The Rise and Fall of a Diet Fad: Why Was Olestra Discontinued?
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5 min read
Initially generating an impressive $400 million in first-year sales for Frito-Lay's "WOW!" chips, the market for Olestra-based products collapsed rapidly as consumers reported severe side effects. The story of **why was olestra discontinued** is a pivotal moment in the history of food technology, nutrition, and consumer trust.