I just found hydrogenated oils are in my Club House spice blends. I've been pouring them onto fish and salads, especially the garlic mix, feeling virtuous while enjoying the flavour. What a betrayal to idly read the ingredients and spot trans-fats in them.

Have any of you found trans fats or sugars in unusual places? They're lurking in the shadows, be wary.

Thanks for the warning!

The best way to avoid them is to use unprocessed foods. The herb and spice blends and those envelopes of marinades usually have tons of extras in them like sugar, salt and the dreaded trans fats. Maybe you could just make your own blend using pure herbs or spices.

Girds her loins for another frankenfood speech.

Yes, did you know that there trans fats in McCormicks grill seasonings. Check out this story from NBC's Today show, the food editor posted this:

MISS
McCormick Grill Mates Mesquite Seasoning
While this seasoning will make your chicken or steak taste good (and is simple to use), the ingredients make it undesirable. The seasoning contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil and cottonseed oil, which are both health no-nos in our book. McCormick has proved that they can create spices and sauces for grilling that taste great, but how about creating products that are good for us as well? Retails for $1.97 for 2.5 oz.
www.mccormick.com

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6004601/

well gee wiz, there are so many recipes that call for mccormicks seasonings that i use. i've been screwing up all over the place and not even knowing it.

Most spices are okay unless they are blends. I use McCormick Italian seasoning and I did remember to check and make sure that it is nothing but a mixture of herbs with no extra bad stuff added. You just have to read ingredients.

Because Trans fats are so well hidden, here are some great references:

http://www.cspinet.org/nah/6_99/transfat3.html

http://www.cspinet.org/nah/septrans.html

http://www.cspinet.org/new/200207261.html

http://www.cspinet.org/nah/06_04/cspinews.pdf

Does anyone use the Pampered Chef stuff? I've heard good things about them, but don't know if the rumours are true, lol. I'd like to try it, but I suppose I'd have to find someone who deals it......

I've never tried Pampered Chef spices, but I do love their products. They are pricey, but many of the gadgets are not as expensive. I love the garlic press. Yum!

Hey, isn't Weezle the Pampered Chef guru round here?

I've not tried their spices, but I LOVE kitchen gadgets, so I'm stocked with their stuff at home.

Personally I like the adjustable measuring tools. Makes it easier to work with since I don't have 6 cups or spoons hanging off the ring!

Cool Whip toppings, too. Last time I went food shopping I checked the ingredient lists for CW regular, lite, and ff and they all listed hydrogenated oils.

No! I love the ff cool whip!

I have the PC chopper - it's great!

I guess whole, heathly, homemade foods are the way to go. If you'll excuse me now, I have a dinner date with my husband....we are going out! : ) Ha, ha! You can't always stay home, can you?

Lauren