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The FDA Will Decide Whether 26 Ingredients Count As Fiber

The foods on the left contain naturally occurring fibers that are intrinsic in plants. The foods on the right contain isolated fibers, such as chicory root, which are extracted and added to processed foods. The FDA will determine whether added fibers can count as dietary fiber on nutrition facts labels. Carolyn Rogers/NPR hide caption

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Carolyn Rogers/NPR

The Salt

The FDA Will Decide Whether 26 Ingredients Count As Fiber

Chicory root. Bamboo. Soy fiber: Manufacturers can use these to add fiber to foods. Critics say this makes snack foods seem healthy. FDA will decide if these can count as fiber on nutrition labels.

The FDA Will Decide Whether 26 Ingredients Count As Fiber

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Good News: Americans Are Eating 78 Fewer Calories Every Day

Americans are dining out less and eating at home more, new government research shows. This may mean more family dinners, like this one at the Brown-Spencer home in Mechanicsville, Va. Maggie Starbard/NPR hide caption

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Maggie Starbard/NPR

The Salt

Good News: Americans Are Eating 78 Fewer Calories Every Day

Americans' eating habits are changing — and so are our attitudes about food, a new USDA report finds. We're dining out less, eating at home more, cutting back on the saturated fat and consuming more fiber.