Ha! They can’t even call this product “milk” – it’s a “dairy beverage” – that should tell you right there that there’s a problem. Sort of like American Cheese is not really a cheese, but a “cheese product”.
So, I hadn’t even heard of this product, but I just read a post on a forum about it, so of course I had to google.
First, let’s look at the ingredients of Hood real non-fat milk:
NONFAT MILK, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN D2.
And the Nutritional Data:
Serving Size 1 cup (240mL)
Amount per Serving
Calories 80 Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Values
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol <5mg 1%
Sodium 125mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 4%
Fiber 0g 0%
Sugar 12g
Protein 8g 17%
Vitamin A 10%
Vitamin C 10%
Calcium 30%
Iron 0%
Vitamin D 25%
Now here's the ingredients for the Hood Calorie Countdown Fat Free Dairy Beverage:
WATER, ULTRAFILTERED FAT FREE MILK, CREAM*, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SALT, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, CARRAGEENAN, LOCUST BEAN GUM, SUCRALOSE (SPLENDA® BRAND), ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, VITAMIN A PALMITATE AND VITAMIN D3. *ADDS A TRIVIAL AMOUNT OF FAT
Nutritional Data:
Serving Size 1 cup (240mL)
Amount per Serving
Calories 45 Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Values
Total Fat 0g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 160mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Fiber 0g 1%
Sugar 3g
Protein 8g 16%
Vitamin A 10%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 30%
Iron 0%
Vitamin D 25%
Pretty disgusting, huh? It looks like they watered down real milk to help lower the natural sugars (milk sugar, by the way, isn't bad sugar like refined sugar), and then because the watered-down milk obviously tastes flavorless, they had to add salt, artificial sweeteners, and other chemicals and thickeners to give it texture and flavor.
This is their claim to fame:
Hood® Calorie Countdown® is a line of rich and creamy dairy beverages that provide the wholesome, delicious nutrition of milk without all the sugar, calories and carbohydrates.
Wouldn’t it still be better to just drink non-fat milk? You’re not consuming that many more calories, (actually the calories are higher for the Hood Calorie Countdown 2% and chocolate versions at 90 calories each) and you can actually drink something real! But consumers believe the hype that Big Food companies dish out to them without even bothering to glance at the list of ingredients. Very sad.
by Jim
26 May 2011 at 16:55
I don’t agree. The product is milk with the milk sugar removed. Obviously the de watered it to remove the unwanted ingredients. Then you add back the water. Milk powder never tastes like the real thing so they are making it taste better. At least you don’t get all the hormones found in normal milk.
Another error. Non fat hood milke is only 45 calories and not 90 as you stated. So the calorie reduction is significant. Milk sugar is as harmful to your wasteline as regular sugar. It is fully hyper glycycemic triggering an ensulin surge..
by debbie @ That's Just Me
05 Jun 2011 at 11:33
Jim, read my post carefully.
quote: actually the calories are higher for the Hood Calorie Countdown 2% and chocolate versions at 90 calories each
I never said the non fat was 90, in fact, I clearly list the whole nutritional data including the 45 calories. And no, 45 calories is not enough of a difference for me to be drinking such gross chemicals.
But go ahead and drink it yourself if that is what you’re into.
Personally, I don’t drink much milk anyway, and when and if I do, I won’t be purchasing the Hood brand anyway. I’d rather buy something local, and not from some big food company that’s just in it for the profits. Then I won’t have to worry about hormones and anti-biotics.
by Education is nice
26 Jan 2012 at 10:40
Debbie, I think you are the one being fooled by messages that companies send.
1) “Big food company that’s just in it for the profits.” — What do you think, that small food company is not in it for the profits? Private businesses exist to make profits. EVERYTHING else is a means to that end. So if the only way small food company can sell you food is by making you think you are special, that is what it is going to do. Big food company will sell whatever food people demand. Go on their website and suggest the products you like. Big food used to be small, local farmer — except that it was more efficient, and that is why it grew to what it is today.
2) Your comparison of milk and Hood needs some serious fact-checking, and this article can subject you to defamation claims by the company. Somewhat related is your comparison of calorie countdown chocolate milk to skimmed milk. Sure, they both have 90 calories per serving, but regular chocolate milk has over 200 calories (and don’t get me started on the sugar or fat content).
3) For those who consume several servings of milk per day, the annual calorie difference is substantial. The Calorie Countdown in stores today has 35 calories per serving, versus the most organic skimmed milk you can find, at 90 calories. That is 55 calories per serving. Even two to three cups of milk per day would amount to a reduction of 110 – 165 calories per day, or 40,150 – 60,225 calories per year. That is about 10 – 20 lbs. Of course, people wishing to lose weight normally consume a lot more than three cups of milk per day.
4) The fact that they call it a dairy beverage means that they are not trying to deceive anyone. That is something to be respected, not mocked. It is a low-calorie alternative to milk. And it’s even more expensive than organic milk. Take it or leave it, they say.
5) If you don’t drink much milk, then why are you complaining? Clearly, you are not their target customer (and not just because you are a victim of green marketing).
What I am trying to say is, not everyone has the same needs and wants as you do. For most people, the lowered calories more than makes up for the lost benefits of all-natural milk.
I am not at all affiliated with the company, which may or may not be as horrible as you suggest. I am just a dairy enthusiast trying to keep my calories down so I can stay healthy.