In a recent video posted on Instagram, Jean-Michel Cohen scrutinized a slimming snack sold in supermarkets. And his verdict is particularly harsh.
The health food sections of supermarkets are full of solutions supposed to facilitate weight loss. Shakes, biscuits, instant soups or meal bars rely on practicality and nutritional promises clearly highlighted on the packaging. Rich in protein, enriched with vitamins and minerals, these products appeal to consumers looking for a quick option to replace lunch or dinner. However, behind the marketing arguments, the composition of certain products continues to be debated among nutritionists.
This is precisely what Jean-Michel Cohen wanted to show in a video published on Instagram. Accustomed to commenting on everyday food products, the nutritionist was interested in a bar presented as a meal replacement. From the first seconds, he questions the quantity offered. According to the instructions on the packaging, a meal corresponds to two bars, or approximately 60 grams of product for a total of 225 kilocalories. A portion that he considers largely insufficient: “You know that in a meal, I manage to put up to 800 grams of food. 60 grams is a bit light.”
For Jean-Michel Cohen, the problem is not limited to the weight of the portion. By analyzing the nutritional values, he especially points out the presence of added sugars as well as a balance which he considers to be inconsistent for a product intended to support a weight loss process. In particular, it notes 10 grams of fat per 100 grams of product, as well as 43 grams of carbohydrates including 26 grams of sugars. Figures which lead him to compare the consumption of this bar to the addition of sugar cubes in a slimming meal. “So if I take 14 grams of sugar for both meals, it’s as if in a slimming meal, I had added sugar cubes. In general, in a slimming meal, you don’t put sugar cubes.” The product targeted by these reviews is the caramel flavor chocolate bar from Gerlinéa.
The nutritionist also criticizes the energy content of the product. With 225 calories for the entire recommended meal, he believes the intake is too low to provide true satiety and far enough away from what he considers a balanced meal. According to him, the presence of proteins, vitamins or minerals is not enough to compensate for the defects he identifies in the recipe. “It’s a marketing argument.”
After tasting it live, he also reveals his opinion on the taste: “Oh my! Ah, it’s disgusting. Really not good.” Difficult to be clearer.
