Pepperidge Farm Broke My Heart!
Last Saturday morning I was reading the paper, drinking my coffee, and enjoying a Pepperidge Farm Apple Turnover. I’ve loved these turnovers for years. You buy them raw/frozen and bake in the oven when desired. As is my habit now, I started reading the nutritional information on the box. I can handle the 290 calories per turnover, as long as I don’t eat two - but I usually do. Zero cholesterol - OK. Only two grams of fiber - could be worse. Five grams of trans fat - not good. The real shocker was that #1 on the ingredient list was partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening: this is the source of the trans fat.
Most nutrition experts believe that trans fats cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which eventually leads to poor circulation, strokes, and heart attacks. I’ve never found a credible source to say that trans fats are fine as long as you don’t exceed “x” grams per day. That’s why most food manufacturers are taking steps to avoid them. Trans fats are often used to prolong the shelf life of baked goods. Other fats go rancid sooner. These turnovers are so tasty that they never sit around our house for over 24 hours.
I’m hoping the Pepperidge Farm chefs come up with an alternative to trans fats soon, like before this weekend.