Mayor cuts the ribbon at Rochdale-based low calorie food company

Date published: 27 March 2018

Mayor Ian Duckworth, accompanied by Mayoress Christine Duckworth, cut the ribbon at a new Rochdale food company on Tuesday (27 March).

Lo-Dough has around 30 employees, based at Dane Mill Bridgefield Street, Rochdale and its offices across the road.

Co-founders Ben Holden and Rob Wales are “dedicated to bringing low calorie food to Rochdale”. 

Speaking to Rochdale Online after the ribbon cutting, they said: “We are really excited to create a food tech business here in Rochdale, which as a town has a pioneering background. We have found a talented workforce here and we have an exciting future ahead of us.

"We are looking forward to taking our innovative products across the world.”

Lo-Dough 170 calorie pizza

Mayor Duckworth said: “It is a marvellous innovation for Rochdale, which is being lead by young men with great ambition. I am sure the people of Rochdale and beyond will give their full support. It is a really original idea and I am sure it will go nationwide and have great success.”

Councillor Ann Stott, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, Community & Culture, Health & Wellbeing, was also present.

She added: “This is brilliant for Rochdale. It is great as there is an emphasis on attempting to cut obesity. I am sure it will catch on and be very successful.

“It is a great forward-thinking initiative.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the guests enjoyed freshly made pizza that has just 170 calories and a 150-calorie apple sponge with cinnamon mascarpone.

Lo-Dough co-founders Ben Holden and Rob Wales share a 170 calorie pizza with the Mayor and Mayoress and Councillor Ann Stott

Mayor Ian Duckworth tucks into a slice of Lo-Dough 170 calorie pizza

The key ingredient is a bread alternative that is low carb, vegetarian, sugar-free, gluten-free, fat-free, paleo, high protein, high fibre, dairy-free. It has 50-70% less calories than most traditional bakery products, and can be used as a tortilla style flat bread, a soft sandwich thin, naan bread, pizza bases, grilled cheese, etc. 

In each of these foods bread contributes 30-60% of the calories and up to 90% of the refined carbohydrates that raises blood sugar, promoting the insulin response that tells our body to store the excess calories as body fat. Remove the bread and the calories are slashed and fat depositing blood sugar surges are reduced.

Mayor Ian Duckworth cuts the ribbon at Lo-Dough, a Rochdale-based low calorie food company