The government now requires all food nutrition labels to include trans fat information. But buyer beware: total trans fat listed as zero grams per serving – sometimes trumpeted on package fronts as “No Trans Fats!” - can be deceiving. That “zero gram” notation actually may translate to less than half a gram per serving, but if we enjoy more than one serving, small measurements add up. The trick is to scan ingredient lists for hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats. If they’re present, so are trans fats in some amount.

Top sources for trans fats in our diets include cakes, cookies, margarine, chips and shortening.