Fat free does not mean calorie-free.
It does not necessarily mean low calorie.
Many fat-free cookies have almost the same calorie content as the original sinful versions. Fat is usually replaced with sugar and a variety of other ingredients ranging from types of dietary fiber to special starches to chemical emulsifiers that perform the same physical function as fat.
This does not make low-fat or fat-free snacks health food; eat them in moderation.
You won’t see many breads advertised as being fat-free, but cookies and cakes with that label are abundant. Fat-free labeling is often a tip-off that the food inside is something that should be considered only occasionally.
The legal definition of fat-free in the U.S. is, less than a half-gram of fat per serving. That is how makers of fat-free products can legally market their products.
Here is what you need to know: The fad of fat-free products has now given the public an even better excuse to continue to eat in an unhealthy manner. The fact of the matter is, fat-free or not, a well balanced diet that includes the proper amounts of fat, carbohydrates and proteins is what will allow for a healthier lifestyle.