Hydrogenated Soybean Oil The Following: Sugar

Hydrogenated soybean oil is a type of fat made from soybean oil. Soybean oil is extracted from soybeans, a legume. The oil is then hydrogenated, a process where hydrogen is added to make it more solid and stable at room temperature.

Manufacturers add hydrogenated soybean oil to improve texture and shelf life in processed foods. It acts as a stabilizer and can help prevent ingredients from separating. It is commonly found in baked goods, shortenings, and some margarines.

Hydrogenated soybean oil is a source of trans fats, although the amount can vary. The FDA removed partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the main source of artificial trans fats, from the GRAS list in 2018, significantly reducing their presence in foods. While naturally occurring trans fats exist, those from PHOs have been linked to increased risk of heart disease. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated trans fats, and regulatory bodies continue to monitor their intake.