Olestra

[pinkperson]

Have you ever heard of Olestra? I heard they are good for people on diet. I haven't had this so any comment about this will be greatly appreciated. Is it true that it tastes and feels really like fat?

[r8rpwr]

I think that Olestra is what has been used in some chips. I don't believe it was ever approved for consumer use. Supposedly it is fat but the chemical makeup is such that it isn't digested but just passes through your body.

Some people have suffered, um, digestive system problems b/c of it though. I'd approach with caution. I haven't heard much about it in the last few years so it may be that it's not being used much anymore. You see more baked chips these days.

[Mrs. Chipotle]

I have heard that about Olestra too. Yuck!

I'll stick with baked chips as r8rpwr mentioned.

[Mama Mangia]

I'll take the fat and calories versus the chemicals any day!

[spiceplace]

Me too! No Olestra for me. With all of the stuff we make that is supposed to be good for you and then 10 years later is found to be detrimental, I think it's better to stick with natural foods like beef and canola oil. Moderate your fats, and don't eat potato chips daily. Why would anyone need those products except to let us eat more potato chips? I like potato chips, but twice a month is more than normal for me.

[Barkely]

Ugh, I didn't know they even sold Olestra any more. I thought it was banned or something. My aunt tried it and she had the "digestive problems" listed above.
I agree with Mama Mangia, bring on the real stuff.

[cinnamon]

Olestra is an odd product. If you forget about the fat issue; then you still have all of the carbohydrates in the potato chips. So while Olestra may cut saturated fat, the remaining carbs will add weight to you anyway.

[aeiou]

Everyone is right Olestra causes digestive problems. I don't trust eating foods that are made with lots of chemical additives. If you like to eat chips then eat the baked potato chips they are better for you. Lays makes some great tasting baked potato chips, lots of flavor and less fat then their regular potato chips.

[chefdiva]

I don't think you can take something that would subtitute fat. I haven't really tried Olestra, but I don't think it would healthy in itself. Fat is harmful enough for our body, but at least there are still stuff we could still consider good fat.