Dieters get break with low-carb treats

THE dawn of a new breed of chocolate-eater has arrived. Step aside the chocoholic, for the carb-o-holic.

Sweet giants Nestlé yesterday launched a low-carbohydrate version of chocolate favourites Kit Kat and Rolo, promising no compromise on “taste, texture or appeal” and an alternative for Irish consumers who now follow a low-carb lifestyle.

“Most stores in the US have dedicated aisles to the estimated 10% of adults who are following a low-carb lifestyle. We are pleased to be the first to offer people a low-carb choice in two of Ireland’s leading confectionery brands,” Louise Shortall, marketing manager of Nestlé Ireland, said.

But let’s not forget what’s at stake here. The devilish last Rolo, the selfish indulgence of a Kit Kat break. Will they ever be the same again?

Nestlé Ireland insist they are catering for a growing number of Irish adults who are trying to lose weight “most of the time”.

But chocolate that helps you lose weight? Sounds like a recipe made in heaven. Before you break out into an carbo-chocolateorgy, however, you may want to consider the trade-off.

While the low-carbversions of Rolo and Kit Kat contain just 5.9 grams of carbohydrates, the fat content in each is noticeably higher.

Instead of 11.9 grams of fat in an original pack of Rolo, the low-carb version contains 15.2 grams of fat. Likewise a two-finger bar of low carb Kit Kat has over a gram of extra fat (6.6g instead of 5.5g) for you to digest.

Nestlé, who sell 166million fingers of Kit Kat and 96 million last rolos each year, say their new bars are intended for a select niche market who just want less carbs.

“Demand for such products is part of a growing trend right across the world,” Ms Shortall said.

Taste them if you dare.