Ingredient

Oils: Palm

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Palm oil is used in a wide variety of processed foods due to its …

What it is

Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palm trees. It is extracted from the pulp of the fruit. It is a semi-solid at room temperature and is known for its stability and versatility in cooking and food manufacturing.

Why it's used

Palm oil is used in a wide variety of processed foods due to its texture and ability to improve shelf life. It functions as a fat or oil, providing richness and structure in baked goods like cookies and crackers, and also helps prevent separation in products like peanut butter.

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 high intake of saturated fat is linked to increased LDL cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated palm oil and its components. Some studies suggest a link between high consumption of certain fats found in palm oil and increased risk of heart disease, while others show no significant effect at typical dietary intakes.

Allergen info

Palm oil is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Oils: Palm

Compare 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.