Ingredient

Animal Shortening

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use animal shortening to provide richness, flavor, and a flaky texture in baked …

What it is

Animal shortening is a type of fat derived from animals, such as pigs (lard) or cattle (tallow). It is made by rendering, a process where animal fat is heated to separate the fat from other tissues, then clarified and solidified.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use animal shortening to provide richness, flavor, and a flaky texture in baked goods. It is commonly found in pastries, pie crusts, and some fried foods.

Health notes

Animal shortening is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food ingredient. It is a source of dietary fat, including saturated fat. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. JECFA and EFSA evaluate overall dietary fats rather than animal shortening as a specific additive.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Animal Shortening

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LIDL Cream Cheese Smooth & Creamy Frosting, Cream Cheese Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 424kcal 0Protein 18.2Fat 66.7Carbs Delhaize America, Inc. My Essentials, Frosting, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 424kcal 0Protein 18.2Fat 66.7Carbs Key Food Stores Co-Operative, Inc. Key Food, Frosting, Creamy Fudge, Creamy Fudge Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 394kcal 0Protein 18.2Fat 60.6Carbs Muffin Mix, Banana Chelsea Milling Company Muffin Mix, Banana Bread & Muffin Mixes 432kcal 5.4Protein 13.5Fat 73.0Carbs Chelsea Milling Company Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix, Apple Cinnamon Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes High in sodium — 28% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 421kcal 4.0Protein 13.2Fat 71.0Carbs Chelsea Milling Company Pancake & Waffle Mix, Buttermilk Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 403kcal 7.5Protein 10.4Fat 68.7Carbs Chelsea Milling Company Muffin Mix, Raspberry Bread & Muffin Mixes 415kcal 4.9Protein 14.6Fat 70.7Carbs Food Lion, Creamy Frosting, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Food Town Stores Inc. Food Lion, Creamy Frosting, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 424kcal 0Protein 18.2Fat 66.7Carbs Food Town Stores Inc. Creamy Frosting, Creamy Fudge Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 394kcal 0Protein 18.2Fat 60.6Carbs Food Town Stores Inc. Creamy Frosting, Creamy Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 424kcal 0Protein 18.2Fat 66.7Carbs Target Stores Frosting, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 424kcal 0Protein 18.2Fat 66.7Carbs Horizon Snack Foods Chocolate Creme Pie, Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 367kcal 3.3Protein 18.3Fat 46.7Carbs
Sugar (32 products) Lard (31 products) Dextrose (29 products) Salt (27 products) Citric Acid (27 products) Corn Starch (25 products) Agar (25 products) Polysorbate 60 (24 products) Water (24 products) Potassium Sorbate (24 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.