David Bar Prevails in Calculation of Fat and Calories

A class-action lawsuit charging popular David protein bars with under-reporting fat and calories has been dismissed – inherently bolstering claims that esterified propoxylated glycerol (EPG), a fat substitute used in the bars, is mostly indigestible, meaning it contributes far fewer calories than traditional fat.

The packaging lists 150 calories, 2g of fat, and 28g of protein. But the plaintiffs, who hired independent laboratories to test the bars, claimed they contain up to 83% more calories and 400% more fat than stated. The difference was in the interpretation of how EPG is digested.

The company claims it was using FDA-compliant calculations, which allow for listing fat and calories actually absorbed by the body, not the total heat released in traditional testing methods. “EPG contributes only 0.7 kcal per gram — compared with 9 kcal per gram for conventional fats,” Peter Rahal, David’s founder and CEO, wrote in a March 12 letter to customers.

While it tastes like fat, EPG is not fully metabolized, so traditional lab methods overestimate its caloric content. This is similar to how dietary fiber contributes fewer calories than its gross energy content.

The suit was filed just this January in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Linus Technologies Inc., doing business as David Protein. Rahal said the case was dismissed on March 30 – other media accounts said the plaintiffs dropped the suit.