Mon, 04 May 2026 02:13:27 +0000

Olestra: The Controversial Fat Substitute You’ve Likely Heard Of In the ongoing battle to create healthier alternatives to high-fat foods, olestra—marketed under brand names like Olestra, Olean, and Olstra—has been a subject of both fascination and controversy. Developed as a zero-fat or low-calorie substitute for traditional fats, olestra has sparked debates among nutritionists, food scientists, and consumers alike. In this article, we’ll explore what olestra is, how it works, its benefits, potential side effects, and its place in today’s food industry. ### What Is Olestra? Olestra is a synthetic fat substitute created by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in the 1990s. Chemically classified as a triol ester, it mimics the mouthfeel and texture of natural fats without contributing calories or significantly affecting blood lipid levels. Unlike regular fats, olestra is not recognized or metabolized by the human body, meaning it passes through the digestive system largely intact.