Contains Palm
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What it is
Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palm trees. It is a semi-solid fat at room temperature and is widely used in food production due to its versatility and low cost. The oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit.
Why it's used
Palm oil is used as a cooking oil and as an ingredient in a wide variety of processed foods. Its texture and stability make it useful in baked goods, shortenings, and margarines. It also functions as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of products.
Health notes
Palm oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a source of saturated fat, and dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat intake. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated palm oil. Some research suggests that processing methods can affect the composition of palm oil, leading to differing health considerations, but evidence is mixed.
Allergen info
Palm oil is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.