They were first introduced in 1998, and were marketed using the Lay's, Ruffles, Doritos, and Tostitos brands.

Although initially popular, charting sales of $400 million in their first year, they subsequently dropped to $200 million by 2000, as Olestra caused "abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fecal incontinence ["anal leakage"], and other gastrointestinal symptoms" in some customers.

Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools.

"[2] Studies sponsored by Olestra's manufacturer, Procter & Gamble, contradicted many of the anecdotal reports of digestive symptoms, but did not increase public acceptance of products containing Olestra.

[3] Frito-Lay eventually rebranded the WOW Chips to "Light."