Z Trim is a high fiber, zero calorie, fat replacement made from corn. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1998. It can be used in cooking to provide moisture, texture, and add volume to foods.

Z Trim duplicates the taste and texture of fat with zero calories. It can replace up to 50 percent of the oil, butter, or other fats in many recipes, including sauces, soups, dressings, and bakery products. This can significantly reduce the total fat and calories in a recipe and at the same time add fiber without a noticeable change in taste.

Z Trim is sold in 8 ounce bags of powder or as 4 percent gel. It is produced in a plant in Mundlein, Ill. Z Trim is currently sold only on line at www.ztrim.com

Recipes Tested

Chocolate Chip Bars (32 servings)

Regular recipe:

Calories: 160
Fat: 9
Fiber

50 percent fat replaced with Z Trim:

Calories: 130
Fat: 6
Fiber: 0.6

Peanut Butter Cookies (60 cookies)

Regular recipe:

Calories: 95
Fat: 5.4
Fiber: 0.3

50 percent fat replaced with Z Trim:

Calories: 80
Fat: 3.9
Fiber: 0.4

Honey Orange Salad Dressing

½ cup orange juice

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoon lime juice

2 tablespoons extra virgin oil

¼ teaspoon ground coriander

3 – 4 tablespoons Z Trim powder

Makes ¾ cup – Nutritional analysis of 1 T. serving:

Calories: 36
Fat: 2
Fiber: 0.5

Hamburger – 93 percent lean

Mix 3 tablespoon Z Trim powder in ¼ cup water and add to 8 ounce extra lean ground beef

2 servings

Nutritional analysis per serving (1 patty):

Regular recipe:

Calories: 165
Fat: 7
Fiber: 0

Added Z Trim:

Calories: 165
Fat: 7
Fiber: 3

Broccoli Soup

Regular recipe:

Calories: 135
Fat: 3
Fiber: 3

Added Z Trim:

Calories: 135
Fat: 3
Fiber: 7