One Or More Of The Following: Palm Oil

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil that comes from the fruit of oil palm trees, primarily the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). It is extracted from the fleshy pulp of the fruit, resulting in a versatile oil widely used in food production.

Manufacturers use palm oil for its semi-solid texture at room temperature, its stability, and its cost-effectiveness. It is commonly found in processed foods like baked goods, snacks, confectionery, and spreads, where it helps provide texture, mouthfeel, and extends shelf life.

Palm oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is high in saturated fat, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030) recommend keeping saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. While JECFA and EFSA have evaluated the safety of palm oil as a food ingredient, there are ongoing discussions regarding its health effects, particularly concerning cardiovascular health, due to its saturated fat content. However, evidence is mixed on its overall impact when consumed as part of a balanced diet.