Most reports reviewed here have used animal models to investigate the cholesterolemic effects of phytochemicals, herbal extracts, probiotic microorganisms, and plant constituents, including fibers. These compounds represent examples of what are termed ‘functional foods’ in that they elicit physiologic responses with implications for chronic disease prevention. These reports are examined in light of criteria developed from animal model experiments investigating fatty acid effects in order to aid the task of appropriate extrapolation of the results to humans. Curr Opin Lipidol 9:7–10. © 1998 Rapid Science Ltd