5 replies to this topic

[Saba.NHF]

Greetings and with all due respect,

 

Excuse me, I am searching for a substance that is either zero-calorie or very low-calorie, has no taste or odor, and is edible in its raw form. Ideally, it would come in a powdered format.

 

So far, I have identified a few options:

 

1. **Fibers** - such as corn, bamboo, and wheat fibers. However, I find them challenging to incorporate flavors and essences into.

  

2. **Baking Powder** - unfortunately, it has a bitter taste.

 

3. **Additive Gums** - like xanthan gum.

 

My goal is to create a snack with zero calories that can be flavored to taste like chocolate, nuts, fruits, and more. I am focusing on the zero-calorie food industry.

 

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for additional substances that meet these criteria.

 

Thank you!

 

[Scampi]

Sooooo what you are looking to make is food that is not really food?

 

I guess you could use essence to flavour things like nutritional fibre etc     but i'm guessing it won't be palatable

[AltonBrownFanClub]

This is a very interesting question. I think you will have a hard time making something that is truly free of calories.

 

Even a single piece of chewing gum (in the United States) has some calories.

It is technically sugar-free, but sugar alcohols have some calories (between 1-3 per gram)

 

Here is the nutrition data for Trident chewing gum. Calories are declared as <5 per serving

https://www.kroger.c...k/0001254601142

 

 

I'd be interested to know what serving size you are aiming for.

I think if it is larger than a few grams, then you will have to declare at least a few calories.

[G M]

If you want it to be digestible by humans, it will contain calories.  Not really a way around that.  Practically any organic compound made by livings things can be broken back down to basic metabolites and yield some energy. 

 

If you eat significant quantities of something you can't digest, the results aren't pleasant.

 

What is more achievable without giving people gastric distress is caloric neutrality -- it costs as much to digest it, or more, than we can get back.   The natural examples that approach this are mostly fiber and water, like celery or iceberg lettuce.

[Saba.NHF]

Greetings,

I appreciate everyone taking the time to read my question and reply. 

Yes, indeed I am looking for something that may not have nutritional value. Simply put the idea is this:

Copyright People eat for two main reasons. One is to obtain energy and nutrients (like carbs, proteins, and minerals) essential for growth and body functions. The other reason is to experience the taste. We all have cravings for sweet treats, desserts, pizza, and chocolate, but these choices often come with health repercussions. 

 So, if I could invent a food, with minimum calories but a bold flavor of chocolate,cookie, or even pizza; then people could eat it guilt-free. After feeling satisfaction and joy, they have a lot of daily-calorie-space to consume healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, protein sources, etc. ) 

The goal is to satisfy the experience of tasting with minimum calories.

 

As humans, we constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. From artificial meats to 3D-printed tissues, we have proven our ingenuity. Yet, the nutrition sector still struggles to meet these desires without compromising health. Diets make people suffer; the cravings for not having your childhood ice cream or the guilt after having a hamburger.

If we get invested in it, with enough focus and enthusiasm, we can uncover ingredients that have the right properties to make this a reality in no time. I mean, as humans, it is our life purpose and journey to make the impossible possible

[MDaleDDF]

Simulated food basically?   Interesting, but I don't think it's possible.  It's not just the flavor of a hamburger people crave, nor the flavor of vanilla from ice cream.   It's mouthfeel, smell, taste, etc, they all add into the experience of a bowl of ice cream, or biting off a bit of chocolate bar.   If you want flavor only, mix some chocolate flavor into a glass of water, but I don't see this idea having legs, just imho.

No zero calorie substance is going to take the place of biting into a hamburger.   

 

This reminds me of the Willy Wonka magic three-course dinner chewing gum...and look how that worked out for Violet...