This is one fine example of how sometimes, research does not pay.
30 years ago, Proctor & Gamble developed a substance by the name of Olestra. Originally filed with the US Food and Drug Administration as a drug to lower cholesterol levels, the FDA rejected P&G's petition due to skeptical test results. The conglomerate then tried to get Olestra approved as a food additive, which they claimed, is an excellent fat substitute.
In 1998, two years after the FDA approved the use of Olestra, sales of Frito Lay's potato chips (a subsidiary of P&G) hit US$400 million. Consumers were "WOWed" by the promise of fat-free chips and guilt-free enjoyment. However, just two years later, sales slid by 50% to a dismal $200 million.
The cause - a health warning label on the packaging:
"This Product Contains Olestra. Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients."
Now, if that didn't scare customers away, I have no idea what will.
Of course, as things go in the US, the FDA removed the label in 2003, explaining that consumers no longer need protection as they all know the effects of Olestra by now. I was never a fan of big-money US politics, but when a an ingredient can cause anal leakage and inhibition of vitamin absorption, it HAS to raise a few eyebrows.
30 years ago, Proctor & Gamble developed a substance by the name of Olestra. Originally filed with the US Food and Drug Administration as a drug to lower cholesterol levels, the FDA rejected P&G's petition due to skeptical test results. The conglomerate then tried to get Olestra approved as a food additive, which they claimed, is an excellent fat substitute.
In 1998, two years after the FDA approved the use of Olestra, sales of Frito Lay's potato chips (a subsidiary of P&G) hit US$400 million. Consumers were "WOWed" by the promise of fat-free chips and guilt-free enjoyment. However, just two years later, sales slid by 50% to a dismal $200 million.
The cause - a health warning label on the packaging:
"This Product Contains Olestra. Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients."
Now, if that didn't scare customers away, I have no idea what will.
Of course, as things go in the US, the FDA removed the label in 2003, explaining that consumers no longer need protection as they all know the effects of Olestra by now. I was never a fan of big-money US politics, but when a an ingredient can cause anal leakage and inhibition of vitamin absorption, it HAS to raise a few eyebrows.
And it did. More than 20,000 hungry people had complained to the FDA about olestra-related adverse reactions, even after Frito-Lay rebranded them as Lay's Light potato chips.
Now, I'm not a supporter of potato chips, but for all my fans out there (don't deny it!), here's a perfect alternative.
Solea Olive Oil Potato Chips
These chips are branded as having 30% less fat than regular potato chips, as they are lightly cooked in olive oil. They claim to use pure all-nature seasonings, and with flavours like Parmesan and Cracked Pepper & Salt, it was tough not doing my usual food hunt.
So I hunted. And found these!
They taste wonderful, with a distinct peppery taste while not being too salty. The chips are crunchier than usual, and each pack a punch. No wonder, And no Olestra, so you don't have to worry about bowel problems and insufficient vitamins!
Solea Olive Oil Potato Chips
Available at: NTUC Toa Payoh HDB Hub
Price: $5.20 for 134g
Taste: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Nutritional Value: 4/5
Makeover Success: 4/5
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