Fiber and Hidden Carbohydrate Calculator
Note that this calculation will not help you if any of the "hidden" or missing calories are fat or protein; it assumes that all hidden/missing calories are carbs.
The formula used in the above calculations are as follows:
[ (Fat X 9) + (Carb X 4) + (Protein X 4) = Calories ]
Notes:
This formula is not perfect; however, it is a very close approximation. The javascript used takes the difference between the stated calories and the actual calories then divides it by four to yield grams. It then adds that to the carbohydrate grams listed on the label, giving you your total carbohydrate count.
The hidden carbohydrate, glycerin: There is a loophole in the FDA restrictions that allow manufacturers to leave glycerin off the labels of their products.
The listed fiber count is sometimes higher than the "missing calories" difference between the numbers. The bottom line is that some labels will tell you there's more fibers than the math formula will. This calculator subtracts only the calories not digested by your body.
To further understand discrepancies between your food label and this calculator, go over to the USDA database to check how the raw ingredients (i.e., peanuts, or wheat germ, or whatever you suspect the fiber-rich ingredient to be) stack up against your product.
See also:
Soluble Fiber and Heart Disease
Fitting Fiber into Your Day
Fiber: A Non-Nutritional Vital Nutrient
Eight Conditions You Can Fight with Fiber
High Fiber Recipes
