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Thanks to our Platinum and Gold Sponsors Commentary on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Healthy Menu Research & Development

Replace Unhealthy Fats with Better Fats

To eliminate trans fats, the solid hydrogenated fats that have the most harmful health effects:

  • Change the specifications on all line oils and fryer oils.
  • Analyze and reformulate baked goods and other items that contain hydrogenated fats (shortenings).
  • Review contents of current pre-made products and change specifications as needed. If current suppliers balk, find suppliers that meet your needs.

To minimize saturated fats or replace them with better fats:

  • Replace butter on the table with more creative spreads and condiments. Consider olive tapenade, sundried-tomato tapenade, or a white bean purée with roasted garlic. These condiments can become signature items and add value to your concept.
  • Change trim specifications on meats. Specify naturally lean cuts with close trim.
  • Re-examine sauces made with full-fat dairy products. Will a reduced-fat dairy product work? Or can you replace the sauce with a salsa, chutney, legume ragout, aioli, or vinaigrette?
  • Switch to reduced-fat dairy products where possible. Change specifications on purchased products or reformulate in-house.