Low carb revolution
The low carbohydrates ('carb') phenomenon exploded a few years ago when Americans resurrected a diet first developed by Dr. Atkins in the early 1970s. The rebirth of the Atkins Diet was quickly followed by the advent of the South Beach Diet. Between the two, a new, low carb revolution was born.
In the US, where two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, the low carb market has grown from significantly from $0.5 billion in 2002 to a projected $3.2 billion in 2004. As part of a healthier lifestyle, more than half of US adults are watching carbs, along with calories and fat. Low carb dieting is here to stay!
Gap in the market
This is a major change in people's eating habits that has created a gap in the market for great tasting, affordable weight-loss products, conveniently available in your local store. At Unilever, we reacted quickly with the launch of Good Humor Breyer's Carb Smart ice creams and frozen novelties. We soon followed with Carb Options - the first full line of low carb products with the 'real food' credentials you expect from brands you trust, including Lipton, Wish-Bone, Skippy, Ragu and Lawry's.
Extensive choice
Our food experts designed Carb Options products to taste delicious, have no more than six grams of carbs per serving, and in most cases to also reduce calories, fat and sodium. Carb Options give people on low carb diets the kinds of food they miss most. Unilever has now developed over 100 Carb Options recipe applications.
Meanwhile, we have launched Carb Options in Canada, the UK and Australia. Which means more people can now enjoy low carb versions of the foods they love from brands they trust. And they can find them in their local supermarket.
