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494 calories Up front
585 calories
511 calories
Do these dishes tell the truth?
“Taste the lighter side of deli- either on target (on average) or had fewer 22 ounces. Portion sizes also varied widely
cious when you go Olive Garden,” an ad calories or less fat than claimed. at Applebee’s, Denny’s, and Red Lobster.
says. But when we analyzed one of the res- Still, nutrition varied widely at some loca- Bottom line. Nutrition numbers from
taurant’s new Lighter Fare dishes, it had tions. Case in point: Denny’s Fit Slam, chain restaurants were generally accurate
more calories and fat than claimed in the claimed to have 390 calories and 12 grams in our tests. But watch out: The Cheese-
company’s online stats. of fat. We found those approximate levels cake Factory’s 36-ounce (more than
Now that calories and fat content are in two restaurants. At a third, the Fit Slam 2 pounds) meatloaf dinner had up to
widely listed on websites (and calories are had 494 calories and 19 grams of fat. 2,016 calories (the maximum number
listed on many menus), we chose 17 items That’s because serving sizes ran the most people should have in a day) and up
from 12 casual restaurants and fast-food gamut. In three Olive Garden restaurants, to 132 grams of fat (about twice as much).
chains and compared their claimed nutri- Fettuccine Alfredo weighed roughly 14 to And that’s before any cheesecake.
tion with reality. And we weighed each Calorie check What they said vs. what we found
serving. We tested the same items from
three restaurants in each chain. In alphabetical order, within types. Website claim What We found
The good news is that most dishes told calories fat (g) calories fat (g)
the truth. Olive Garden’s Lasagna Prima- applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken 1,200 66 847-1,111 38-45
vera with Grilled Chicken was one of only denny’s Fit Slam 390 12 384-494 11-19
two dishes with calories or fat content ihoP Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity 840 48 711-851 38-48
higher than the restaurant’s website said olive Garden Fettuccine alfredo 1,220 75 879-1,179 54-72
at all three locations. The claim: 420 calo- olive Garden Lasagna Primavera w/Grilled Chicken 420 15 508-585 25-32
ries and 15 grams of fat. The reality: 508 to on the border Grande Taco Salad w/Ground Beef 1,280 85 1,191-1,302 83-90
585 calories and 25 to 32 grams of fat. outback Bloomin’ Onion w/Spicy Sauce (serves 6) 1,959 161 1,418-2,099 114-160
Another item with more fat in our tests outback Grilled Chicken on the Barbie 401 7 391-511 10-13
than advertised online was Outback’s Red lobster Walt’s Favorite Shrimp 1,300 88 1,128-1,368 64-78
Chicken on the Barbie. Other dishes were t.G.i. friday’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie 770 52 716-754 51-55
the cheesecake factory meatloaf Dinner 1,950 Na 1,643-2,016 109-132
rieser
burger King Whopper w/Cheese 710 42 678-707 40-41
how to choose mcdonald’s Big mac 550 29 520-528 29-30
william wisely—and not
Use your smart phone to Wendy’s Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy ¼ lb. Single 580 33 573-584 32-34
tions:download the RedLaser or burger King small fries 340 15 295-338 13-15
ShopSavvy app and scan mcdonald’s small fries 230 11 213-252 10-12
the code for the video. Wendy’s small fries 320 16 297-328 14-16
illustra
may 2013 ConsumerReports.org 7
Up front
Quirky
cleaners
We recruited staffers to take these devices home and compare
them with their usual cleaning products. none was a home run
for home cleaning. (the costs below don't factor in any
shipping and handling.)
Fuzzy wuzzy microfiber squeegee $15
mitt $6 the claim. “a window
the claim.”Can be used on washer and wiper in 1.”
virtually any surface. Used Bottom line. It requires
dry it is a dust magnet.” perfect positioning to
Bottom line. Fuzzy work well. The microfiber
Wuzzy’s flat side was cloth was harder than
effective on smooth regular cloth to wring
1 claim check surfaces, and its when used with lots
fuzzy side worked in of water. and the
Edge of Glory nooks. But staffers squeegee and cloth
said it wasn’t much interfered with each
the claim. Edge of Glory, two tungsten better than their other while cleaning
carbide teeth set in a plastic base, is usual cleaning corners and edges.
claimed to be “The World’s Best Knife products.
Sharpener!” a video boasts of its skills,
including the ability to sharpen a credit
card, which is then used to slice a tomato.
We paid $11 plus $7 shipping and handling.
the check. We took pairs of chef, relaxation drinks: An anti-frazzle fizzle?
santoku, and serrated knives that were
equally sharp, dulled one of each pair, at their maximum recommended daily doses,
used Edge of Glory to sharpen the dulled Beverages to help you chill out are popping
knife, then compared its cutting skill up in supermarkets, drugstores, and even two drinks—Dream Water 0-Calorie Sleep and
with that of its twin. We cut ham, dried gas stations. But labels we examined didn't Relaxation Shot and RelaxZen Night—
sausage, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and usually list the amounts of their de-stressing contained far lower amounts than the daily
celery. and we sharpened a credit card agents. and our analysis of eight widely sold dose of GaBa used in a published study. The
and did battle with a tomato. drinks showed that many didn’t have third, RelaxZen Day, had far higher amounts.
enough of those ingredients purported to Dream Water, marley’s mellow mood, and
Bottom line. Try Edge of Glory if you help you unwind. RelaxZen Night labels listed unspecified
need to slice a tomato with a credit card. what we found. Only iChill Relaxation amounts of melatonin, a hormone with mixed
That trick worked. Otherwise, the device Shot, Relax Drank Extreme Relaxation, and results in treating insomnia. They had less than
is not so sharp. It’s worth using only if: ViB (Vacation in a Bottle) listed amounts of the typical 0.3-milligram to 5-milligram dose
•The knife is not too dull. (The four relaxation ingredients; the rest just named used in clinical trials to treat insomnia. Relax
quick swipes shown in an ad work only them or listed a blend of ingredients. (We Drank and iChill listed amounts per serving
if the knife is already fairly sharp.) tested all products within the past year; (1 and 5 milligrams, respectively) but averaged
•The knife is not of hard metal. (That some have since been reformulated.) less than claimed (0.02 and 0.3 milligrams).
makes it tougher for the device to work.) Three drinks listed GaBa, a chemical that Four products listed L-theanine, an amino
•The serrations aren’t small. (They can may help regulate stress and anxiety, but even acid in green tea leaves that some evidence
catch on Edge of Glory’s teeth.) shows might help with relaxation and sleep.
•you don’t need a knife edge that’s 1 did you know? Three of the four listed L-threonine, an amino
super-smooth. (The sharpener left acid in proteins, but we found no evidence
a fairly rough edge.) Beverage vs. supplement that the amino acid aids mental relaxation.
•you don’t care that the knife is Seven of the eight drinks we tested were Of the four products, only ViB specified the
sharpened from one side only. (One labeled dietary supplements. The amounts of both amino acids on its label,
of the device’s teeth sharpens while the exception, ViB, bore a nutrition-facts label and those levels varied widely.
other holds the blade; knives can get an indicating that it was a conventional Dream Water listed 5-hydroxytryptophan,
asymmetric or “chiseled” edge.) beverage. (The new Marley’s label bears a a supplement that might help raise serotonin
nutrition-facts label, but the samples we levels and have a positive effect on anxiety
we put the edge tested were labeled dietary supplements.) and sleep. But the average level we found was
to the test Dietary ingredients in supplements require much lower than those used to treat sleep hin
s
no FDA preapproval; in conventional disorders in published studies.
Use your smart phone to isa
l
download the RedLaser or beverages, the same ingredients must be Five drinks listed one or more botanicals.
ShopSavvy app and scan FDA-approved as food additives or termed RelaxZen Day had significant levels of a
the code for the video. “generally recognized as safe.” compound that indicates the presence of cleaners:
8 consumer reports may 2013
And two grout cleaners
the claims. Rub the spongelike Groutinator,
$10 online for two sponges of different sizes,
along a grouted joint and it “instantly restores
the original smart mop $15 grout to original color.” The Grout Bully, also
the claim. “Cuts your cleaning time $10 online, is like paint and is claimed to “clean
in half… no vacuuming or sweeping.” mold & eliminate mildew.” It’s available in five
Bottom line. It’s fine at cleaning colors and comes with two sponges to
floors, but wringing the mop can remove excess product.
loosen a screw attaching the mop deluxe hi-Reach the check. We used Groutinator
head, which can then drop off. cleaning kit $37 (at right) and Grout Bully on dirty
Wringing can also cause the the claim. “allows you floor tiles at our headquarters
three-part handle to come to reach hard-to-reach and on a staffer’s mildewed
apart. and it has no hard bar places with ease.” bathroom tiles.
to help press the mop onto Bottom line. Its 8-foot Bottom line. Groutinator
the floor—only the nub of telescoping pole duster removed soil, but we had to sand it
the mop handle. does reach high, but the periodically to maintain an edge that
duster is very bendable, fit into grouted joints. It also took elbow
so staffers had a hard grease. It doesn’t prevent future soiling,
time applying pressure; so consider sealing your grout after cleaning.
and it tended to bend Grout Bully goes on easily, but removing
at a weak point. In one excess “paint” is hard and can cause smearing.
of our samples, it broke although the package shows the Bully being
from repeated bends. used on dirty grout, the directions say to
apply it to a clean surface—which defeats
the purpose. When we tried it, it hid mildew
at first but didn’t keep it from returning.
relaxation drinks: An anti-frazzle fizzle?
passion-flower extract; levels of compounds in abated, according to the reports. Five other
the rest suggest low or trace amounts of children complained of vomiting, headache,
claimed botanicals. nausea, chills, and fatigue.
health concerns. Some labels noted that a marley’s spokesman said that “packaging
the drink may cause drowsiness and shouldn’t clearly states that marley’s mellow mood is
be used when driving. many indicated that not intended for consumption by children,”
pregnant or nursing women and children that marley’s “cooperated fully with the FDa,”
shouldn’t drink it. yet our mystery shoppers and that the company found “no issues with
sometimes found relaxation drinks in product quality or package integrity.” (Samples
refrigerator cases near sodas and juices. of marley’s we tested didn't have a child
The Food and Drug administration said it warning.) an FDa spokeswoman said the
has received six adverse-event reports. (Such reports were being investigated.
reports don’t prove that a product caused a Bottom line. an occasional relaxation drink
problem.) In the reports, a 12-year old boy is probably fine for healthy adults. But read the
became “symptomatic” Nov. 30, 2012, after labels and consult with a health-care provider
drinking marley’s mellow mood. He was about possible interactions. Check our chart
“shaking and twitching,” but symptoms for price, calories, and more.
1Drinks we tested
We bought the drinks between october 2011 and august 2012. for each product we tested
at least one sample from each of three batches, choosing one flavor (usually fruit).
can/bottle
product size (fl. oz.) cost calories sugars (g)
dream Water 0-calorie sleep and Relaxation shot 2.5 $3.00 0 0
ichill Relaxation shot 2.0 2.25 0 0
Just chill 8.4 2.00 50 12
marley’s mellow mood
* 12.0 1.75 173 44
Relax drank extreme Relaxation 16.0 2.25 220 54
RelaxZen day formula
* 2.5 2.50 0 0
RelaxZen night
* 2.5 2.50 0 0
Vib (Vacation in a bottle) 12.0 2.00 60 15
*Now sold under new names and/or formulations, or other label info has changed.
may 2013 ConsumerReports.org 9
Up front
Cracker crunch-off
Does a healthful cracker have to (see the descriptions below). Serving sizes
taste like sawdust? Not according to our for most are similar in terms of weight, but
latest tests. Of five fairly new crackers that the number of crackers per serving ranges
earned Good or Very Good scores for nutri- from six (Nabisco Triscuit Original) to
tion, three also tasted very good. 24 (Kellogg’s Special K Multi-Grain).
Our experts also compared the taste and In our taste-off, most store brands held
nutrition of four iconic crackers (think sal- their own against big brands. The excep- 25 other crackers and found that some
tines and Triscuit) with store-brand and tion: 365 Everyday Value Organic Wheat healthy-sounding types—Milton’s Origi-
reduced-fat counterparts. Our nutrition Squares (Whole Foods), which couldn’t pass nal Multigrain and Keebler Club Multi
ratings take into account calories, fat, so- for Wheat Thins. Surprisingly, reduced-fat Grain among them—scored just Fair for
dium, iron, sugars, and fiber per serving. crackers tasted similar to their full-fat sib- nutrition and have no fiber at all.
What we found. Of the five new crack- lings. And as we’ve found in many tests, Bottom line. For a nutritious cracker
ers, Kashi Pita Crisps scored the best for store brands usually cost less than the name that’s crunchy and tastes a bit different,
nutrition and are tasty, with a definite brands. Be aware that the reduced-fat crack- try Kashi Original 7 Grain Sea Salt Pita
crunch. Crunchmaster and Jingos scored ers also came in reduced package sizes. Crisps. Don’t hesitate to try reduced-fat or
Good for nutrition and Very Good for taste We crunched nutrition numbers for store-brand versions of oldies but goodies.
in order of nutrition score.
y
veR good good good good
good
1kashi original 1sensible 1mediterranean 1crunchmaster 1pepperidge Farm
7 grain sea salt portions pita Bites snacks lentil multi-seed Jingos lime
pita crisps original sea salt sea salt original & sweet chili
cost 46 cents cost 60 cents cost 67 cents cost 88 cents cost 44 cents
caloRies 120 caloRies 120 caloRies 110 caloRies 140 caloRies 130
fat 3 grams fat 3.5 grams fat 3 grams fat 5 grams fat 4 grams
sodium 180 mg sodium 220 mg sodium 200 mg sodium 110 mg sodium 220 mg
fibeR 5 grams fibeR 1 gram fibeR 1 gram fibeR 2 grams fibeR 1 gram
taste Very good taste Good taste Good taste Very good taste Very good
Crunchy, slightly hard, Mild, lightly toasted white- Crunchy little squares with Toasted sesame-flavored Spicy little crackers with garlic,
toasted-wheat crackers, flour crackers. A bit dry and a bit of salt. Moderately crispy rice crackers with onion, lime, and cayenne.
mild seasoning. hard. Needs a topping. toasted, mild grain flavor. salt and a variety of seeds. Flavorful enough to eat alone.
ell
B
amp
four icons take on the competition c
on-
the icon nabisco Ritz, 11 cents the icon nabisco triscuit the icon nabisco Wheat the icon nabisco original rest
p
per serving original, 39 cents per serving thins original, 44 cents Premium saltines topped
the competition Nabisco Ritz the competition Nabisco per serving with sea salt, 10 cents Brian
Reduced Fat, 15 cents; Nice Golden Triscuit Reduced Fat, 44 cents; the competition Nabisco per serving
Rounds (Walgreens), 20 cents. market Pantry Woven Wheats Wheat Thins Reduced Fat, the competition Clover Valley styling:
the veRdict: similaR. Nabisco Whole Grain (Target), 25 cents. 44 cents; 365 Everyday Value Saltines (Dollar General), 4 cents.
food
Ritz are crispy, flaky, buttery, salty, the veRdict: similaR. Triscuit Organic Wheat Squares Nabisco Saltines are already
and slightly sweet. Reduced Fat Original are crunchy squares with (Whole Foods), 38 cents. low in fat and don’t have a
(2 grams of fat vs. 4.5 grams) and a big toasted-wheat flavor and a the veRdict: diFFeRent. reduced-fat version. orrell;
w
Walgreens are similar to the touch of saltiness. Reduced Fat Nabisco’s Original and Reduced the veRdict: similaR.
original but a little less buttery and and market Pantry versions taste Fat are crunchy, sweet, and Original Saltines have a mild, James
tender. all scored Fair for nutrition. very similar to Original. Reduced toasted. Whole Foods are pale, salty, flour-based taste, and so do op):
(t
a serving of Nice has 380 milligrams Fat (2.5 grams of fat vs. 4 grams speckled, less sweet, and less the store-brand crackers, though
of sodium, more than all others in in Original) scored Very Good for crunchy. all scored Good for they were slightly stale. Both ckers
our taste-off. nutrition; the others, Good. nutrition. scored Fair for nutrition. cra
10 consumer reports may 2013
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