FactsOlean Timeline

Olean Timeline

- 1911 Crisco Shortening became the first all-vegetable shortening to be introduced for cooking; at 27% saturated fat, it is a healthier alternative to lard (51% saturated fat).

- 1961 Crisco Oil was introduced as an easier way to cook with Crisco. It also further reduced saturated fat in Crisco to 14%.

- 1968 P&G researchers discovered olestra while conducting an investigation into fat digestion. They identified a fat-like ingredient that wasn't broken down or digested by the body.

- 1971 P&G began discussing olestra with the FDA.

- 1985 Puritan Canola Oil (the first retail brand of canola cooking oil) was introduced. This further reduced saturated fat to 6%.

- 1987 P&G filed its petition for FDA approval of olestra. This filing included more than 150 studies and 150,000 pages of data supporting the request to use olestra in foods.

- January 24, 1996 FDA approved olestra for use in savory snacks after years of careful analysis. At this time P&G decided to brand the ingredient as Olean.®

- April 1996 The first snack foods made with Olean were introduced to Cedar Rapids, IA, Eau Claire, WI and Grand Junction, CO by Frito-Lay. Said one Frito-Lay spokeswoman, "One store in Cedar Rapids took mail orders from across the country. We almost had a mutiny when we ended the first marketing phase."

- September 1996 Procter & Gamble introduced its Fat Free Pringles®, made with Olean, to residents of Columbus, OH.

- February 1997 Frito-Lay introduced a line of Olean snacks into a new market--Indianapolis; line-up includes WOW!® (Original and BBQ flavors); Ruffles WOW!®, and Doritos WOW!® (Nacho Cheesier and Cool Ranch Flavors) later renamed "Frito-Lay Light®."

- March 1997 Fat Free Pringles (Original, Sour Cream and Onion and Barbecue flavors) were introduced in Indianapolis, IN.

- April 1997 The Nabisco Biscuit Company introduced Fat Free Ritz® and Fat Free Wheat Thins® crackers into selected stores in Marion, IN and Grand Junction, CO.

- March 1997 Fat Free Pringles® (Original, Sour Cream 'n Onion and Barbecue) were introduced.

- September 1997 Debut of several non-fat and reduced-fat products made with Olean, including Tostitos, Sour Cream and Onion flavored Lay's and Cheddar and Sour Cream flavored Ruffles.

- June 2002 Olean Facility sold to Twin Rivers Technologies with P&G Food Ingredients obtaining sales and marketing responsibilities.

- August 2003 Removal of FDA label on Olean products.

- May 2004 Olean approved for use in pre-packaged ready-to-heat popcorn, such as microwave popcorn.

- September 2004 Frito Lay restaged snacks made with Olean from "WOW!" to "Light."

- July 2007 GRAS affirmation received for use in cookies.

- October 2008 FDA issues "No Objection" to GRAS affirmation for use in cookies.