Hydrogenated Palm Oil Kernel

Hydrogenated palm kernel oil is a type of fat made from palm kernel oil. Palm kernel oil comes from the seeds of oil palms. The oil is hydrogenated, a process that adds hydrogen to make it more solid and stable at room temperature.

Manufacturers add hydrogenated palm kernel oil to improve texture and shelf life in foods. It helps prevent ingredients from separating and gives products a smoother feel. It is commonly found in baked goods, confectionery, and snack foods.

Hydrogenated palm kernel oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a source of saturated fat, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. While partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), which contained artificial trans fats, have been removed from the market, fully hydrogenated oils like this one do not contain artificial trans fats. JECFA has evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake.