Recently, as consumer trends that prioritize health have emerged, demand for low-sugar and zero ice cream has increased, but it has been confirmed that some chocolate bar products have caloric and saturated fat contents similar to those of regular ice cream.
The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) reported on the 24th that it tested and evaluated 11 low-sugar and zero ice cream products, resulting in these findings. According to the survey, five products labeled 'zero sugar' showed no detectable sugar content, while the other six products remained at 2% to 4% of the daily nutritional standards, recording lower values compared to regular products.
However, there were significant differences in caloric and saturated fat contents depending on the product type. The calories of the overall products varied from 57 kcal to 201 kcal. Among these, pint or monaka forms generally had lower calories, while some chocolate bar products were not significantly different from regular ice cream (around 190 kcal).
Among the tested products, the 'Zero Ice Cookie & Cream Bar (LOTTE Wellfood)' recorded the highest calories at 201 kcal per unit, while the 'Lightly Himalayan Pink Salt Vanilla (Daesang)' pint product had the lowest at 57 kcal per 100 ml.
The saturated fat content also showed considerable variance among the products. Among the items tested, the 'Boeur Low-Sugar Cookie and Butter (Barvercure Company)' chocolate bar contained 10g of saturated fat per unit (85 ml), accounting for 67% of the daily standard. In contrast, the 'Lightly Himalayan Pink Salt Vanilla' product had a level of 2g (13%).
Of the 11 products, it was found that 10 used sugar alcohol substitutes. Erythritol was included in eight products, while maltitol was present in four products. Notably, the 'Zero Wit Sugar-Free Vanilla Bar (PulseS)' chocolate bar contained 16g (19%) of sugar alcohol per unit, the highest level. The 'My Normal Vanilla (My Normal Company)' pint product contained no sugar alcohol.
The consumer agency advised, 'Excessive consumption of products containing sugar alcohols can cause diarrhea and abdominal bloating, so it is necessary to control the intake.'