Nutrition FAQs
Product Information & Ingredients:
Choosing a Heart Healthy Spread:
Special Dietary Requirements:
Q
Why does Becel Margarine contain tropical oils such as palm oil and palm kernel oil?
A
Small amounts of these oils are used instead of partially hydrogenated oils to harden the margarine and make it more spreadable without adding any trans fatty acids. The presence of palm and palm kernel oil need not be a cause for alarm. When choosing a margarine, look at its nutritional profile. What is most important is the overall nutritional value of the food, not the individual ingredients. This information may be found in the nutrition information panel and through nutrition claims on the packaging. Becel is low in saturated fat, has no trans fat, and contains a higher proportion of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat.
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Q
What is hydrogenation?
A
Hydrogenation is a way to harden a liquid oil to make it spreadable at room temperature. Hydrogenation increases saturated fat while partial hydrogenation increases both saturated fat and trans fatty acids.
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Q
Why does the fat in the Becel nutritional panel not add up to 8.0 g?
A
When you add up the polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated fat and trans fatty acids in a non-hydrogenated margarine, the sum comes to 7.6 g, which is only 95% of the total fat. The other 5% (0.4 g) is glycerol, a natural component that holds the polyunsaturates, monounsaturates, and saturates together to form the fat. The glycerol is not a fat.
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Q
Do you use any peanut oil or peanut ingredients in Becel Margarine or Becel Oil?
ANo, we do not use any peanut oil or peanut ingredients in the production of Becel products.
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Q
Does Becel Margarine contain any lactose or whey?
A
Becel, Becel Salt Free, Becel with Bertolli Olive Oil and Becel Light contain both lactose and whey. Becel RSF does not contain either lactose or whey.
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Q
Why should I consider choosing margarine over butter?
A
It's not only the total amount of fat, but also the type of fat in your diet that's important. When you switch from butter to a soft margarine that is low in saturated fat and non-hydrogenated, you are replacing saturated and trans fatty acids with unsaturated fat. You are also switching from an animal fat that contains some dietary cholesterol to a vegetable oil that is cholesterol free.
For more information, visit www.healthyfats.ca
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Q
How do I know if a margarine is a healthy choice?
A
Start by looking at the soft margarines. Choose one that is clearly labeled as being both "low in saturated fat" and "non-hydrogenated." Also check for the Heart and Stroke Health Check symbol.
For more information, visit www.healthyfats.ca
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Q
Is margarine made from canola oil healthier?
A
Canola oil is an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids, as are other oils such as sunflower and safflower oil. What really matters, however, is not the individual ingredients, but the overall nutritional value of the food. This information may be found in the nutrition information panel and through nutrition claims on the packaging.
For more information, visit www.healthyfats.ca
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Q
Would it be better not to use any spread?
A
Although it is important to moderate fat intake, this does not mean fat should be eliminated altogether from the diet. Fat carries essential nutrients, including vitamins your body needs for good nutrition. The key is to pay attention to both the quantity and quality of the fat you eat. The Nutrition Recommendations for Canadians suggest that no more than 30% of our calories should come from fat (although some people may be advised by their health care professional to eat less than this). Furthermore, it is equally important to evaluate what kinds of fats make up that 30%. For heart health, choose a margarine that is low in saturated fat, non-hydrogenated (and therefore contains virtually no trans fatty acids), and has higher proportions of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat.
For more information, visit www.healthyfats.ca
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Q
Is there fat in margarine?
A
Yes. Regular margarine has 8 grams of fat per 10 g serving (2 teaspoons), while calorie-reduced margarine has 4 grams of fat or less.
For more information, visit www.healthyfats.ca
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Q
What are trans fatty acids?
A
Trans fatty acids (also known as trans fat) occur naturally in small quantities in butter and meat. Trans fatty acids are also found in processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated fats.
For more information, visit www.healthyfats.ca
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Q
Does Becel Margarine contain trans fatty acids?
A
Becel Margarines are non-hydrogenated; therefore, they contain no trans fatty acids.
For more information, visit www.healthyfats.ca
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Q
Can diabetics use margarine?
A
Yes, as part of their daily fat allowance. However, since people with diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease and must pay special attention to their dietary choices, it's a good idea for them to choose a spread that is low in saturated fat and non-hydrogenated.
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Q
Is Becel Margarine a kosher dairy product?
A
Becel and Becel Salt Free are kosher dairy. Becel Light and Becel RSF are not since they contain gelatin. Becel Oil is kosher pareve.
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QI'm on a salt-free diet. Can I use margarine?
A
Yes. Margarine is not a high source of sodium. However, you should check with your doctor or dietitian as to whether you can use a small amount of salted margarine. Alternatively, you could also use a special salt-free margarine.