This really depends on what type of product it is and whether the product is likely to be high in sugar anyway. Most lollies, for example, naturally contain very little fat but are very high in sugar so choosing a packet with “98% fat-free” on the label doesn’t mean it’s a healthy choice. I recommend you read the nutrition panel when choosing between a reduced-fat or a full-fat product, to see if the reduced-fat option is overall lower in calories.
You’re right in saying that sometimes manufacturers will add sugar to a reduced-fat product to enhance the flavour, but this mainly happens with sweeter foods such as yoghurt and ice-cream and doesn’t happen with all reduced-fat products. Even if the manufacture has added extra sugar into the reduced-fat product, it is still likely to be lower calories given that sugar contains half the amount of calories per gram as fat does.
Keep in mind that just because something contains less fat and less calories, this doesn’t mean you should eat a larger serving: the aim of choosing a lighter option is to help with reducing your daily calorie consumption to assist with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
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