Carbs on food labels in UK

In the UK there will always be only netcarb listed. So no subtraction necessary.

[Gungadin]

Re: Net Carbs on food labels in UK

Thanks for the replies.

[Elizellen]

Re: Net Carbs on food labels in UK

One way to tell if you are looking at a US-style or UK/EU style label is to see where on the label the fibre (US spelling fiber) is listed.
Our labels do not give fibre directly beneath the carbohydrates as the US labels do, but in a different section a couple of entries below it, after the Fat entries.