Cosun news

09/13/2005

Chips far less fattening than thought

Aviko, Europe’s second largest potato processor, surveyed Dutch consumers about potatoes and chips by sending questionnaires to 350 people who regularly cook. The results are surprising. The Dutch know very little about potatoes but eat a lot of them. The Dutch underestimate the nutritional value of potatoes It is often said that there is nothing but starch in potatoes. But potatoes are healthy, nutritional and rich in vitamins. Many people aren’t even aware that the potato is their main source of vitamin C. Potatoes also contain many other valuable nutrients. Three or four (150-175 grams) boiled potatoes a day are an excellent source of iron, potassium, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 and provide nearly a quarter of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Chips are not fatty at all The average Dutch person thinks chips contain 29% fat. That is nearly three times as much as they actually do. On average Dutch chips contain just 11% fat. In comparison with chocolate, cake, cheese sandwiches and cream cheese, people think chips contain more fat. But 100 grams of chips contain the same amount of fat as a comparable portion of cream cheese or brown bread and cheese, both of which are thought to be healthier than chips. The way in which chips are prepared can also make a big difference. They will absorb more fat if they are fried for too long, are too brown or are cooked at too low a temperature. The Dutch think potatoes are delicious The main reason for serving potatoes is their taste. For 51% of Dutch consumers, potatoes are still a delicious basic ingredient in the daily hot meal. Pasta (22%) and rice (14%) come second and third. On average, the Dutch serve potatoes four times a week and eat 80 kg per person per annum, 50 kilos as ordinary potatoes and 30 kilos as chips and crisps. That is equal to two shopping trolleys full of potatoes. Saturday is chips day The Dutch, and especially the young (18-35 years), prefer to eat their chips on Saturday: 32%. Sunday is also a popular day with 23%. With just half a per cent, Tuesday is not the day to eat chips. The survey Aviko, a manufacturer of high quality potato products, studied the potato’s place in our modern diets. With the growing problem of obesity, Aviko wondered what people thought about potatoes and whether they knew enough about their healthy properties. Aviko will use the findings of the Great Potato Survey to develop products that suit healthy lifestyles and diets. It will also use the results to inform consumers about the versatility and nutritional benefits of potatoes. In the Great Potato Survey, it questioned 350 people who regularly cook. The survey population was a direct reflection of the Dutch population. Read more of the surprising results of Aviko’s Great Potato Survey: The Dutch like potatoes however they are prepared  Potatoes are not fattening  The Dutch think chips contain fewer nutrients than boiled potatoes  The Dutch are particular about the colour of their chips  Pre-cooked chips are preferred to home-made chips  The Dutch fry healthily  Chips versus other tasty dishes The Dutch think their own chips are the best Men fry chips for the convenience, women for the taste  Women choose for health <<< back