Dehydrated Shortening

Dehydrated shortening is a solid fat, typically made from vegetable oils like soybean or cottonseed oil. These oils are hydrogenated, a process that adds hydrogen to make them more solid at room temperature. The resulting solid fat is then often further processed and dried.

Manufacturers add dehydrated shortening to provide a solid fat base and improve the texture and mouthfeel of products. It helps create a desirable crispness and can prevent ingredients from sticking together. It is commonly found in snack foods like pretzels, chips, and snack mixes.

In the US, dehydrated shortening is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. It is a source of fat and calories. Regulatory bodies like JECFA have evaluated similar fats, but no specific ADI is set for dehydrated shortening itself. Concerns about trans fats, which can be formed during hydrogenation, have led to industry efforts to reduce or eliminate them in shortenings.