Chloe Adams
Procter & Gamble (P&G), the creators of Crisco, were initially a candlemaking company. In 1911, they debuted Crisco, a product made from plant oils that could stay in a solid form and be used as a cheaper alternative to make candles and soap. Crisco was also marketed as a healthy alternative to meat-based products and was the first shortening to be made entirely of vegetable oil. Today, it is possible to make candles out of Crisco, although there are safety concerns about the cardboard tubes used for Crisco being flammable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crisco | A product made from plant oils by Proctor & Gamble |
| Proctor & Gamble | A candlemaker that reached a million dollars in sales before the Civil War |
| Proctor & Gamble's transition | Transitioned from a candle company to a soap company |
| Crisco | Used as an alternative to candles and soap |
| Crisco | Used as an inexpensive method for emergency lighting |
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What You'll Learn
Proctor & Gamble's transition from candlemakers to soap producers
Procter & Gamble (P&G) was a major candlemaker, having reached a million dollars in sales a few years before the Civil War. Soap was a distinctly secondary line, about a quarter of its business. Candles and soap both require fat as a primary ingredient, which was readily available in Cincinnati, home of P&G, a major center for hog butchering.
However, during the Civil War, fat supplies dwindled, and P&G had to innovate new methods for making soap and candles that required less animal fat. By the 1880s, the Procters, who ran the business, realized that Thomas Edison's invention of the lightbulb would soon obliterate their primary line of business. Rather than panic, the company decided to bet big on soap.
P&G was not only willing to take risks and abandon its core competencies, but its executives were also always on the lookout for ways to ensure a secure supply chain. In 1911, P&G debuted Crisco, a product made from plant oils that would stay in a solid form and be cheaper than tallow or lard, which were used in candle and soap-making. This allowed them to save money in their production processes.
Through a fortunate mistake that involved introducing air into the manufacturing process, P&G also came up with a light soap that Harley Procter dubbed Ivory, "so pure it floats". Harley, known today as the father of modern advertising, created the first marketing campaign for Ivory, and the company evolved from a candle company to one that made soap.
P&G's early reliance on key raw materials meant that they were always on the lookout for ways to ensure a secure supply chain. They also used advertising techniques that encouraged consumers not to be concerned about ingredients but to trust in a reliable brand. They gave away free cookbooks in which every recipe called for Crisco, and they paid celebrity chefs to lead cooking classes featuring Crisco to establish the credibility of the brand.
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Crisco's initial purpose as a candle-making product
Procter & Gamble (P&G) was a major candlemaker, having reached a million dollars in sales a few years before the Civil War. The company's base, Cincinnati, was a major center for hog butchering, providing a ready supply of fat, a primary ingredient in candles. However, fat supplies dwindled during the Civil War, and P&G had to innovate new methods for making candles and soap that required less animal fat.
By the 1880s, P&G realized that Thomas Edison's invention of the electric lightbulb would soon make their candle business obsolete. As a result, the company decided to shift its focus to soap. To create a high-quality yet inexpensive soap, P&G combined palm and coconut oils, which gave the soap a sweet-smelling quality without the expense. Through a fortunate mistake that involved introducing air into the manufacturing process, they created a light soap that Harley Procter named Ivory, "so pure it floats".
P&G debuted Crisco in 1911, initially intending it as a product for candle and soap-making. They used a new process called hydrogenation, which involved bubbling hydrogen through vegetable oil at high temperatures to make it solid at room temperature. However, with the growing popularity of electric lighting, P&G needed to find another use for their Crisco product, and thus vegetable shortening was born. Marketed as a healthy alternative to meat-based products, Crisco was also kosher, and the company used innovative advertising techniques to promote the brand.
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The dangers of burning Crisco candles
Crisco, a well-known brand of vegetable shortening, was indeed once used as a candle ingredient. During World War II, there was a shortage of traditional candle wax, and people had to get creative with alternative materials. While it may seem like an innovative solution, burning Crisco candles comes with a unique set of dangers that one must be aware of.
The primary danger of burning Crisco candles is the risk of fire. Crisco is a type of fat, and fats have a lower melting point than traditional candle wax. This means that Crisco candles can melt and deform more easily, increasing the risk of the molten shortening spilling out of the container. The low melting point also means the candle may soften and lose its shape, leaning to the side and potentially causing the molten shortening to spill. This molten shortening is highly flammable and can easily ignite, leading to a dangerous fire. The fire hazard is further exacerbated by the fact that Crisco candles tend to burn faster and hotter than regular candles, increasing the risk of uncontrolled fires.
Another danger is the potential for the release of toxic fumes. When burned, Crisco candles can emit harmful pollutants, including acrolein and benzene. These toxic chemicals can cause a range of health issues, from eye and throat irritation to more severe problems like respiratory distress and even cancer. The fumes can be especially dangerous for individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, or for the elderly and young children who may be more susceptible to the effects of air pollutants.
Additionally, the smoke produced by burning Crisco candles can be very sooty. This soot can accumulate on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, causing staining and discoloration that is difficult to remove. Inhaling the sooty smoke can also be harmful to your health, as it may contain toxic compounds. The buildup of soot can also increase the risk of fire, as it is flammable and can ignite if it comes into contact with an open flame or another heat source.
It is important to be aware of these dangers and take appropriate precautions if choosing to burn Crisco candles. Always burn candles in a well-ventilated area, and never leave them unattended. Ensure that candles are placed on a heat-resistant surface and are securely contained to minimize the risk of spills. Regularly clean and maintain your candles, and be mindful of the potential health and safety risks associated with the release of toxic fumes and sooty smoke. Remember, while Crisco candles may have been a creative solution during wartime, they pose significant dangers that require careful consideration and responsible handling.
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Crisco's marketing techniques
Procter & Gamble (P&G) debuted Crisco in 1911, advertising it as "an absolutely new product, a scientific discovery which will affect every kitchen in America". The product was initially intended to be used as a raw material for making soap and candles. P&G marketed Crisco as a new type of food—clean, pure, and a product of science—positioning it as healthier and safer than lard.
One of Crisco's brilliant marketing campaigns was the publication of a beautifully written and illustrated cookbook, "The Story of Crisco", in 1912. The cookbook, printed in multiple languages to target niche ethnic markets, contained hundreds of recipes using Crisco. P&G gave away the cookbook with their product and mailed it across America, a novel strategy at the time. The book was treasured by homemakers in the early 20th century, with Jewish homemakers being early adopters due to Crisco being kosher.
P&G also paid celebrity chefs to lead cooking classes featuring Crisco, establishing the brand's credibility. They pioneered the use of print media during WWI, radio in the 1920s, and television in the 1930s to promote the purity of Crisco while subtly undermining lard. Their marketing was so effective that, despite numerous reformulations, it is hard to convince people today that lard is healthier than Crisco.
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Crisco's health implications
Procter & Gamble (P&G) debuted Crisco in 1911 as a product made from plant oils that would stay in a solid form and be cheaper than lard or tallow. P&G marketed Crisco as a healthy alternative to meat-based products, billing it as "all vegetable!" and "digestible". However, Crisco is highly processed and contains trans fats, which have been linked to health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Trans fats have a chemical structure that our bodies have trouble recognizing, and they create free radicals in the body.
While Crisco may be suitable for occasional use in moderation, it is not a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals, and the high heat processing destroys any nutrients it may have, such as vitamin E and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Additionally, the process of hydrogenation used to create Crisco involves bubbling hydrogen through vegetable oil at high temperatures, which can result in the formation of toxic fumes when burned.
Some people have expressed concern about the health effects of burning Crisco candles and breathing in the fumes. While the DNA in any GMO contaminants would likely be destroyed by the heat, there is still a risk of inhaling unknown toxins. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to vent the fumes safely outside rather than inhaling them.
Despite the health concerns associated with consuming Crisco, it has been a popular product for over a century due to its affordability, convenience, and ability to create tender and flaky baked goods. It is important for consumers to be aware of the potential health risks and make informed decisions about their diet and the products they use.
In conclusion, while Crisco may have been marketed as a healthy alternative when it first debuted, it is now known to have negative health implications due to its high processing, trans fat content, and potential for toxic fumes when burned. It is important to prioritize the consumption of nutritious foods and minimize the use of highly processed products like Crisco to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Crisco is an American brand of shortening that is produced by B&G Foods. It was introduced in 1911 by Procter & Gamble (P&G) and was the first shortening to be made entirely of vegetable oil. P&G was a major candlemaker, but Crisco was never a candle company.
Crisco was originally made from cottonseed oil. It now consists of a blend of soybean oil, fully hydrogenated palm oil, and palm oil.
Yes, Crisco can be used to make candles, but it is not recommended to use the cardboard tubes it comes in as they are not made of metal and will catch fire. Instead, move the Crisco into glass containers and add a wick.
